Ceiling lights that are permanently installed and integrated into the ceiling itself rather than just mounted on the ceiling are generally referred to as built-in or integrated ceiling lights. They are designed to seamlessly blend into the ceiling for a clean, unobtrusive look. Built-in ceiling lights come in a variety of styles and can be used to provide both ambient and task lighting in a room. Some common types of built-in ceiling lights include recessed lights, cove lights, and pendant lights.
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Recessed Lights
Recessed lights, also known as can lights or downlights, are the most common type of built-in ceiling light. As the name suggests, they are recessed into the ceiling with the bulb and trim mounted into the ceiling cavity. The trim is what you see on the bottom surface of the ceiling. Recessed lights come in a range of types:
- Fixed – The traditional type with bulbs that point straight down. They provide directional task lighting.
- Adjustable – Allow you to aim the light in different directions. Often referred to as eyeballs.
- Wall wash – Designed to direct light onto walls. Help enhance architectural details.
- Multidirectional – Flexible lighting with several bulbs pointing in different directions from one fixture. Allows you to customize the light pattern.
The most common sizes for recessed lighting are 3″, 4″, 5″, and 6″ referring to the diameter of the metal can that houses the lamp. Smaller cans like 3” are used for tight spaces and provide more concentrated downward lighting. Larger cans like 6” have a wider light distribution and are better for providing ambient lighting.
Recessed lights are popular for their minimal stylistic intrusion on the ceiling while still allowing for both ambient and task oriented lighting. They can be used in rows or grids to provide even lighting across a room, or strategically placed to highlight specific areas like over a workstation. Overall, their versatility and barely-there aesthetic make them a fixture in nearly every style of interior design.
Advantages of Recessed Lights
- Discreet aesthetic
- Directional light for tasks
- Different beam angles and bulb types for design flexibility
- Easy to install new or retrofit existing ceilings
Disadvantages of Recessed Lights
- Cuts into ceiling for installation
- Housing visible from below depending on trim style
- Specialized tools and techniques required for installation
- Less ambient light compared to other fixtures
Cove Lighting
Cove lighting refers to linear lights that are built into a recess or cove in the ceiling or high on the walls of a room. The lighting is indirect, casting a soft, diffused glow upward to bounce off the ceiling and upper walls to eliminate harsh shadows. The fixtures themselves remain hidden behind cornices or ledges.
There are a few types of cove lighting designs:
- Ceiling cove – Set into a recess in the ceiling, often toward the perimeter of a room
- Wall cove – Mounted high on the wall, facing up toward the ceiling
- Double wall cove – Fixtures set into recesses on two parallel walls to create a continuous band of light between them
Cove lighting is most commonly used to create ambient lighting and a soft, warm glow throughout an interior space. The diffuse, glare-free quality of light makes this a popular choice for theaters, museums, and high-end retail shops that want a luxurious but subtle ambiance. It can also be used as an architectural accent to showcase decorative moldings and cornices.
Linear LED strip lighting has become one of the most popular options for cove lighting due to its flexibility, energy efficiency, and seamless illumination. With the right fixtures, LED tape can be cut to fit any configuration and curved to match architectural details. The light color can also be customized to complement the space, from soft whites to accent colors.
Advantages of Cove Lighting
- Creates soft, uniform ambient lighting
- Minimal glare since light source is hidden
- Shows off architectural features and moldings
- LED tape is very adaptable and energy-efficient
Disadvantages of Cove Lighting
- Installation requires recess or ledge in ceiling/wall
- Light source is not adjustable or directional
- May need additional task lighting in work areas
- Shadows can occur on sloped ceilings
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are stylish fixtures that hang down from the ceiling on a rod, cord, or chain. Built-in or integrated pendant lights often use the ceiling as an anchoring point but are physically separated from the ceiling surface itself. This allows them to be mounted anywhere without requiring a junction box.
Common types of built-in pendant fixtures include:
- Monorail pendants – Attach to specialized ceiling-mounted rails and can slide horizontally for positioning
- Cable pendants – Suspended directly from the structural ceiling via aircraft cable
- Rod pendants – Attach to decorative metal stems or rods as part of the construction
- Track pendants – Designed for track lighting systems and may feature adjustable hang heights
The benefit of an integrated pendant is it appears as though it is coming right out of the ceiling while hiding the mounting hardware. This results in a floating, suspended look that adds drama and interest to the space. Built-in pendants work well over counters, tables, seating areas, foyers, and stairwells. Oftentimes they include decorative glass, metal, or fabric shades to enhance their visual appeal. When arranging multiple pendants, using pendants of different heights can create a stylish cascading effect.
Advantages of Pendant Lights
- Sleek, modern look that stands out
- Positionable light source
- Variety of decorative shapes and materials
- Good for highlighting specific areas
Disadvantages of Pendant Lights
- Typically only provide downlight, not ambient illumination
- Mounting points need to align with structure
- Overhead wiring and support required
- Less flush appearance than other built-ins
Additional Built-In Ceiling Light Styles
In addition to the most common built-in ceiling light styles already covered, there are several other integrated lighting options to consider:
Step Lights
As the name implies, step lights are small, low-voltage fixtures that are recessed into risers of staircases. The small pinhole of light illuminates each step for safety and visibility. Step lights work well for contemporary styles with floating staircases and help meet code requirements for illuminating egress pathways.
Rope Lights
Rope lights use tiny LED bulbs encased in a flexible plastic tube that can be tucked into ledges, corners, or ceilings. The strip casts a soft neon-like accent glow. Rope lights don’t provide much usable light but can be used decoratively to enhance architectural features or provide colorful lighting.
Shelf Lights
Discreet LED lighting strips or individual pucks can be installed into shelves, cabinets, and displays to provide accent lighting or extra task lighting as needed. Shelf lights highlight displayed objects and add a clean, integrated look. Popular for undercabinet lighting in kitchens and display cases.
Sconces
While primarily mounted on walls, sconces can also be recessed into ceilings or soffits to provide direct or indirect lighting. Flush ceiling sconces have an elegant look with their cylindrical or rounded glass shades imbedded into the ceiling. Best for ambient lighting rather than tasks.
Choosing the Right Built-In Ceiling Lights
When selecting built-in ceiling fixtures, consider the following criteria to ensure you choose the right option for your needs and space:
- Lighting Needs – Determine if you need primarily task lighting, ambient lighting or both. This will guide the best fixture types and placements.
- Location – Consider the ceiling height, proximity to walls, and whether a junction box is accessible. This will impact installation.
- Design Style – Match the style and finish of the fixtures to your interior decor. Look for integrated lighting suited to your aesthetic.
- Energy Efficiency – Opt for LED lighting which uses significantly less energy and lasts longer than older lighting technology.
- Budget – Costs can range considerably depending on the type, finish, and brand. Determine how much you can spend.
- DIY vs. Professional Install – Factor in if you’ll need to hire an electrician or can do it yourself. Some retrofits are complex.
Taking the time to consider your space and needs will help narrow down the abundant selection of built-in ceiling lighting to find just the right integrated fixtures for your application. A lighting designer or knowledgeable salesperson can also provide guidance on selecting built-in ceiling lighting tailored to your project.
Benefits of Built-In Ceiling Lights
Compared to ceiling fixtures that just mount to the surface, built-in ceiling lighting offers some great advantages:
- Streamlined, integrated appearance that looks clean and cohesive
- Conceals unsightly wiring, hardware, junction boxes
- Allows for lighting designs independent of junction box placement
- Can be used to accent architectural details and dimensions
- Provides both ambient and task-oriented illumination
- Wide variety of styles to match any decor
Built-in lights just enhance that “polished” look because they appear seamlessly melded into the ceiling as a unified element rather than an obvious add-on. The result is lighting that blends into its space beautifully.
Conclusion
Built-in ceiling lights, including recessed, cove, and pendant fixtures, provide integrated lighting solutions designed to blend seamlessly into the ceiling plane. Compared to surface-mounted lights, built-in options create a cleaner look and more naturally become part of the architecture and design motif. With the flexibility to provide both general and task lighting paired with lots of style options, built-in ceiling fixtures are a popular choice to illuminate any interior space both functionally and aesthetically.