Aaron Fude wrote:
Hi,

I have a finished basement, but I do not want to cover up the ceiling
with drywall. Instead, I will paint the joists black.

Are there any recessed-type lights that would look good? Something
that would go between the joints but meant not to be concealed?

Thanks,

Aaron
'Theater style' can lights, that mimic the look of the lights you would
see mounted high up above the stage in a real theater. Designed to mount
onto whatever convenient pipe, bracket or whatever is needed. Wander
through local mall, and look for stores with 'industrial' look inside,
like Old Navy or similar, and look up. Borg won't have them, you'll have
to go to a real lighting dealer. Depending on style, they could either
screw directly to joist, or you could use the clamp style mounted on
those expanding brackets that nail between joists. Like typical track
lights, but without the track.

When you get inventive like this, remember to leave enough clearance
around lights to dissipate heat. Black ceiling can be a good look, but
it sucks up light, so you will need a lot more light for the room not to
feel like a cave. If headroom is an issue (like in most basements), you
may have better luck with perimeter lights mounted high on wall every
6-8 feet. Think light boxes with flourescent tubes, and frosted face
plates. (like X-ray light boxes, or old-style diner backlit menu
boards.) If this is home theater or something, you could put a few runs
of rope lights near the bottom edges of joists, for ambient light to
walk around without bumping into things.

--
aem sends...