sylvania bright ideas for recessed lighting brochure 1964

8/13/2019 Sylvania Bright Ideas for Recessed Lighting Brochure 1964

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BrightIdea,sfor

SYLVANIA


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BRIGHT IDEAS FOR RECESSED LIGHTINGBy

Elizabeth A. MeehanResidential Lighting Consultant

Recessed lighting is one of the newer, more subtle and delightful ways of providing light for seeingand decoration in today's home.Properly used and with suitable incandescent or fluorescent fixtures, recessed lighting can meet everyhome lighting need.It can supply basic general illumination . . . the soft overall lighting for an entire room. It can furnishthe local lighting needed for specific tasks. And it can provide the decorative finishing touch of ltccentlighting, enhancing an unusual v'ali treatment, a picture or a piece of sculpture.Recessed lighting is built in. It is structurally rnstalled in special lixtures aboue the ceiling. Only itsdecorative trim or diffusing element is visibie onthe ceiling surface. This unobtrusive lightingtreatment avoids the clutter of too many wall andceiling fixtures, floor and table lamps, found inso many modern space-cramped homes. At thesame time it can create a lighting environment ofunusual charm and distinction.This booklet is not intended as a complete guide.Its purpose is to give an understanding of thebasic principies of both incandescent and fluores-cent recessed lighting, and how it performs -as well as to show you some examples of hoq,attractively and effectively it can soive thepractical problems of general, local and accentlighting in the home.

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FIRST STEPS IN PLANNINGSince recessed fixtures are installed above the ceiling, it's important to know first the available depthof installation space beru,een the ceiling and the floor above it. Recessed units are availabie in sizesfrom 4 to 12 inches deep, although modern home construction seldom allorvs for units deeper than10 inches.Second, the direction and location of thc supporting ceiling joists or wooden members must be knoq'n- since recessed units are mounted bettL'eett ;orsts. Joists are usually 16 inches on center, thereforethere is 14 inches available betq,een joists for recessing equipment. This is adequate for most incan-descent units and for smali fluorescent units. But if a fluorescent unit several feet iong is desired, itmust be installed parallel to the joists.It's usualiy easier to design a recessed lighting plan in the blueprint stage of a nevn' house because thisinformation is readiiy available. In the c'.rse of an existing home, these structural elements must becarefully checked.To determine the placement of recessed fixtures for general, local or accent lighting, it's wise to makea scale drawing of the room, shou'ing the position of all furniture. Then indicate on the drawing theexact location of thc lixtures in relation to the furnishings.At the same rime the color schcme and general surface finish of your room must be considered. Lightcolors reflect light, helping to increase illumination and spread it more uniformlv. Dark colors, on theother hand, absorb and waste light. Matte or non-glossy surfaces are preferable to shiny surfaces suchas stainless steel or glass desk tops which are soLrrces of reflected glare.Light colors and matte finishes on large room surfaces, such as walls and floors, are recommended forthe most comfortable seeing conditions. To avoid an annoying brightness difference between any light-ing fixture and its surrounding area, the ceiling should be white or very light. Light should also bereflected on the ceiiing from the walls and floors. Light colored rugs and draperies help do this.

RECESSED FIXTURESYou'll find basic information on the various types of recessed fixtures in theThis illustrates and gives definitions of fixture hor-rsings, reflectors and shieldingthe general terms used in referring to recessed units throughout this booklet. Youfor frequent reference.

table on pages 4, 5.devices - as weil asshould lind it helpful


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\rHAT YOU SHOULD KNO

FLUORESCENT

oHOUSINGS

INCANDESCENT

RECTANGUI.AR

/l:areGIUARE

HOUSINGS are metal cans or boxes installed above theceiling, which contain the incandescent or fluorescentlight source. The light can escape in only one direction- d,oun. Sizes of housing opening determines down-ward beam of light. Width and direction of beam canbe changed by shielding devices or reflectors.INCANDESCENT housings usually take oniy one

REFLECTORS

REFLECTORS are concave metal plates around thebulb or lamp that redirect the light. Sballou reflectors,of painted or polished metal, usually spread light in awide pattern. Deep reflectors, usually polished alumi-num, concentrate the light for greatef intensity in asmall area.

bulb, are generally less than a square foot in area.FLUORESCENT recessed fixtures are commonly rec-tangular and use a double row of lamps. Four-foottrnits are generally recommended for home use. Squateunits, 2 to 4-foot square with multiple rows of lamps,are also r.rsed for special applications.

LAMPS

(IOO WArr BULB)STANDAR.D

nrt/\/\L'.J[,:lJ-n11/\(PAR 38)PAR

REFLECTOR or PAR LAMPS are used with recc'sseddownligl rts that do not have e built-in rellector. Thesefixmres use 71R30, 1t0R40, or 150PAR 38 lampsaccording to manufacturer's instructions. Recessedsquares, rounds, and downlights with a reflector, com-monly call for 60N7, 100\7, or 150N7 standard bulbs.

IiAiK=J1\lit\H

EEPREFTECIOR

\\\

ROUND CAN

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RECESSED FIXTURES

BA FFTES@PinpointB 3 Ring

SHIELDING DEVICES are needed in modern housesbecause most ceiling construction does not permitlocating the bulb deep enough ro prevenr its beingseen from nolltai viewing angles. Shielding prevenrsdirect viewing of the bLrlb thereby prevenring un-cornfortable glare.BAFFLES are llat mc.tal plates designed to shield tl'rebulb from sight at the normal viewing angie of 4)o.A baflle may be a single horizontal piece of metalLrsed as a faceplate. Better yet is a series of 3 horizontalbafiles mounted one above the other. Balfles provide asharply defined conical pattern when mounred closeto a rvall.LOUVERS arc a fonn of open vertical shielding acrossthe botton-r of a lixture. Ustrally of painted black metalone-half to one inch deep. Available in concenrricrings, parallel bars, or patterns of hexagons, circles orsquares. Open construction makes them easier to clean.They do not give as sharp a pattern on a wall as abaffle downlight.

SHIELDING

TYPICAL RECESSED FIXTURES

IENSESi: . . ,- ': . .: t::t.

Prismotic

LENSES are a type of molded glass or plastic shieldingthat enclose the fixture. They are designed to softenand redirect the light beam by refraction. Pri.rmaticlenses usualiy produce a very lorl, surface brightness.Fre.rnel lenses efficiently spread the light bearn in awide pattern.DIFFUSERS are of glass or plastic and also enclosethe 6xture. They do not control the direction of thebearn, br,rt scatter it to give a slightly softer light. Adropped dilluser extends an inch or so below the sur-face, allowing some light to flow on the surroundingcciling, but it is generally uncomfortably bright unlessequippecl u,itl'r a good rellector.TRIM of a rccessed fixture is usually a metal fl.angeor collar. It can be flush with the ceiling or may overlapthe plaster. Flanges may have a metal or painted sur-face to harmonize with the ceiling. Dropped flangesof perforated metal or decorated glass can be used foraclded decorative effect.

TOUVERS6.')SZlConcentric

@wEgg crdte

@Fresnel

DIFfUSERS

eloslic or Glsss@Dropped

A,NffirruBBPEN BAFFTEREFTECTOR DOWNTIGHTDOWNLIGHT - Any recessed can with or withoutopen sl.riclding slrch as baffles or louvers. A downlightrvhen mounted close to a wall produces an oval orcor.ricirl patern of light distribution.HI-HAT

- arrcani' with a 3 to 6 inch aperture, de-

signecl for use q.'ith an incandescent lamp with built-inreflector. In homes it should always have a louver.PINPOINT SPOT - a can with a 1 to 2Vz inchaperrure designed ro produce a narrow beam of lightin an unobtrusive manner. The narrow aperture re-duces the efficiency of these units considerably. Adjust-able shutter types have movable plares or shutters in

,combination with lenses to confine the light exactly to

ffirutl'ryBINPOINTSPOT m,ffiOUVEREDHI-HATa given surface. These elirninate theoval clistribr:tion.

EYEBATL

spill light ofEYEBALL UNIT - A semi-recessed sphere, partiallyexposed beneath the ceiiing, which can be rotated andangled to direct light where it is wanted. It can bedirected 35o to 41o from the verticai and has 358rotation-REGRESSED LENS - one that is set about an inchabove the ceiling faceplate, up inside the recessedfixture itself.SEMI-RECESSED FIXTURE - one droppedbelow the ceiling.


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oECESSED LIGHTING I:OR GENEITAL ILLUN'fINATIONGenerd/ i//uttt.irt,ttictu is thc soit overall basic lightrng that crcatcs a fccling of sp'.rcior-rsncss and enhanccsroom appcarance. It proviclcs casier secing rrncl grcatcr c1'c comfort, making a room morc livablc.In rooms q'here only local trncl acccnt ligl-rting arc usccl, they crcatc visually clisturbing pools of lightand shadou'. Sucl-r severe brightness contr2lsts c'.rLrsc cvc fatigue bccausc thc eye musclcs must constantlyadjust to marked diffcrencc-s in brigl-rtness. Properlv usc-cl rcccsscd gencral li-qhting supplics zr h'.rrmoniousrelaxingbackground of irght, reducing brightncss contrasts ancl uniff ing thc total lighting cnvironnrcnt.LIGHTING LARGE N(/ALL AREASSoft general iilumination can bc proviclcci bylighting a rvall or v'alis u'ith recessccl ceilingfixtures. This has tr,lo advantagcs. It bringsout the character and beauty of thc u'all trczrt-ment and rellects soft general light from thevertical surface b'.rck int


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CREATING LIGHT-AND-SHADO\fl PATTERNSCreating a decorative light-and-shador ' pattern on a plain u,al1 surface is a deiightful use of incandes-cenr recessed units. The subtle overlapping iight from a rou' of separate light sources casts a pleasingconical pattern or scallop. The overlap of the conical pattern or scallop is determined by the distancebets'een the fixtures as rvell as the distance from the rvall. Adjustable dou'nligbts or el,ehdlls are partic-ularly suited for creating this dramatic effect. These units should be mounted 32 inches apart and20 to 24 inches from the center of the fixture to the u'all. The wall surface should be light in color andwith good reflectance value.NTASHING \ZALLS \(/ITH LIGHTAnother pleasing iighting effect can be created by using uall uashers or lens ttrips, These are specialrypes of rellectors or lenses designed to eiiminate the conical pattern normally delivered from a recessedfixture. They bend the light rays to give an even line of light across the top of the u'all as u'ell as rela-tively even downu'ard distribution.The efiect is a subtiy glou'ing rl'all rather than an obviously illuminated one. It is excel.lent for displal'-ing paintings or enhancing rich drapery fabrics. The fixtr,rre manufacturer's instailation instructionsshould be carefulli' follou'ed to achieve the desirccl cffect.In homes, ruall uasherJ are commonly placccl 3 feet in from the u'all because of the relatively smallscale cf the rooms and the conventional S-foot ceiling height. Units may be mounted u'ith centers fron-r3 feet to 4 feet apart, according to manufacturer's dircctions.FLUORESCENT WALL TREATMENTSUniform overall u,all lighting also can be achievedby using long recessed fluorescent units cal1edtroffers, These can be used of course only to illumi-nate wails where the joists are parallel to the wa1l.Such fluorescent units provide a long even lineof light across the top of the wall, creating theeffect of a skylight. Such lighting particuiarlyenhances mural treatments, creating a sensation ofdepth and spaciousness. They should be mounted asclose to the wall as possible.


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Both general and local lighting can be suppiied whenrecessed flaoretcenl units are used along a closet wall.When the closet doors are closed, they act as zr reflect-ing surface redirecting light bzrck into the room. \7hendoors are open, the light illuminates the closet interior.Recessed fluorescent units are also a practical choicefor kitchens and laundries. \7hen mounted above thesink, range or other working areas, the diffuse qualityand wide distribution of light gives good local lightingfor the task at hand, as well as providing generalroom illumination.

GENERAL LIGHTINGA series of recessed in,candescenl units evenly spaced over the entire ceilingarea is frequently used forrecreation rooms, family rooms, or hallways. If higher levels of light are desired, recessed fl.uorescentunits are used. These techniques avoid the clutter of surface-mounted fixtures and allow for an evendistribution of Iight.Recessed equipment with cliffusers or Fresnel lensesare best for this purpose. At least twice as manyrecessed units as surface-mounted fixtures are neededfor general illumination. Distance berween unitsshould not exceed distance to the floor. That is, in aroom with B-foot ceiling height, the recessed unitsshould not be more than B feet apart in any direction.If fixtures are placed further apart, a spotty appear-ance results. Also this restricts general use of rhe room,because activities must be confined to scatteredpools of light.If recessed units are used without special reflectors,it's sometimes wise to use a Target size unit than isneeded for the wattage required. This reduces thebrightness on the shielding glass or plastic.

I \>-


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RECESSED LIGHTING FOR LOCAL ILLUMINATIONLocal ligbtizg is used over snzrll areas for a specific task or urctivity, such as reading, sewing, preparingfood, or grooming.Up to a certain point, thc more light you pur on a tzrsk thc easier it is to see. Hor.r'ever, the quality of thelight is .just as important as thc cluantity. For most horne seeing tasks, the light should be soft anddilJa:e i,r'ith a minirnum of shadori's. To avoicl cyc fatigue frorn uncomfortable brightness differencesbetrveen the lighted u'orking arca and the general surroundings, general room illumination shouldalu,ays be used u'ith local lighting.Recessed lighting for local illumination can be r-rsedunit supplies the greatest anount of light i.i'hen it is.t(lu//re.t or sbieldecl dotanlights or hi-bats are allsuitable for local lighting. The regretsed Fresnellens is particularly good because of its widespread of light.READING LIGHT

in every room in the house. And naturally a recessedlocated directly over the task. Recessed rounds and

OVER CHAIRS OR SOFASThis should be located with the recessed unitcentered over the front edge of the seating cushion.Adequate general illumination must be suppliedfrom other sources to make this a comfortableinstailation. A distinctive way of lighting a largecurved sofa is to locate a recessed unit over eachseat, with the series in an arc that repeats theform of the furniture.For excellent local lighting in a smart architecturalmanner, recessed fl,uorescent units also are used over a chair or sofa. The quality of light from a recessedfluorescent source is more diffuse than from incandescent. For information on selecting the right shadeof fluorescentwhite light, write Sylvania for the helpful Lighting Color Guide booklet (R-338).For best results, use a 24-inch square unit v'ith four or six 20 watt fluorescent lamps when lighting alounge chair. A 48-inch two-lamp fiuorescent unit is effective when recessed in a soffit (a section dropped


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belou' the ceiling) above a desk or love seatset against the rvall. This not only delivershigh-level lighting of good quality but alsopleasingly washes the rvall u'ith light and con-tributes to genertrl room illumination.

LIGHTING SHEET MUSICFor lightlng piano or organ music racks, recessedunits such as eyeballs or adjustable dorunlightsare the best choice. One unit with a i 50 watt PAR38 reflector lamp angled on the sheet of musicprovides good light for reading the music. Theunit should be centered above and approximately24 inches from the music rack. Better yet, use twounits, angled on the music and set about 30inches apart. General lighting should always beused with this type of installation.


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LIGHTING GAME TABLES AND PORTABLE EQUIPMENTFor card tables, ironing boards, portable sewing machines and other equipment that is put up and takendown frequently, recessed units make an ideal light source. The light is where it is needed but unobtru-sive when not in use. And the bother of moving floor or table lamps to the task area is eliminated.For lighting of particularly good quality at a card table, four dounligbts with 75 watt R30 reflectorlamps may be used, 30 inches apart over each corner of the table. This light, coming from four direc-tions, reduces shadows and giare on the playing cards.For ping-pong, billiard zrncl iarge game tables tn'o 2-lamp ,i8-inch recessed flaorescent units - or tworecessed incant/escen./ r-rnits u'ith 150 u,att R40 reflector flood lamps are recommended.LIGHTING SINKS, IRONERS, \(/ORK COUNTERSFor such stationary work areas, including bothwall and island counters - either fluorescent orincanclcscent recessed units are suitable. Twt-l clrthree i2'inch squares or doutnlightr 16-inch oncenter - or zr 4fi-inch 2-Iamp fluorescentr fixtureover a sink, rvill give excellent iight. In the caseof long counter work areas in the kitchen or abar counter in the famlly room, an incandescentbi-bat or square should be instalied 16 inches oncenrer for even distribution.SE\rING LIGHTSince sewing is the most exacting of ordinary eye tasks, light which casts some directional shadow isdesirable. This makes seeing easier u'hen using dark thread on dark cloth for example. For machinesewing aneyeball or adjustable dounli.ght is recommended so the light will strike the needle at a graz-ing angle. The fixture should be mounted slightiy to the left of the needle and toward the user.LIGHT FOR READING IN BEDRecessed units for reading in bed should be located far enough in from theover the lap of the reader. Incandescent units with regressed Fresnel lenseslight although baffie dounligbts and squares may also be used.

wall to cast light directlyprovide a good spread of


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For a room occupied by two people, one of v hom likes to read and the other to sleep, an atllustableshutter pi.npoint spot keeps spill light out of thc sleeper's eyes by conlining the light beam to a smallarea. However, this is a compromise solution, not recommended for prolonged reading.For a higher level of light of better quality, shielded 2-Iamp low-brightness recessed fluorescent unitsmay be used over the head of the bed. For king-size beds with a single headboard, two units 36 or 48inches long ( depending on the width of the area to be lighted ) should be used. Be sure to check thedirection of the joists in the ceiling before buying any fixtures over 14 inches long.

MIRROR AND BATHROOM LIGHTINGFor dressing tables and bathroom mirfors, large area low brightness recessed fl.uorescent units are rec-ommended for unifom shadow-free lighting. Such units should be long enough to throw light on thevertical planes of the face. Because they give a harsher quality of light, incandescent units are notrecommended for mirror lighting, although recessed s(lutzrer with diffusing glass may be used if theyare located rro more than 18 inches apart centered over the sink counter. They should be used in con-junction with wall brackets on either side of the mirror.For enclosed showers or baths, uapor-proof (water-tight) recessed incandescent units with diffusingglass should be used. A matching recessed unit can be used in an enclosed toilet compartment. Infraredlamps are used in recessed fixtures for bathrooms to provide immediate heat when needed.

RECESSED ACCENT LIGHTINGAccent ligbting is decorative lighting. It dramatizes the focal points in a room that give it personalityand distinction, highlighting pictures, statuary, china, and unusual architectural features.Used alone, accent lighting is too theatrical and uncomfortable for the home. It is not designed forseeing tasks and additional general or local lighting must always be used with it. However, recessedaccent lighting can provide a vaiety of charming effects that add the glamorous finishing touches tobasic home illumination.In most cases the incandescent bulb is the preferred light source for accent lighting. That's because it'sa point Iight source, emitting a highly directional light which creates brilliant highlights and deepshadows. Highlight and shadow are the two factors that create drama and visual stimulation againstthe background of general room illumination. The three-dimensional modeling of light and shadowbrings out the depth of objects, displaying plants, flowers and sculpture more effectively and artistically.


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Best suited for accent lighting are open refl,ectors, baffle tloutnligbts, pinpoint spots and lou.uered bi.-hats,all incandescent recessed fixtures q,hich allow the light to flow straight dor,r'n. $Zhen light is required atan angle, the eyeball unit can be used. All of these units provrde the relatively narrov. beam of lightnecessary for skillful accent lighting.

ACCENTING PLANTERS AND FLO\7ER ARRANGEMENTSAccent lighting for planters not only enhanccs their decorative value but the additional light and heatencourage their grou.,th. Incandcsceot hi-hdts and louaered or baffie dou,nligbts provide an effectiveinterplay of light and shadou' on the foliage. Tu'o or tnore units 15 to 24 inches apart depending on thesize of the planter, create a more intercsting effect because of the criss-crossing of shadows.For a higher level of light over a planter, use a2-lamp fluorescent troffer recessed in theceiling trbove or in a dropped sof6t The troffcrshould be approximately the same length astl re planter. This type of installation also makesdelightful halirvay or passage illumination.Flower arfangements on a dining table, coffeetable, or buffet, take on new importance whenlighted rvith a singie pinpoint spol mounteddirecrly abovc. The colors of the blossomsappear more vivid and the arrangement isenl-ianced bv shadow delineation.

L3


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HIGHLIGHTING DINING TABLES, BUFFETS, CABINETSFor festively lighting a dining table, making crystal and flatware sparkle as well as dramatizing thecenrerpiece, use adjustable shutter pin-point -rporr. These units can be adjusted to frame oniy the top ofthe table with light - making it appear to glov, without interfering with a desired low level of sur-rounding mood lighting.Over dining tabies of standard size, one unit can beof a decorative chandelief with candle-typebulbs. Additional room illumination fromvalances, cofnices, wall brackets or portablelamps should also be used.Another recessed fixture ideal for table lightingis a unit that has a shielded silver bowl bulb and agold anodized reflector. This delivers a beauti-ful glowing light on the tabletop.To display china or prized collections, recessedbi-hats or baffie d,orunligbts can be mounted in acabinet v'ith glass shelves. These units can alsobe used over a buffet to highlight a silver serviceand provide easier seeing for serving.

used - or two can be mounted, one on either side

ii'i'fil'-,i/il''''I lr/,'t,t '

,li t - r-':lrrr i l

I'r '' I[,1ll

,.I r,,ri11

DISPLAYING PICTURES AND NTALL DECORATIONSTo accent paintings or wall decorations, a directional recessed fixture is recommended. Internallyadlustable docunlights and eyebalLi throu, a pleasing oval pattern of light on the object being lighted.The eyeball has the added advantage of 3)8 rotation, allowing finer adjustment. For best results, therecessedunitshouldbe located ona line approximately 20 to 24 inches from the picture or wall decora-tion unless the fixture manufacturer specifies otherwise.Very subtle and elegant picture lighting can be accomplished with an adjustable shutter pinpoint spot,Movable plates or shutters in combination with lenses inside the unit confine the beam of light exactlyto the frame of the picture. Fixture manufacturer's instructions must be followed for satisfactory results.Non-directional units can also be used to light pictures if the frames are not deep enough to throw dis-tracting shadows on the pictures. Hi-hats, baffied or louaered dounlights or lens units produce a panel

* -' {q,-. i.t;4 - -'r'q#;i-^


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C of light with an oval top. The center of the unitshould be located approximately twelve inchesfrom the wall in line with the picture.For a grouping of several pictures, a series ofrecessed downlights can be used. By placingthese approximately three feet apat, a hand-some pattern of scallops is created on the wallwhich enhances the picture grouping.

DRAMATIZING SCULPTUREFor displaying sculpture, the directional light from a baffi,e doutnlight, hi.-hat or eyeball give good di-mensional rendering because of the shadows they produce. Agiln an adjustable unit is preferable becauseit throws more light on the front of the sculpture. Units should be mounted in the same way as fora picture.

For a richer effect of modeling, two adjustableunits can be angled on the sculpture. And togain contrast in the intensity of shadows, a re-flector spot lamp can be used in one unit and aflood lamp in the other. Or two lamps of differ-ent wattages may be used. Combining difierentlamps in this manner produces both light anddark shadows in an intricate interplay that em-phasizes depth and pattern.

t,


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POINTING UP TEXTURAL INTERESTDirectional light frorn opcn tl r.,u'it/iy,l.tyi 11yg cxccllcnr for highiighring thc surfacc intercst in n',rirblifabrics, or fireplaces of brick or stonc. Thc li,r'irr llor'. inir irt r slriirp grazing angic givcs acidition'.rl .lerptirancl character to irrcgLrlar fabric r)r nrirs(,\nri'sr-lrlrti,s, iirrrcirsing tl-rcir for:al importance. l'l'rc verir.,rr:;tccirniclucs lor lighting entire s'alls u'itir rcrcssctl iinits. disrirsscci on i)agcs (i anci -r', cati bc similiiril'useci for ac(cnt lighting of smalier arciis.

RECESSED SAFET\' I-ICHTINGFor ltrrr-lc.veI safc6'lighting throughoLrr thc honrt', rLi('\'.iitl tigl.tt l),qht.; or tet:arJCrl J/ap li,

sylvania bright ideas for recessed lighting brochure 1964

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