Lighting affects the ambiance and style of a home. Besides ceiling lights and wall sconces, the recessed spotlight for walls and ceilings also contributes its share.
The recessed spotlight comes pre-equipped with a lamp, the characteristics of which are described by the manufacturer. To illuminate a room, the recessed spotlight can incorporate a lamp, depending on whether it operates using one of the following 3 technologies:
- the LED lamp uses light-emitting diodes to illuminate;
- the compact fluorescent lamp is equipped with a fluorescent tube and an electronic ballast. Its operation is similar to that of a neon tube;
- the halogen lamp produces light when the tungsten filament is heated. It works in the manner of an incandescent lamp.
The choice of a lamp generally depends on the room that will host it. Spots operating at 220 V are preferred for the living room, dining room, or bedrooms. As for spots operating at 12 V, they are used in bathrooms to comply with the NF C 15-100 standard. Moreover, it is recommended to choose the right “temperature” of light, expressed in Kelvin (K):
- the light is yellow at 2,700 K. This temperature is ideal in living spaces;
- the light is white at 4,000 K. This temperature is indicated for bathrooms and workspaces.
The quality of a recessed spotlight also depends on its material, mainly:
- stainless steel, ideal for rooms exposed to humidity such as the kitchen and bathroom, the most expensive but also the most durable;
- anodized aluminum, less expensive than stainless steel and just as resistant to moisture but with a different aesthetic;
- plastic, the cheapest on the market but also the least durable, offered in different colors.
Furthermore, there are models of recessed spotlights for walls and ceilings that are adjustable. They are preferred for lighting a shadowy area or for highlighting a decorative element.
In summary, the choice of a recessed spotlight for walls and ceilings depends on the rooms and/or areas to be illuminated. In any case, it is advised to respect the standard and the manufacturer's instructions for a hassle-free installation.