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Recessed Wall Lights

Recessed indoor wall lights add a nice blend of functionality and style to whatever space they are installed. Whether lining a staircase or simply adding some low-level ambient light, an inset indoor wall light is a powerful part of any lighting design.

At Ultra Beam Lighting, we offer a wide range of inset interior wall light fixtures for you to choose from, including everything from classic circular shapes to recessed square wall light fixtures. Shop our selection of lights to find fixtures for your unique space.

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What Are Low-Level Recessed Wall Lights?

Low level interior wall light fixtures are a type of light used for a subtle illumination effect along a wall. They are also sometimes used on the walls of stairwells or as recessed step light fixtures on the risers to make the steps themselves easier to see.

They offer a space-saving design that is minimalist and contemporary, ensuring a low-profile that does not stick out from the wall. This is important along pathways, as it eliminates the concern of accidentally kicking your lights as you walk.

These lights come in different variations, such as recessed interior wall wash light fixtures and wall grazing lights. These not only light the area, but provide a stylish touch at the same time.

Ways to Use Recessed Indoor Wall Lighting

The versatility of indoor recessed wall lighting is one of the biggest draws of the lighting style. It can be used in a number of applications inside and outside of the home.

Stairway lighting is among the most common use cases. A recessed indoor wall light with movement sensor mechanisms is particularly good for this use. The recessed stair light will turn on when someone approaches the staircase, and back off again once they leave.

Hallway pathway lighting works similarly and therefore can make use of a recessed wall light with sensor functionality. These lights can guide movement down the hallway without posing a risk for tripping, making them ideal for such narrow passageways.

You will also commonly see them used as nightlights. Recessed internal wall lighting in bathrooms and on kickplates in kitchens provide illumination for midnight visits without being hit with blinding light. Doing so also provides nice ambient and mood lighting in these areas during other times of the day.

In the bedroom and living room, these lights can be used as accent and mood lighting as well. Highlight architectural features and avoid blue light exposure with warm, low level lighting in these areas.

How to Create Layered Lighting with Recessed Wall Lights

Layered lighting is an important part of any well-designed, balanced space. Layers consist of three things: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides the general illumination in a room, while task lighting gives focused illumination for certain activities. Low level recessed indoor wall light fixtures tend to be used as accent or mood lighting.

Incorporate this lighting into various spaces of the house, such as:

  • Hallways and entryways. Layer with ceiling downlights and pendant lighting, spacing the fixtures every 1.5 to 2 meters apart.
  • Living rooms. Layer with floor lamps for task lights and track lights for accent lighting. Turn the recessed light into something decorative with a wall grazing fixture.
  • Layer the step lights with overhead pendant lighting for the ambient layer, and handrail lighting for the task layer.
  • Layer the low level lighting with bedside reading lights for task lighting, and cove lights for the ambient layer.
  • Layer low lighting with task lights around the vanity, and ceiling spotlights for the ambient role.

How to Choose the Right Light for Your Application

When determining which recessed light to install in your space, there are a few things to consider:

Lighting Purpose

Figure out exactly what you need the lighting to accomplish. Do you need an inset step light for safety and visibility, or a wall washing light to enhance ambiance in living rooms and bedrooms?

Light Output

Consider the brightness levels and colour temperature of the lights you are choosing. In most cases, it is recommended to use lights with 100 lumens for atmospheric, low level lighting, and 400 or greater for task lighting.

Opt for a wider beam of 80 degrees or more to give a wall washing effect. Warmer lights are better in bedrooms, but you may find neutral or cooler light to be better for bathrooms and kitchens. 

Smart Functionality

If you want to have motion sensors, or lights set on a timer, then you will need to consider that in your purchase. Not all light fixtures are smart, so double check that the bulbs you are purchasing are ones that are capable of it before buying. 

Design Style 

The style and shape of the light you choose may be determined by the room itself. For example, you may prefer mini wall washing interior recessed wall light fixtures in areas like hallways or stairs.

For larger areas, like bedrooms and living rooms, larger wall grazing recessed indoor wall light fixtures may be preferred. You should also think about the shape (i.e. circular or geometric) and finish (i.e. matte black, brushed bronze, or silver) that works best with your space.

Common Mistakes When Installing Inset Interior Wall Lighting

When installing wall recessed light fixtures, it is a good idea to be aware of some of the most common mistakes so you can avoid them. 

Improper Height Installation

Installing your fixture too high can eliminate that low level lighting effect. Keep them close to the ground: 150 millimeters from the floor in hallways, 300 millimeters from the floor in bathrooms, and 200 millimeters above the treads on staircases, for example. 

Inadequate Spacing

Not spacing your lights properly can leave behind gaps of shadows, or overcrowded, glaring hotspots. It is generally recommended that you space the lights out 1.5 to 2 meters apart from one another on walls.

Ignoring IP Ratings

Installing lights in damp rooms like bathrooms and even kitchens without the proper IP rating can damage the fixtures and necessitate constant replacements. Choose the right IP rating for each area, including:

  • IP44 or above for bathroom zones beyond showers
  • IP65 for shower and bath areas
  • IP68 for steam showers and pool rooms

Poor Lighting Controls

Without proper controls, you may be wasting unnecessary energy on your low level lighting. Choose motion sensor lights for staircases and hallways, and timed scheduling for security lighting. Dimmer switches in living areas can also give you better control over the perception of the light.

An LED recessed wall light with motion sensors built into them provides the perfect mix of discreet design, automation and energy saving capabilities.

With motion sensor lighting, you can enjoy automatic illumination in dark areas like hallways and stairwells. You won’t have to feel around in the dark for switches and can instead walk comfortably hands-free. Beyond that, they can work as a part of your security lighting system; you’ll be alerted to any unexpected movement when people get close to certain areas of the property.

By only having the lights on when you need them, you can also save on electricity spending. No electricity will be wasted, on top of LEDs already using 80 percent less energy than traditional lights. Furthermore, it may extend the lifespan of the bulbs, saving you money and effort on replacements.

LED bulbs are skyrocketing in popularity for all manner of light styles, and for good reason. In almost every way, they are superior to traditional light styles. Read on to learn why that is.

  • ENERGY EFFICIENT. LED lights use up to 80 percent less energy than halogen or incandescent bulbs. Not only is this gentler on the environment, but it may also lower your electricity bills.
  • ECO-FRIENDLY. The reduction of energy consumption is only one way that the lights are kinder to the environment. LEDs also do not feature any mercury or other toxic materials, making them fully recyclable.
  • LONGER LIFE. LED bulbs are capable of outlasting tens of thousands of hours as opposed to the 1,000 or so that halogen bulbs provide. This, too, saves you money, as you won’t have to replace them nearly as often.
  • SAFE AND COOL OPERATION. LEDs do not generate a lot of heat, and they stay cool to the touch because of it. This makes them particularly well-suited for use as nightlights for children. They are also good for under-cabinet lighting and wardrobes as they don’t pose a fire risk.
  • VERSATILITY AND FLEXIBILITY. Available in a number of colour temperatures and brightness levels, you can choose from a range of combinations to best suit your unique space.
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