Lighting Artwork From a Low Ceiling
Low clearance doesn't leave much room for an accurate beam spread.
 
In a ceiling for a client that’s only 7½ feet, we used recessed Halo adjustable aperture recessed lighting with a racetrack-shaped hole. We cannot get the spread of light high enough to hit their artwork on the wall.
I’m assuming that you’re talking about the Halo H-1499 low voltage housing with the 1420 slot aperture trim. These slot aperture trims are geared to get the light centered on the wall at a maximum of a 45-degree angle. You can try a linear spread lens that can help spread the light either vertically or horizontally. There is also a diffusion filter that looks like frosted glass, which can spread the light more evenly both horizontally and vertically. The third option is to go to a different trim that has a scoop that will allow up to a 90-degree adjustment (like the Halo 1997 trim). Or you could just hang the art lower and call it a day.
randall_whitehead
Randall Whitehead, IALD

Randall Whitehead, IALD, is a professional lighting designer and author. His books include "Residential Lighting, A Practical Guide." Whitehead has worked on projects worldwide, appeared on the Discovery Channel, HGTV and CNN, and he is regular guest on Martha Stewart Living Radio. Visit his website www.randallwhitehead.com and follow his blog www.lightmakesright.com for more information on books, upcoming seminars and the latest lighting trends.

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