Exterior can lights, also known as recessed lighting or downlighting, are a type of lighting fixture that is installed into the ceiling or soffit of a building. They are designed to provide focused, directional lighting and are often used for illuminating specific areas such as driveways, walkways, and patios. Exterior can lights are available in a variety of styles and finishes, making them a versatile option for any home.
Exterior can lights offer several benefits over traditional lighting fixtures. They are more energy-efficient, as they use less wattage to produce the same amount of light. They are also more durable and long-lasting, as they are not exposed to the elements. Additionally, exterior can lights can be used to create a variety of lighting effects, from subtle accent lighting to bright floodlighting.
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The history of exterior can lights can be traced back to the early days of electric lighting. In the late 19th century, recessed lighting was used in commercial buildings to provide focused lighting for tasks such as reading and writing. In the early 20th century, exterior can lights began to be used in residential buildings, and they have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Today, exterior can lights are an essential part of many homes. They provide a safe, energy-efficient, and stylish way to illuminate outdoor spaces.
1. Style
The style of your exterior can lights should complement the architecture of your home. This means considering the overall style of your home, as well as the specific architectural details. For example, if you have a traditional home, you may want to choose exterior can lights with a classic design. If you have a modern home, you may want to choose exterior can lights with a more contemporary design.
- Traditional styles: Traditional exterior can lights typically have a simple, understated design. They may be made of brass, copper, or iron, and they often feature clear or frosted glass lenses. Traditional exterior can lights are a good choice for homes with classic architectural details, such as columns, moldings, and shutters.
- Modern styles: Modern exterior can lights typically have a more streamlined, contemporary design. They may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic, and they often feature frosted or opaque glass lenses. Modern exterior can lights are a good choice for homes with modern architectural details, such as flat roofs, geometric shapes, and large windows.
- Transitional styles: Transitional exterior can lights combine elements of both traditional and modern styles. They may have a classic shape, but they may be made of modern materials. Transitional exterior can lights are a good choice for homes with a mix of traditional and modern architectural details.
By choosing exterior can lights that complement the architecture of your home, you can create a cohesive and stylish outdoor space.
2. Finish
The finish of your exterior can lights is an important consideration, as it can affect the overall look of your home. You want to choose a finish that matches the other hardware on your home, such as your door handles, mailbox, and light fixtures. This will create a cohesive and stylish look.
If you have a traditional home, you may want to choose exterior can lights with a classic finish, such as black or bronze. If you have a modern home, you may want to choose exterior can lights with a more contemporary finish, such as white or nickel. You can also find exterior can lights with a variety of other finishes, such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and antique brass. This allows you to find the perfect finish to match your home’s style.
In addition to matching the other hardware on your home, you should also consider the climate in your area when choosing a finish for your exterior can lights. If you live in a coastal area, you will want to choose a finish that is resistant to rust and corrosion. If you live in a cold climate, you will want to choose a finish that is resistant to extreme temperatures.
By choosing the right finish for your exterior can lights, you can create a stylish and cohesive look for your home.
3. Brightness
The brightness of your exterior can lights is an important consideration, as it can affect the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. You want to choose a brightness level that is appropriate for the area you are illuminating. For example, you may want to use brighter lights for areas that are used for entertaining or recreation, and less bright lights for areas that are used for relaxation or security.
When choosing the brightness level for your exterior can lights, you should also consider the other light sources in the area. For example, if you have a patio that is also lit by a fire pit or string lights, you may not need to use as bright can lights. Conversely, if the area you are illuminating is very dark, you may need to use brighter can lights.
By choosing the right brightness level for your exterior can lights, you can create a safe and inviting outdoor space that is perfect for your needs.
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4. Beam spread
The beam spread of an exterior can light refers to the angle at which the light is emitted from the fixture. A narrow beam spread will create a more focused beam of light, while a wide beam spread will create a more diffused beam of light. The size of the area you are illuminating will determine the appropriate beam spread for your exterior can lights.
- Narrow beam spread: A narrow beam spread is best for illuminating small areas, such as walkways, steps, and driveways. Narrow beam spread exterior can lights can also be used to create accent lighting, such as highlighting a tree or statue.
- Wide beam spread: A wide beam spread is best for illuminating large areas, such as patios, decks, and yards. Wide beam spread exterior can lights can also be used to create general ambient lighting.
By choosing the right beam spread for your exterior can lights, you can create the perfect lighting for your outdoor space.
FAQs about Exterior Can Lights
Exterior can lights are a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution for illuminating outdoor spaces. Here are some frequently asked questions about exterior can lights:
Question 1: What are the benefits of using exterior can lights?
Exterior can lights offer several benefits over traditional lighting fixtures. They are more energy-efficient, as they use less wattage to produce the same amount of light. Exterior can lights are also more durable and long-lasting, as they are not exposed to the elements. Additionally, exterior can lights can be used to create a variety of lighting effects, from subtle accent lighting to bright floodlighting.
Question 2: What are the different types of exterior can lights?
Exterior can lights come in a variety of styles, finishes, brightness levels, and beam spreads. You can choose the perfect exterior can lights for your home by considering the architecture of your home, the climate in your area, and the type of light bulb you want to use.
Question 3: How do I choose the right brightness level for my exterior can lights?
The brightness level of your exterior can lights will depend on the area you are illuminating. For example, you may want to use brighter lights for areas that are used for entertaining or recreation, and less bright lights for areas that are used for relaxation or security.
Question 4: How do I choose the right beam spread for my exterior can lights?
The beam spread of your exterior can lights will depend on the size of the area you are illuminating. A narrow beam spread will create a more focused beam of light, while a wide beam spread will create a more diffused beam of light.
Question 5: How do I install exterior can lights?
Exterior can lights should be installed by a qualified electrician. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Question 6: How do I maintain exterior can lights?
Exterior can lights require very little maintenance. Simply clean the lenses with a damp cloth as needed.
By following these FAQs, you can choose the perfect exterior can lights for your home and enjoy the benefits of beautiful and energy-efficient outdoor lighting.
Tips for using Exterior Can Lights
Exterior can lights are a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution for illuminating outdoor spaces. Here are some tips for using exterior can lights effectively:
Tip 1: Choose the right style and finish.
The style and finish of your exterior can lights should complement the architecture of your home. For example, if you have a traditional home, you may want to choose exterior can lights with a classic design and a black or bronze finish. If you have a modern home, you may want to choose exterior can lights with a more contemporary design and a white or nickel finish.Tip 2: Choose the right brightness level.
The brightness level of your exterior can lights will depend on the area you are illuminating. For example, you may want to use brighter lights for areas that are used for entertaining or recreation, and less bright lights for areas that are used for relaxation or security.Tip 3: Choose the right beam spread.
The beam spread of your exterior can lights will depend on the size of the area you are illuminating. A narrow beam spread will create a more focused beam of light, while a wide beam spread will create a more diffused beam of light.Tip 4: Install your exterior can lights properly.
Exterior can lights should be installed by a qualified electrician. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.Tip 5: Maintain your exterior can lights regularly.
Exterior can lights require very little maintenance. Simply clean the lenses with a damp cloth as needed.By following these tips, you can choose the perfect exterior can lights for your home and enjoy the benefits of beautiful and energy-efficient outdoor lighting.
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Key takeaways:
- Exterior can lights are a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution for outdoor spaces.
- When choosing exterior can lights, consider the style, finish, brightness level, and beam spread.
- Exterior can lights should be installed by a qualified electrician.
- Exterior can lights require very little maintenance.
Conclusion:
By following these tips, you can use exterior can lights to create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space.