| |

Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

Cooper Lighting Solutions: Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

April 14, 2025

Regressed Lighting: Advantages, Challenges, & HALO Solutions 

Regressed lighting offers significant advantages in reducing glare and enhancing visual comfort. However, this type of lighting also presents some installation considerations, especially when dealing with obstructions above the ceiling. 


What Is “Regressed” Lighting?

To define regressed lighting, one should look at how it differs from surface and recessed lighting.

Surface downlights are fixtures that attach directly to the ceiling’s surface. As a result, the entire fixture is visible and protrudes outward. 

In contrast, recessed downlighting is a broad term covering any fixture that is installed into the ceiling and sits flush with or is integrated into the surface. 

Regressed lighting is a specific subset of recessed downlights, in that the lens and light source are intentionally positioned deeper within the ceiling cavity. This extra depth not only minimizes glare but also allows for a more controlled and refined light distribution.  

Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks.


Advantages

  • Reduced Glare: By recessing the light source, regressed lighting minimizes direct exposure to the light, reduces glare and eye strain, and creates a more comfortable visual environment.  
  • Improved Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek design and sophisticated lighting effect of these fixtures creates a refined look that seamlessly integrates with various interior styles. 
  • Better Light Control – Regressed downlights allow for precise beam distributions, reduced light spill and enhanced focus. These adjustable fixtures offer improved directional control compared to flush-mounted lights and can be tilted and oriented to focus light on specific areas or objects. 

Challenges

  • Installation: Installing regressed lighting can be challenging, particularly when encountering hidden obstructions above the ceiling. This requires some additional planning to ensure proper installation. 
  • Ceiling Space Requirements: These types of downlights require additional depth within the ceiling. While LEDs have transformed the total depth required for regressing a light source, not all ceiling cavities provide sufficient space for regressed lighting, particularly in high-rises with low-clearance areas. 
  • Accessibility: While rarely a core consideration, maintenance and adjustments can be more difficult with recessed/regressed fixtures as they can be somewhat less accessible compared to surface-mounted options. 
April 14, 2025 - Cooper Lighting Solutions_ Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

HALO Downlighting Solutions

Installation Types and Regression Options

HALO offers a variety of downlighting solutions to suit different installation needs, from quick surface-mount options to fully recessed lighting. Below, the three primary installation types—Surface Mount, Can-less, and LED Trims—along with their installation methods, hardware requirements, and suitability for new construction versus retrofit applications are highlighted.

April 14, 2025 - Cooper Lighting Solutions_ Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

Surface Mount LED Downlights

Perfect for low-profile installations, these fixtures mount into standard junction boxes, flush to the ceiling. While they do not offer the same regression as recessed fixtures, they are excellent for creating downlighting in areas with existing junction boxes. 

April 14, 2025 - Cooper Lighting Solutions_ Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

Can-less LED Downlights

These fixtures mount directly to the ceiling—no housing (can) required. HALO offers slim versions that fit under framing, that reduce glare while still installing in shallow ceiling spaces, and adjustable for aiming light where you need it. All HALO can-less fixtures are IC-rated and shallower than recessed housing to help maximize energy-saving insulation above the ceiling.

April 14, 2025 - Cooper Lighting Solutions_ Enhancing Visual Comfort with Regressed Lighting

Recessed LED Trims

These fixtures fit into new or existing recessed housings. Because HALO has equivalent versions of almost every can-less downlight, you can select a fixture that meets your preferred aesthetic and lighting performance regardless of your installation method. 

Regressed lighting offers significant benefits in terms of visual comfort and aesthetics, but it also comes with some installation limitations that often can be overcome with some careful planning. The diverse range of HALO downlighting solutions, including recessed LED trims, can-less LED downlights, and surface mount LED downlights, provides versatile options to meet various needs and overcome installation obstacles. Whether prioritizing glare reduction or ease of installation, HALO has the perfect solution for every space. 

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    The Difference Between Accent, Ambient & Task Lighting: Ultimate Guide

    In interior design, lighting is not just about brightening the room. Sensitive lighting layout is the key in the whole aesthetic atmosphere. An outstanding lighting solution will not rely on one type of fixture. Rather, it is through the combination of different types of lighting. Accent, ambient, and task lighting are three basic types of… Read More…

  • Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors Enhance Their Office Space, Incorporating State-Of-The-Art Lighting Solutions

    Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos. Known for their exclusive Steelcase furniture line, modular moveable… Read More…


New Products

  • Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka Announces New Accessories for Scout Luminaire

    Eureka has announced the enhancement of its Scout luminaire family with the introduction of new accessories and a new color palette. Three new diffusers have been introduced. Bell is minimalist, translucent and cloche-shaped. Pebble introduces a soft touch and an ambient glow in a distinct, oval-shaped diffuser. Orb is sleek and dome-shaped, adding a touch… Read More…

  • Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    Amico: SOLAR ECLIPSE – 2X4 Multi-Functional Luminaire

    The Solar Eclipse Series provides a multi-functional luminaire that supports the demands of the hospital environment. The sleek and modern design merges architectural aesthetics with exceptional lighting performance to improve patient comfort while maximizing clinical efficiencies. This architectural patient room fixture offers reading, ambient, and exam functionalities and an optional night light. Multi-functional capabilities provide… Read More…