Recessed lights are discreet lighting fixtures commonly built into the ceiling. When they are turned off, they are hidden from view. These types of lights usually shine downward. They can be used for or specific lighting purposes, such as to perform tasks or accent a feature in the home. Different types of bulbs fit into recessed light fixtures, such as reflector or "R" lamps, halogen and LED.
Reflector
Indoor reflector bulbs, or "R" lamps, are in as task, accent, spot or general lighting. The bulb contains a reflector, which results in a warm, incandescent light. This kind of bulb works well to softly highlight art or a wall feature. It's best to use a reflector bulb with a long lifespan in recessed lights such as the MaxLite R20 LED reflector bulb, which may last as much as 50,000 hours.
Halogen
Halogen PAR bulbs emit a bright, white light. This type of light works well for tasks or directing light to a particular focal point, such as photos. Halogen bulbs come in a variety of sizes, wattages and voltages. They are made with a strong glass and may last two to five times longer than a standard bulb. PAR 38 and PAR 20 are commonly used in recessed lighting.
LED
Not all LED light bulbs are suitable for recessed lighting. Those that are make for efficient recessed lights that provide general illumination. Some LEDs, like Cree Lighting's LR6 LED downlight, emit a high-quality warm or cool light. Other LEDs provide efficiency, such as Gallium Lighting's Gallium GS6 downlight. This particular model gives 40 percent more light than a standard incandescent light bulb and has a lifespan four times as long as compact fluorescent downlights. Downlights like the Gallium GS6 are often used in retail stores, healthcare facilities and educational facilities.
Tags: recessed lighting, general illumination, Halogen bulbs, incandescent light, , often used