Recessed lights, also called downlights or can lights, offer a streamlined lighting solution for various spaces in your home. This guide will help you choose and install the right recessed lighting for your needs.
What Are Recessed Lights?
Recessed lights are fixtures that sit flush with the ceiling, creating a clean look without hanging fixtures. They can make rooms with low ceilings appear more spacious and work well in many areas, from bathrooms to living rooms and even outdoor spaces1.
Choosing Your Recessed Lighting
Components of Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting fixtures consist of three main parts:
- Trim
- Housing
- Bulb
Trim Types
The trim is the visible part of the fixture. Different trims offer various aesthetics:
- Baffle Trim: Reduces glare with a textured interior
- Reflector Trim: Boosts illumination with a mirrored surface
- Open Trim: Features bulbs flush or nearly flush with the ceiling
- Shower Trim: Suitable for wet spaces with tempered glass lenses
Bulb Options
Common bulb types for recessed lighting include:
- Halogen bulbs
- LED bulbs: Long-lasting and energy-efficient, helping to lower energy costs
Some fixtures use screw-in bulbs, while others require pin base bulbs.
Installation Tips
Recessed Lighting Kits
To simplify your purchase, consider buying a recessed lighting kit. These include both the housing and trim in one package. Options include:
- Line-voltage kits: Standard kits running on household current
- Low-voltage kits: Use a transformer to reduce voltage, potentially saving energy
Professional vs. DIY Installation
While many homeowners hire an electrician, you can install recessed lighting yourself with proper guidance. Always follow safety protocols and local electrical codes.
Benefits of Recessed Lighting
- Creates a spacious feel in rooms with low ceilings
- Offers versatile lighting for various tasks and moods
- Provides a clean, modern look
- Energy-efficient options available
By understanding these aspects of recessed lighting, you can make an informed decision to improve your home's lighting setup.
What are the benefits of recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting provides a sleek, modern look by sitting flush with the ceiling, making rooms feel more spacious. These fixtures are versatile, offering ambient, task, or accent lighting options. They are energy-efficient, especially with LED bulbs, helping to lower electricity costs. Additionally, recessed lights can enhance your home's value and allow for customizable lighting to highlight specific areas, making them ideal for various spaces, including kitchens and living rooms.
What's the difference between can lights and recessed lights?
"Can lights" and "recessed lights" are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Recessed lights refer to any fixture installed into a ceiling, while can lights specifically describe a type of recessed light with a cylindrical housing. Modern recessed lighting often uses low-profile designs that don’t require traditional can housings, but both terms generally refer to similar lighting solutions.
What are the disadvantages of recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting can have drawbacks, such as complex installation that may require professional help. It can create shadows if not properly placed, and heat may escape into the attic, increasing energy costs. Additionally, changing bulbs can be tricky due to their ceiling placement, and they may appear stark if not balanced with other lighting types.
Why do people like recessed lighting?
People love recessed lighting for its clean, modern appearance and ability to save space. It provides flexible lighting options, allowing for targeted illumination of specific areas. Recessed lights are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, especially when paired with dimmers. They are particularly popular in kitchens and living areas for their ability to enhance both functionality and style.
Why add recessed lighting?
Adding recessed lighting can transform your space by providing modern, unobtrusive illumination. It helps define areas in open-plan layouts and offers excellent task lighting for kitchens and bathrooms. Recessed lights improve functionality while maintaining a clean aesthetic, making rooms feel larger. With dimmer switches, they can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion, enhancing both comfort and style in your home.
