General, or ambient, lighting provides uniform lighting throughout an area. Recessed downlighting ideally suits this purpose, inconspicuously providing comfortable, glare-free illumination, and creating the perfect base foundation upon which to build your lighting tapestry. Using accent lighting, wall washing, and surface lighting in harmony with well implemented ambient downlighting, this tapestry will blend differing light patterns to create a dramatic, well textured visual environment.

Proper ambient lighting is achieved by overlapping the illumination from strategically positioned recessed fixtures. The fixtures are usually arranged in a symmetrical plan fitted into the general area. The best choices for general downlighting trims are: Reflectors, baffles, reflector cones and lensed trims.

It's often desirable to highlight individual features in a lighting scheme. Adjustable accent lighting is one approach to achieving this effect. Accent lighting tastefully sets the visual priorities in a room by directing attention to an object or space with dramatic emphasis. Iris and Halo each present a wide assortment of lamps and beam patterns which bring the passion and details of a room to life.

To be effective, accent lighting must be more precise and of higher intensity than the surrounding ambient illumination. Trims that provide directional control such as eyeballs and adjustables are especially effective in accent lighting applications. Low voltage MR16 and PAR lamps are often utilized.

Even the most artfully decorated, and tastefully illuminated home must cater to the demands of its owners' functional needs. Task lighting consists of illumination directed to a relatively small area for specific tasks associated with day to day life, such as countertops and workspaces. Downlighting is well suited to such a function.

Task lighting is most effective when used as a supplement to a general lighting layout. Careful consideration should be paid to eliminating shadows on the task area and preventing glare from spilling over into other areas. Many types of trims can be used for task lighting including small aperture trims, directional trims and concentrated downlights. MR16, PAR and R lamps are often selected.

Wall Washing is a technique which defines form and space, and highlights texture in a room. It visually increases the size of a room and makes the space seem lighter and more airy. It is an effective technique for illuminating a wall of pictures or wall hangings.

To achieve the desired look, the distance of the fixtures from the wall and the spacing between the fixtures need to be considered. The lighting on the wall may have an even scalloped look, an even "wash" of light or varied scallops depending on the spacing of the fixtures. Wall wash trims direct light towards a wall as well as providing some downlighting.

A special category of recessed lighting, Shower/Lensed lighting elements produce crisp and clean illumination into your private retreat. These low-voltage shower lights blend discreetly into the ceiling plane, delivering the mood and sparkle of candlelight into your personal space.