Buying Guide: How to Choose Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting, often referred to as can lighting or pot lighting, offers a clean, streamlined look for your home or office. Embedding these lights into your ceiling results in a seamless blend that can give the illusion of a higher ceiling and larger space. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying and installing recessed lighting.

Understanding Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is a type of lighting fixture installed within a hollow opening, typically in a ceiling, resulting in a light shining from a hole in the ceiling. This design results in a smooth and uncluttered aesthetic, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

Parts of Recessed Lights

A recessed light consists of three main components: the housing, the trim, and the light bulb.

Housing

The housing is the main component that is mounted within the ceiling. It holds all the electrical components. The type of housing needed depends on your ceiling and whether the area is new construction or a remodel.

Trim

The trim is the visible part of the light you see. It determines the direction, intensity, and spread of light. The type of trim you choose can dramatically impact the lighting effect in your space.

Light Bulb

The light bulb, also known as the light source, can vary from traditional incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, to the energy-efficient LED bulbs. The choice largely depends on the desired light output, energy efficiency, and budget.

Choosing the Right Housing

When selecting a housing for your recessed lighting, it's important to consider whether you're dealing with new construction or a remodel.

New Construction Housing

If you're building a new home or adding a new room to your house, or if you have full access to the ceiling space, new construction housing is the right choice. This type of housing is attached directly to the ceiling joists.

Remodel Housing

If you're working with an existing ceiling and have limited access to the space above, remodel housing is the right choice. This type of housing is installed through a hole cut in the existing ceiling and held in place with clips.

IC-Rated vs. Non-IC Rated Housing

Insulation Contact (IC) rated housing can safely come into direct contact with insulation. Non-IC rated housing, on the other hand, must have a clearance of at least three inches from any insulation. Be sure to check the IC rating of the housing you choose to ensure it is suitable for your particular installation.

Understanding Trim Types

The trim of your recessed light is the visible part of the fixture. The type of trim you choose will affect the distribution and quality of light.

Baffle Trim

Baffle trim is the most common type of recessed lighting trim. It features ridges around the interior that help absorb excess light and reduce glare.

Reflector Trim

If you want to maximize the amount of light from your fixture, consider a reflector trim. This trim type features a reflective interior that amplifies the light output.

Eyeball Trim

Also known as directional or adjustable trim, this type allows you to change the direction of the light as needed. This is particularly useful for highlighting specific areas or objects.

Decorative Trim

Decorative trim adds an extra design element to your recessed lighting. These trims come in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to match the lighting to your room's decor.

Other Trim Types

There are also other specialized trim types such as shower trims, which are moisture resistant and ideal for bathroom use; pinhole trims, which produce a dramatic, focused light; and wall wash trims, which direct light to highlight specific areas or objects.

Selecting the Right Light Bulb

The choice of light bulb for your recessed lighting will depend on your lighting needs and energy efficiency goals.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are the traditional choice for recessed lighting. They produce a warm, inviting light but are less energy-efficient compared to other options.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. They provide a cool, bright light that is suitable for task lighting.

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option and have the longest lifespan. They provide bright, high-quality light and are available in a range of color temperatures.

Assessing the Cost

Recessed lighting fixtures are cost-effective, but there are several factors that will influence the overall cost. These include the number of lights needed, the cost of installation if you're hiring a professional, and the energy usage of the lights.

Planning the Layout

When planning the layout of your recessed lighting, consider the dimensions of the room, the type of trim you want, the size of the fixtures, and the purpose of the lighting. The rule of thumb is to place lights every 4 to 6 feet for general room lighting. For task lighting, lights can be placed closer together.

Understanding Voltage

The voltage of your recessed lights will affect the brightness and energy usage. Line voltage systems connect to your home's standard electrical feed, while low voltage systems use a transformer to reduce the voltage. Low voltage systems can provide energy savings in the long run.

When buying recessed lighting, always consider safety regulations and building codes in your area. If you're planning to install the lights in a damp area like a bathroom or outside, make sure the fixtures are rated for wet or damp locations. If you're installing the lights in an insulated ceiling, make sure the fixtures are IC-rated.

Recessed lighting is a versatile and stylish lighting option that can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your space. With careful planning and selection, you can create a lighting plan that suits your needs and style.