Facts About Outdoor Recessed Lighting

Designing an attractive and inviting backyard entertainment area can be greatly enhanced through the use of outdoor recessed lighting. Providing a well lit yet soft appearance, these hidden lights can illuminate without detracting from the look you intended your patio or yard to have.

Recessed lighting was a very popular feature in home illumination during the 1950’s and 1960’s. During that time, homes were designed to be sleek and efficient. Imbedding the fixtures into the ceiling removed the fixtures from visual sight while still providing adequate lighting. One of the great advantages of this type of lighting is that its downward shine addresses a particular object or surface area instead of calling attention to the light fixture itself.

It was only natural to gravitate from illuminating the inside of the home in this manner to installing outdoor recessed lighting. When entertaining in the evening outdoors, too bright of lighting can appear garish and obtrusive. Concentrating the glow of soft lights onto the patio or deck itself makes entertaining outdoors intimate and cozy; the precise effect that recessed lighting will provide.

There are three major parts to this type of illumination; the housing, the trim and, of course, the bulb. The housing is placed first; installed within the ceiling at the time of the construction. It serves as a protective thermal barrier between the heated bulb and the surrounding ceiling material. The trim is the part that we actually see, which is available in several different forms depending upon the effect that is desired. Bulbs are either diffused or directional; again, each offering a different type of lighting option. Another option is solar powered lights; a means of obtaining the lighting needed but at a fraction of the cost of operation.

Naturally, conditions are different indoors than that of the outdoor; recessed lighting must be appropriate for the varying temperatures and occasional wetness of rain or snow that occurs outside. Often, a type of trim called “lens trim” is used in areas that experience wet conditions, as they provide the utmost of protection to the bulb. The materials from which the housing and trim are constructed are more durable for outdoor lighting in order to accommodate the diverse conditions, so it is essential to choose kits specifically designed for outdoors.

Outdoor recessed lighting can be a practical application for safety measures, aesthetic value or for illuminating an area for entertaining in your yard.

	Highpoint Deck Lighting HP-714R-PCW Genesis 12-Volt Recessed Outdoor Deck and Step Light Fixture, Powder White List Price: $35.00 Sale Price: $30.70