Recessed Can Light Alternatives
- Tube Lights Tube lights are surface mounted downlights or pot lights and can be used in place of recessed can lights. ...
- Track Lighting Track lighting systems can also be used in place of recessed pot lights. ...
- Flush Mount Ceiling Lights Ceiling mounted lights can also be used a alternatives to recessed lighting. ...
- Drop Pendant Lights ...
- Wall Uplighter ...
- Floor Light ...
- Artwork Lights ...
- Linear Pendants ...
Full Answer
What is the best kind of lighting?
- BEST OVERALL: PRESDE Modern LED Chrome Bath Mirror Lighting
- RUNNER UP: Bennington 3 Bulb Vanity Light Fixture
- BEST DIMMABLE: mirrea 48in Modern LED Vanity Light
- BEST SCONCE: Effimero Black Wall Sconce Lighting
- BEST PENDANT: Linea di Liara Primo Large Glass Globe Pendant Light
- BEST FOR MAKEUP: DINGLILIGHTING DLLT Wall Light Fixture
How to choose your lighting?
Choose the Right Style When it comes to choosing kitchen lights, take your cues from your home’s architecture and the lighting styles in the rest of the home. Choosing similar styles (or at least having a unifying theme such as shape or finish) will create a sense of flow among the spaces.
How to install can lights in an existing ceiling?
- Use the template provided with your light kit to draw the outline for each opening.
- Use a stud finder to make sure the holes do not overlap a joist.
- Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the ceiling at the center of the planned opening.
- If necessary, go into the attic and make sure there are no wires, pipes or ductwork behind the planned opening.
Which recessed light are best?
- BEST OVERALL: Amico 5CCT Ultra-Thin Recessed LED Recessed Lighting
- BEST VALUE: TORCHSTAR 12-Pack Basic Series
- BEST SMART: Lumary LED Recessed Lighting Ultra-Thin – WiFi
- BEST DIMMABLE: Sunco Lighting LED Recessed Downlight, Baffle Trim
- BEST ADJUSTABLE: Maxxima 11 Watt 6”-Inch Rotatable LED Downlight
Are there different kinds of can lights?
There are 2 types of recessed can lights: IC rated and non-IC rated. The IC stands for Insulation Contact, which means just what it sounds like. IC rated fixtures are designed to be installed in areas where they will be in direct contact with insulation.
What are the different kinds of recessed lights?
9 Types of recessed lighting trimsOpen trim. This type of trim positions the lightbulb almost exactly flush with the ceiling. ... Reflector trim. This type of trim features a reflective surface inside the lighting fixture. ... Baffle trim. ... Pinhole trim. ... Eyeball trim. ... Gimbal trim. ... Canless trim. ... Shower trim.More items...•
What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights?
Recessed lights, also known as can lights, are described as metal light housings installed in the ceiling for a sleek look that gives you back your ceiling. Their diameter generally varies from 3” to 6.”
What can I use instead of can lighting?
For kitchens, there are a variety of lights available that can be used instead of recessed can lights. Some great choices for your kitchen include: chandeliers; hanging pendant lights; and any unique light fixture that can be used to decorate the room yet also provide light where it's needed.
Can you put LED bulbs in can lights?
What Kind of Light Bulb Do You Want to Use? A recessed fixture with a medium screw base lamp holder can take an incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED light bulb. There are also fixtures available with special lamp holders, or sockets, that can only take certain light bulbs, usually fluorescent or halogen.
What does Retrofit recessed lighting mean?
In general, retrofit is the process of adding a new component or accessory to an existing item. In the case of recessed downlighting, retrofit specifically refers to upgrading the lamp source, usually to a newer technology like LED, while retaining the existing above-ceiling fixture and lighting layout.
Can vs Canless LED lights?
The shape of a can protects the light bulb, and they often have an electrical box in the top of the housing. On the other hand, canless lights are not contained in a can. Instead, they are a single unit with a thin housing connected directly to your electrical wires.
Are LED can lights better?
Not only are LEDs 85% more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, they produce way less heat. And because LEDs have a much longer lifespan than other bulbs — up to ten times longer — they're virtually maintenance-free.
What is the benefit of Canless recessed lighting?
New construction canless recessed lighting is appropriate for use before the drywall for the ceiling is installed. Without the drywall, it allows you to secure your lighting directly to the ceiling joist. You have more room to work with during installation while planning your light placements.
What is better than recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting has pots usually inside the ceiling and carries the lamp holder into which the bulbs are screwed. They provide good ambient lighting and narrow beams. On the other hand, flush mount lighting is broader and disperse more light beams in a room. They have canopies in place of pots.
Will recessed lighting go out of style?
Recessed lighting will never go out of style. However, the finishes and sizes will vary and change as time goes by.
How do you make can lights look better?
1:013:06Easy Way to Upgrade Recessed Lighting | Energy Efficiency - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis way and i'm going to adjust the color of my light to what i want i want the soft white. AndMoreThis way and i'm going to adjust the color of my light to what i want i want the soft white. And then you use the two clips that come with it that are on each side. And it clips up and away.
Are all recessed lights the same?
Recessed Lighting by Room Kitchen recessed lighting options will vary according to the size of your space, but a reflector trim is highly recommended.
What is baffle recessed lighting?
Baffle trim is a cone-shaped part of the recessed light that stands out by ribbed surface. This feature is designed for softening the light, absorbing it.
How much should it cost to have recessed lighting installed?
Labor. The cost for an electrician to install recessed can or canless LED lights will generally be between $200 and $250 per fixture. Professionals charge at a rate of $85 to $105 per hour and each installation takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
How do you replace an inset ceiling light?
0:372:30Changing Recessed Light Bulbs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I'll do is grab the edges of the cover and pull straight down until it is out of the opening.MoreWhat I'll do is grab the edges of the cover and pull straight down until it is out of the opening. With the trim cover off I can remove the bad bulb by twisting counterclockwise.
What is the housing of a can light?
The housing is the piece of the light fixture that’s mounted on the wall or the ceiling. The light bulb is mounted in this fixture. Then the trim is installed on the outside of the housing.
Where is the rest of the light fixture?
The rest of the fixture is hidden away behind the ceiling or wall. Some types of trim include a fixture that can be adjusted to shine directly on different areas of a room. Others have a protective outer cover. Select your trim based on the light’s function and the overall style/décor of the room. 1.
What type of light bulb is used for recessed lighting?
CFL light bulbs are a popular option for recessed lighting.
What is eyeball trim?
Eyeball trim utilizes the same exterior trim as baffle trim and open trim, but pairs it with an adjustable interior light fixture.
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting is a popular style of home lighting characterized by lights set inside of a ceiling or wall.
What is a CFL light bulb?
CFL light bulbs are a popular option for recessed lighting. Short for compact fluorescent light, these bulbs are among the most energy efficient options available. Another benefit of CFLs is increased lifespan. Although they cost more upfront, these bulbs last ten times longer than traditional (incandescent) bulbs.
Why are light bulbs made of heat resistant material?
Because of their proximity to the hot light bulbs inside them , the housing is almost always made of heat resistant materials.
Why are R lamps so popular?
This design allows for optimal lighting, directing it evenly out of the fixture. As a result, R lamps are a great choice when you’re trying to achieve accent lighting in a space.
What is the trim on a light fixture?
The trim rests inside of the housing and juts out to form the outer ring, or molding, of the lighting fixture. When it comes to selected the right trim, make sure that you choose one that is the same size, brand, and product family in your housing. Also, choose based on the function the light is going to serve and the overall décor you’re trying to achieve.
How do incandescent bulbs work?
Incandescent bulbs operate by an electric current passing through the tungsten filament inside. This causes the filament to heat up to a temperature that results in the production of light. Though these types of bulbs are quickly being outshined by more modern, energy-efficient options, they can still work for recessed lights.
How big is a recessed light?
In most cases, recessed lighting fixtures come in sizes that range from three to six inches in diameter , however, some reach as high as seven or nine inches. The size that you choose depends entirely on how to plan to use the fixture and where it’s going to be installed.
What are the components of a recessed light fixture?
Recessed lighting fixtures are often comprised of three main components: the housing, the trim, and the lamp. Housing: The housing refers to the physical component that is recessed, or hidden, into the ceiling, wall, or ground. It houses the light source and all of the necessary electrical parts of the fixture.
How do halogen bulbs work?
Halogen bulbs work by producing more light, while also using far less electricity.
Where is the trim on a recessed light fixture?
Aside from the light source, the trim is the only component that you’re going to see with the naked eye. The rest of the recessed lighting fixture – the housing – is concealed behind your ceiling. The trim rests inside of the housing and juts out to form the outer ring, or molding, of the lighting fixture.
What type of light do you use for a light fixture?
While some fixtures use energy-efficient LED light sources, you'll notice options for halogen, fluorescent and incandescent as well. Depending on your lighting needs and the light output you prefer, your choices will vary.
What is a picture light?
Picture lights provide the same directed and focused light you need for display lighting, but they are mounted to the wall rather than the inside of the ceiling. Set the mood in your space by putting your can lights on modern dimmer control. Lastly, find another layer of accent lighting for the kitchen by installing under counter lights.
What is the best lighting for a shower?
In the bathroom, wet and damp rated trims are the best option for shower lighting. Likewise, use wet and damp rated outdoor recessed lights to give your porch or patio added illumination.
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed ceiling lights are the ideal choice for rooms where ceiling space is limited. Its slim dimensions make it ideal for hallway lighting and as a mood-enhancing layer of light that complements the dining room. In the bathroom, wet and damp rated trims are the best option for shower lighting. Likewise, use wet and damp rated outdoor recessed ...
How much does it cost to install a can light?
The install on these, according to Jeff Malcolm, the GC on the mountain house, is about $75 per light all in (wiring and installation) for a new build and about $125 per light for a remodel (considering there’s an existing light circuit). None of that includes the actual cost of the light itself which could run anywhere from $10 for something no-frills at say, Home Depot, to deep into the hundreds mark for something smaller, LED or more decorative.
Who said "are we done with can lighting"?
Are We Done With Can Lighting? - Emily Henderson
What is recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting has the option of having a pivoting “eyeball” like feature, so you can direct light similar to how you would a track lighting system, but again, I think it just boils down to aesthetic preferences, tbh.
Why did the Can Lights come in the LA house?
The house was more modern than her LA house, so they “fit in.” Plus, the intention was to keep this house much more minimal in terms of “stuff” so the can lights provided overall room light without filling any space with lighting fixtures.
Can I use black track lighting for recessed lighting?
If you’re okay with the visibility of black, modern track lighting, this could be a good alternative to recessed lighting. It’s adaptable, works well for a ceiling like above and below (cement-finished, wood-slatted) where drilling in holes for the cans might look disruptive, and in my opinion, adds a certain cool industrial vibe. I’m not talking found iron barrels repurposed into a coffee table “industrial vibes.” I just mean it’s a bit more suited to an open, contemporary room/space.
What is BR lamp?
Moving on to BR: Want to take a guess on what it stands for? This is another reflector lamp to maximize brightness, but this time, the light bulb itself has a bulged shape to direct light out. One disadvantage of the BR lamp is that it's a little longer than the PAR and MR, which means it tends to sit lower in the recessed fixture - and perhaps, protrude from the bottom of the recessed light fixture.
What does R stand for in light bulbs?
Finally, the simple R. As you might assume, it stands for reflector in this case. There is a mirrored coating on the back of the light bulb to improve light output.
What is MR light bulb?
The MR indicates the light bulb has a multifaceted reflector on its inside. The facets help gather light from the filament to create a very concentrated light beam. MR lamps are primarily available in smaller sizes - they are all about beam control, which is typically desirable for a narrower light beam.
Is LED cheaper than halogen?
It renders colors very well, it's affordable, and it gives you a lot of light output. If you're looking for efficiency, though, halogen is not your target. LED has a higher price point, but it also gives you a longer lifetime and lower energy use!
How far away should I place cans from a wall?
I went to school for interior design, and a guide I remember is to place cans at least 2 ft from a wall, and 4 ft between each (any closer to a wall and you’ll get weird shadows). Recommendations may have changed, but this is always my starting point!
Can you use flush mount lighting in a basement?
I am a big fan of using flush mount lighting as much as possible, but I do think there is a place and time for a can. They work great in basements with low ceilings, and they are very budget friendly. I will be using a few in our new home for the kitchen (I want the island lighting to be the star), and maybe a few in our living dining area. I do think they are currently overused, so it is nice to see a bit of a move away from that.
Do flush mount lights have lumens?
Yes those cute flush mounts are great but don’t forget that most of them do not have as many lumens as a recessed led light. For instance the Cadence one light could not light even a small closet, a candle has more lumens.
Types of Recessed Lighting
Recessed light fixtures — sometimes called recessed can lights or downlights — are flush with the ceiling, making them great for rooms with low ceilings. A downlight has three main components: the housing, the trim and the type of bulb or lamp. For more information on lighting your home, check out How to Choose the Right Lights.
Recessed Lighting for Ceiling Types
There are various types of recessed lighting to suit any installation. Many homes have more than one ceiling type, so it’s helpful to choose a fixture style compatible with the ceiling contour and structure:
Recessed Lighting Housings
The housing is the actual light fixture. It sits above the ceiling and holds the trim and light bulb. Find the housing that suits your needs:
Recessed Lighting Trim Types
The trim fits inside the housing and extends to form the outer ring you see when looking up at the ceiling. Below are the most common types of recessed lighting trims.
Light Bulbs
When considering recessed lights, pay attention to the type and size of bulb your fixture uses. Some recessed lights work with screw-in bulbs, while others use pin base bulbs. Different factors — color temperature, lumens and wattage — affect the quality of light in a room. Halogen and LED bulbs are the most common bulbs for recessed lights.
Recessed Lighting Kits
To get the housing and trim in one convenient package, look for a recessed light kit. Kits are available for many sizes and types of recessed lighting.
Recessed Lighting Sizes
Recessed lights are typically available in sizes ranging from 3 to 6 inches in diameter. The size you need depends on how you plan to use the light and where the fixture will be located.