recessed-lightingusa
I live in a US condo building which has standard recessed lights, looking somewhat like this:
I find the light to be too harsh and would like to have a way to diffuse it. Is there some sort of a diffusing lens I can install on top of the lights to make them pleasant to the eyes? Or should I just install a different lamp type if I want that effect?
I would say pull the fixture off the beam itself and attach it in between the beams. Then you could get some track lighting that would hang down low enough to provide sufficient light, yet not drop below the beam line. Something like the picture here would work:
There is a category of power tool called a multi-tool that is basically a very small saw usefull in cutting in tight spaces.
After you cut the initial hole, this tool could be used to trim away the area in the uper section on an angle to make room for your retaining arms.
The tools come in corded and cordless version, and at various price points. The are very handy and can do other things, such as spot sanding and grinding.
Best Answer
You need to talk to your local gaffer supply/film production supply. Rosco makes a variety of gels and scrims to do exactly that, and they’re made to be near hot halogen lights.
Alternately, you may be able to find LEDs that aren’t crap and have proper diffusers on them.