How many fluorescent light fixtures will I need for a new rec room 12 1/2 x 18? Ceiling height is 85 1/2".

Assuming 4 foot long fixtures/lamps, generally, two rows of three 4 foot two lamp fixtures will work, totaling 6 fixtures, spaced evenly.

Ug, I hate recessed fluorescent lights in basements.

TK... maybe nobul's going for that "office" look.

If you have to do fluorescents on an acoustical tile ceiling, in a residence.. . I even prefer the real 70s thing where you replace all the tiles with the plastic ones and mount some fixtures above it so the whole ceiling lights up.. . I bet no one else likes it, but to me it's less harsh than the single fixtures.

If it is on drywall and not recessed, the "Puff lighting" fixtures work well, all you see is 1 piece of plastic and has rounded edges?