ceiling lights-how many, what kind?? (1 Viewer)

I have read many threads on this subject, but no one (that I can find) has touched on this topic. A lot of light topics but what is the lighting really like? I'm curently in the process of updating a room that has been setup for entertainment by the previous owner. The room is 12'x18' and currently has no lights except a floor and table lamp. The room is painted a dark maroon color with is actually pretty nice. This room is used for watching tv, movies, reading, etc. It's basically an entertainment room (allabit small) but good enough for us. I am considering placing 8-4" recessed eyeball lights with dimmer switches that would control 2 lights per switch from home depot. These light are basically lights that call be rotated or positioned to fit various functions. They take up to 50W halogen lights. The lights will be installed by me but wiring done by someone that can do it.

I am thinking that the placement will be 4 feet from sides across the width and every 4.5 feet legthwise.

So, My questions are:

1) Will this be enough light? I don't want a room that looks like the sun sitting in it, but I also don't want to have to grab a flashlight to look for something I dropped on the floor.

2) If not bright enough, what do people recommend?

3) should I get 5" lights and have only 6 not 8?

4) Would stationary lights with covers be better then the more direct light of the eyeball lights?

5) Does the lighting placement/positioning sound ok?

I know there there are a million configurations and everyone's tastes are different, but for those of you who have recessed lights are you happy with them? If not what would you do different?


Thanks in advance for all the input.

It all depends on the spread of the light, you can get halogens with a 20 degree spread upto 45 degrees. Normally you calculate the square footage that the plamp will cover then plan how many you need for your floor plan.

I would also look at wall lighting as well as ceiling, your idea of separating the lights into different cicuits is a good one as you only turn on or dim the lights you need.

You can also switch the wall sockets that the floor lamp plugs into so you don't need to get to the light to turn it on.

Stephen- Wall lights are not an option b/c one wall has 2 windowa and the rear wall has 1 window and the longest wall will have recessed shelves 4 the DVDs and CDs. I would also like to eliminate the floor fixtures for a cleaner look.
Didn't think about the light cone. I'll look into that.

Thanks

Wayne- Thanks a bunch. That really helped!! I have those R-40 lights in the bathroom (Not heat lights-I checked) and Yes, they would actually work quite nicely. I am going to put the lights on different switches b/c if I want to read, I can dim or turn off the lights in front of the tv and not waste money.

Thanks!!