We are considering redoing parts of our house including the bathrooms, carpet, etc.

In our family room we have to recessed lights near the fireplace - but they don't come near lighting up enough of the room. There is a big wood piece that goes across the family room - I assume it is solid. Is it possible to install lighting in that? I don't see how the wiring can go through there which is why I ask.

 

A beam that big, if it is a solid piece of wood would be very heavy and likely structural.

What you probably could do is attach come sort oflight TO the post and run the wires into the ceiling right next to the beam.

If you can get to a space above th drywall, I'd suggest adding recessed lights through the whole room. That would probably give you the effect you are looking for.

 

She wants hanging lights from there - the same type of small lights that are on the track lighting. hmm.... seems like too much work

 

It does not appear to be a solid beam. It looks like it's cosmetic (may be covering a steel beam or just there for show and serves no structural purpose).

The only way to truly tell is to try to pull apart one of the sides enough to look inside and see what's going on in there.

What's above that room? Attic? I would suggest you continue with the recessed lighting theme as you already have two in there.

 

I am not sure what is above - I have never been in our attic. I assume that if there is the recessed lighting there already it can just be continued throughout the room easily? Then install a dimmer switch so we can control the lighting?

 

That beam isnt solid, it is most likely decorative only. You could pull off one of the sides to see for sure.

If you have attic space where you could get to the ceiling area i would alos go with more can lights.