How can I recreate the recessed lighting effect?

Question

I live in a rental and I love the reccesed lighting effect. I know I can recreate it with track lighting but I can only do so much with the wiring of my place. I would like to be able to do it as easy and quick as possible. I'm not allowed to drill holes or to make any changes to the place. Any Ideas?

Answer 1

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Don't worry. There are a couple of things you can do to get the indirect lighting effect. Try one of the standing lamps with several lights on it that you can redirect. Placing one in a corner should work well.

Torchiere lamps are good for this, but dusting them is a pain.

Also, you can buy canister lamps cheaply at the hardware store. Place these behind tall, potted plants or items on a small table and you have instant dramatic lighting. These lamps are simply a can that you stick the bulb in. They get dusty, too, but you won't have much of a problem with moths flying in to them. The great thing about them is that they don't take up a lot of space and they can be placed creatively. These are also called accent lamps.

Here's a website with directions on how to make your own:
http://www.fortunecity.com/westwood/byri…

Good luck!

Answer 2

First you need to ask permission form the owner about your project. Recessed lighting means running the wires inside the ceiling, walls and cutting holes for the recessed lights.. Track lighting means running wire in enclosed track wires enclosures mounted on the wall and ceiling (all surface mounted). Track lighting is less costly and easy to install and also requires less drilling. The disadvantage is the electrical runs is visible. If you are not a qualified electrician have someone who is a license electrican to inspect your work and connect to the electrical circuit. Be safe.