Recessed lights — also known as downlights, pot lights, can lights, and puck lights — all refer to light fixtures installed in small pockets of your ceiling. They provide light in a room without hanging down or taking up any space, unlike a chandelier or flush mount fixture.
It’s important to understand which type of recessed lights would fit best in your home before you install them. Discover everything you need to know as you decide which recessed light is right for your space and design aesthetic!
Homeowners Guide: Recessed Lighting
A recessed light has three main components: the housing, the bulb, and the trim. The housing (or the casing it’s held in) holds all of the wires and is invisible to the eye. The bulb gives off light and remains attached to the electrical wires. The trim is the visible portion of a recessed light and provides a finished appearance.
Types of Recessed Lighting
1. LED
LED bulbs are a popular choice among homeowners today. Although they tend to cost more upfront, they require considerably less power, making them less expensive over time. LED lights are also known for their longevity and their ability to last double (or even triple) the amount of time of regular incandescent light. An LED bulb produces less heat and is made with fewer toxic chemicals than traditional lightbulbs.
2. Traditional
Traditional lightbulbs have been on the market the longest and are typically the cheapest option. They aren’t known to be as eco-friendly as other recessed lights and can become hot if left on for an extended period of time.
3. Canless
Canless lights are a type of LED recessed lights that have been designed specifically for use in newer houses or remodels. The casing for these recessed lights is as thin as drywall, so they’re much easier to install and take up minimal amounts of space on your ceiling.
Details to Consider for Recessed Lighting Installations
Thinking about adding recessed can lighting to your home? Here’s what to know as you plan an installation.
1. Sizing
Homeowners are often surprised at the size of their recessed lights after installation. To avoid drywall patching, it’s essential to research whether the measurement on the packaging refers to the size of the light’s housing or the size of the trim.
Keep in mind that the trim on a recessed light covers the edges of the light, sits below the drywall, and extends out from the fixture. Because trim styles vary, a four-inch recessed light could appear five, six, or even seven inches wide once installed in the ceiling.
Hiring a professional electrician can give you peace of mind that the electrical work is done properly and ensures the size aligns with what you were looking for.
2. Light Coverage
If you’re lighting an entire room with recessed lights, there are a few things to consider, including the height of your ceiling, the existing fixtures in the room, and the general use of the room.
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- Ceiling Height: If you have shorter ceilings, smaller lights can work well, since it takes less light to fill the room. However, vaulted ceilings need larger lights with wide beam angles. Keep in mind, you’ll want evenly diffused light across your space.
- Existing Fixtures: If you’re adding recessed lighting to a room with existing light fixtures, consider smaller recessed lights to avoid harsh or overly-bright light.
- Room Use: The rooms throughout your home will vary in the amount of light needed. For example, kitchens and bathrooms typically need the lightest, and bedrooms can be more dim and cozy.
3. Smart Technology
Smart LED recessed lights can be installed to communicate with other technologies in your home, including certain appliances and hubs. Depending on the features and how you want to configure the lighting, you may have the ability to set your lights on a schedule or even turn them on and off with a voice command.
Recessed Lighting is Right Around the Corner!
Upgrading to recessed can lighting is an influential, creative way to change your home’s overall look and feel while adding value to the home and providing more vibrant light in certain areas. Whether you’re planning a remodel for yourself, or preparing to sell and want top value for your home, it’s time to call the experts at Jason Wright Electric!
The Jason Wright Electric team will ensure every detail of your lighting project is executed with excellence from start to finish. For more than 25 years, we’ve been taking care of Kansas City residents’ electrical needs with superb communication and care.
Contact us to experience our excellent customer service and upfront pricing. We look forward to serving you.