{"id":25780,"date":"2024-04-24T11:07:51","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T11:07:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foyr.com\/learn\/\/?p=25780"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:06:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T12:06:21","slug":"recessed-lighting-buying-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foyr.com\/learn\/recessed-lighting-buying-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Recessed Lighting: Types, Comparison & Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nLearn<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n

Who doesn\u2019t want their home to look and feel like one that\u2019s straight out of a movie? One of the ways to bring the main character energy, highlight gorgeous parts of your room, and create a magical spotlight look is by using recessed lighting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While it may sound fairly simple, there\u2019s a lot to selecting the right recessed lighting and making sure it fits your design style, functionality, and vision. That\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover in this blog. So, stick with us, and let\u2019s understand everything there is to know about recessed lighting!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Why is Recessed Lighting a Great Lighting Option?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Recessed lighting is one of the best lighting options for your home. Whether you have a stringent or a colossal budget, you can always use recessed, or can lighting. Here are a few reasons why recessed lighting comes in handy for your lighting plan:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 It eliminates shadows<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Spreads light around the room<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Highly cost-efficient, and reusable<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 They hide the bulb and contribute to the design aesthetic you choose<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 They don\u2019t compete with other lighting in the space<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Minimizes the number of hanging lighting fixtures in an open space<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liz Bianco<\/strong>, an Interior Designer and Content Creator says, \u201cRecessed lights are useful in building illumination in homes. They don\u2019t compete with other lighting fixtures, low ceilings, views, TVs, etc.\u201d<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span>Components of Recessed Lighting<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Housing<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"A<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the main protective structure hidden in the ceiling. If you\u2019re working with a new construction, you install the light before the sheetrock, or drywall is installed. For remodeled houses, you use smaller recessed lighting when the ceiling is already in place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trims<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s the molding that covers the ceiling opening around the light. Here are different types of recessed lighting trims:<\/span><\/p>\n

Baffle<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"Close-up<\/span><\/p>\n

This trim reduces glare and prevents you from getting eye strain from too much exposure to bright light. Perfect to use in living rooms, entryways, and foyers. It has a ribbed interior that minimizes glare, so even if you use it in your living room, near the TV, it won\u2019t affect your viewing comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read also –\u00a0The Ultimate Guide to Home Lighting Fixtures<\/a><\/p>\n

Reflector<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"Room<\/span><\/p>\n

This trim amplifies light and makes it more vibrant. It can be used in kitchens, and places with high ceilings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gimbal<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"Black<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideal for directional lighting, and is used in accent walls and sloped ceilings. You can direct and focus light to where you want it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wall Wash<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

This trim is ideal if you have to highlight artwork on walls. It almost washes the entire wall with light and creates a beautiful effect around the artwork. This trim uses a scoop to direct or confine light to a specific area of the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shower<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Apt for wet areas, and works on ceiling-mount trims. The structure of the trim resists moisture and corrosion due to exposure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read also –\u00a06 Best Bathroom Lighting Ideas For All Bathroom Design Styles<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/span>Considerations When Designing Recessed Lighting<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Why Do You Want to Use Recessed Lighting?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Do you want to hide the bulb, or not want recessed lights to compete with other lighting in the space? Do you want to minimize the number of hanging spaces that mimic each other in an open space? This is the first decision you need to make and then proceed from thereon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Ascertain Your Budget<\/b><\/h3>\n

Depending on the type of budget you have, the construction, and the need you can arrive at your budget. If the house you\u2019re working on is newly constructed or is a remodel, if it\u2019s in contact with insulation or not \u2013 these are all questions you need to ask, before arriving at the budget for recessed lighting. You\u2019ve heard the adage\u2013 spend 10% of your design budget on lighting. Quality lighting is important, yes, but evaluating your needs thoroughly is the first step to getting there.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Embrace Asymmetry<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Recessed<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019d have seen long hallways with a grid of recessed lights. It\u2019s fairly easy to design and install. But what happens when you want to flaunt the rare sculpture you bought, the artwork you got online, or your family heirloom? That\u2019s when asymmetrical, accent lighting design comes in handy. Your recessed lighting is versatile and you to use them to highlight key elements of the space when required. Is it highlighting the right areas? Task-based lighting using recessed lighting is great for work\/living areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Decide Where You\u2019d Benefit the Most From Recessed Lighting<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u2705Get all the plans in place (architectural plan, lighting plan, electrical plan, etc).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Check where are the built-ins that are permanently attached to the wall, and plan a lighting design to not interfere with these built-ins<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Think about ceiling obstructions you may come in contact with \u2013 beams, coffered ceilings, sprinklers, and light fixtures<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Ceiling height is also important in deciding what fixtures to use<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 What would the furniture arrangement look like, and how would the traffic be in the room?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2705 Where are the important tasks performed in the room? Do you have sufficient lighting for the space?<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Choose the Right Light<\/b><\/h3>\n

Depending on where you want the recessed lights, you can choose the color and type of lights, to create the effect you intend to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Type of lighting<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Effect\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Soft recessed lighting<\/span><\/td>\nComfortable glow<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bright recessed lighting<\/span><\/td>\nRefreshing, cool glow<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Daylight-mimicking recessed lighting<\/span><\/td>\nWarm, and refreshing glow<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

6. Space Them Right<\/b><\/h3>\n

Recessed, or can lights are meant to be used in quantity. A single can light rarely has the power to brighten a whole room. Multiple lights work well together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n