05-18-2017, 04:31 PM
Clay,
#1 or @2 and definitely only do something that will let you use standard "off-the-shelf" lamps (aka bulbs/tubes). Nothing proprietary. If the bulb goes, run to Home Depot and buy a replacement. Nothing integrated. Nothing that combines the bulb and the fixture.
Hard to say which is the better choice: LED tubes or cans with screw in bulbs. Each has its pros and cons, not only in performance but appearance. I prefer cans and bulbs (aka high hats) but that's just me. That way, I have a wider variety of bulbs to choose from in the store or online. You'll have more options for wattage, color and brightness.
For the high hats in my kitchen, I'm using bulbs with these stats:
12 Watt - BR30 - 65W Equal - 800 Lumens - Color Corrected 92 CRI - 2700 Kelvin
The 800 or so lumen bulbs I had originally were discontinued by Home Depot. So, it took me a bit of searching find suitable replacements. I like a bright kitchen and the current crop of locally available 65 watt bulbs were in the 650 lumen range. Not acceptable. I found suitable replacements online in a matter of minutes. Since they were BR30 bulbs, getting them shipped to me wasn't an issue at all
Key, though, is that it was my choice to go with the higher lumen bulbs. Lots of other options were available in higher and lower wattage, color and lumens. I could've chosen from a slew of other bulbs.
But, you're talking a basement. you may be better off with LED tubes. It really all depends on how you want the basement to look with the lights shining.
Above all, though, only lighting that uses standard off-the-shelf fixtures and bulbs.
Robert
#1 or @2 and definitely only do something that will let you use standard "off-the-shelf" lamps (aka bulbs/tubes). Nothing proprietary. If the bulb goes, run to Home Depot and buy a replacement. Nothing integrated. Nothing that combines the bulb and the fixture.
Hard to say which is the better choice: LED tubes or cans with screw in bulbs. Each has its pros and cons, not only in performance but appearance. I prefer cans and bulbs (aka high hats) but that's just me. That way, I have a wider variety of bulbs to choose from in the store or online. You'll have more options for wattage, color and brightness.
For the high hats in my kitchen, I'm using bulbs with these stats:
12 Watt - BR30 - 65W Equal - 800 Lumens - Color Corrected 92 CRI - 2700 Kelvin
The 800 or so lumen bulbs I had originally were discontinued by Home Depot. So, it took me a bit of searching find suitable replacements. I like a bright kitchen and the current crop of locally available 65 watt bulbs were in the 650 lumen range. Not acceptable. I found suitable replacements online in a matter of minutes. Since they were BR30 bulbs, getting them shipped to me wasn't an issue at all
Key, though, is that it was my choice to go with the higher lumen bulbs. Lots of other options were available in higher and lower wattage, color and lumens. I could've chosen from a slew of other bulbs.
But, you're talking a basement. you may be better off with LED tubes. It really all depends on how you want the basement to look with the lights shining.
Above all, though, only lighting that uses standard off-the-shelf fixtures and bulbs.
Robert