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By fitting flush with the ceiling, recessed lighting bulbs, commonly referred to as can lights, conserve space and declutter the appearance of your home.
Recessed lighting could be an excellent choice if you want to increase the light in your house without harsh lighting or unsightly fixtures. From setup to selecting the best bulbs, we're going to explain all about recessed lighting today.
This article provides all the information you require, whether you're a homeowner undertaking a DIY project or an interior designer organizing a renovation. Are you looking to purchase a new lighting fixture? If so, has recessed lighting been considered? Both residents and interior designers should consider recessed lighting as an ideal option.
They can produce task and ambient lighting, and installation is simple. Homeowners often opt for recessed lighting because it produces uniform, glare-free light and provides you with the best-recessed lighting.
It might be challenging to choose the best-recessed light for your home because there are so many different varieties on the market. The ten best-recessed lights we can buy are listed in this article. We will also briefly describe each light and how it differs from the others. Read on to learn which recessed light is best for you whether you're looking to replace your current lighting or are remodelling your house.
Considerations Before Installing A Recessed Light, Also Known As Can Lights
What would you like to ignite? Do you like a bright area or a small space? Consider installing the required wiring for your new light. Do you require a fixture that is IC (Insulation Compatible), AT (Air Tight), or both? Which fixture size do you want? Which type of bulb do you wish to use? Can you install a dwelling from fresh construction or do you need to use a remodel fixture?
Cost
The price of recessed lighting may vary depending on its size, attributes, level of quality, and design. Individual fixtures can be purchased at large home improvement merchants for as little as $8 and as much as $50. Recessed lighting multipacks are offered at a discount in packs of four, six, or eight. LED lighting fixtures are often more expensive, but you will ultimately save money because of the overall energy cost savings they offer.
LED recessed lighting fixtures cost more than conventional surface-mounted or straightforward hanging lighting fixtures. This is so because a recessed light fixture may connect to circuit wiring, these light fixtures also need to have a metal frame, a canister enclosure that holds the bulb and socket, and a built-in wire connection box. However, recessed lighting is typically less expensive than hanging chandeliers and other elaborate lighting.
Types of Recessed Lighting
1. Circuit Type
If you need to feed wire from one joist bay to another, don't forget to drill a hole through the center of each joist. Also, keep in mind that the junction box that is attached to the fixture is where the connections for recessed lights are made. If you're utilizing Type NM (Romex) wire, seek fixtures with junction boxes that already have Type NM clamps built in. Get fixtures with that clamp built in if you're utilizing Type MC cable. You will gain significant time savings.
2. Type And Temperature Of Light Bulbs
You will see that some of the bulbs in these lighting fixtures have a screw-in or pin base. There are various sorts, including conventional bulbs, halogen, LEDs, and incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs are regarded as the better option for efficient energy savings and are cool to the touch. Additionally, you need to decide whether you prefer bright, gentle, or daylight illumination in your home. Additionally, you can install dimmer switches to reduce the brightness of the lighting; just bear that in mind when buying dimmable bulbs.
3. Cut Type
The trim is the part of the recessed lighting fixture that is visible from the outside. Adjustable, baffle, pinhole, slotted, ornamental, shower, and open are just a few of the numerous trim styles. The adjustable trim type works well for shelf or accent lighting in cabinets. A shower is the best option for the recessed lighting for the bathroom because it is made to withstand wetness, whereas an open light trim is the ideal choice for lighting up a broad space, such as a kitchen or living area. Hence, an open light trim could be the best choice when it comes to best-recessed lighting for the living room or kitchen recessed lighting.
4. Renovation Fixtures VS New-Building Housings
Two different types of supports are used to construct recessed lighting. Metal clips are often pushed into the housing of a lighting fixture and fastened to the plaster or plasterboard at the top of the ceiling to hold it. Fixtures installed during new construction are held in place by fastening their frames to the ceiling joists with screws or nails.
You will probably have to use a new fixture if you can't run the wiring above the ceiling. However, you can install recessed lights that were designed for new construction in your existing ceiling if you have access to the area above the ceiling where the fixture will be placed. The benefits of doing this include the fact that new construction fixtures are frequently less priced and come in a wider variety of trim options than fixtures from remodels.
When And Where To Use Recessed Lighting
- Accent / Spotlighting: If you want to draw attention to a focal point, such as a work of art or a fireplace mantle, use accent or spotlighting. When illuminating paintings, a 30-degree slant will minimize glare.
- Ambient / General Lighting: When you want to brighten up a room that sees a lot of traffic like your kitchen or living room.
- Wall Washing: You can bounce light into a space in a way that is less harsh than direct downlighting by positioning your recessed downlighting close to a wall and essentially bathing it in light.
Can Ordinary Bulbs Be Used In Recessed Lighting?
An incandescent, fluorescent, halogen or LED light bulb can be used with a recessed fixture that has a medium screw base lamp holder. Additionally, there are fixtures with unique lamp sockets that can only accommodate specific light bulbs, typically halogen or fluorescent.
How To Change A Recessed Light Bulb?
There are a few easy steps that you must follow while changing a recessed light bulb:
- Turn Off The Power
- Remove The Trim
- Remove The Bulb
- Replace The Trim
- Turn On The Power
What Size Fixture Are You Looking For?
The typical diameter range for residential recessed light fixtures is 3 inches to 7 inches. Consider the size of the space you wish to illuminate as well as the distance from the ceiling to get an idea of how to respond to this issue. The 6-inch fixture is the most common size. Because of this, 6-inch lights have a wider variety of trim options than fixtures of other sizes, providing you more freedom to select the trim you desire.
The type of light bulbs you choose in recessed lighting has a significant impact on the outcomes you want. Below are some best products listed for you:
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You can get the ideal lighting for any room with Ensenior Thin LED Recessed Lighting. This set of recessed lighting uses a new generation LED chip to provide more lumens at a lower power usage of 12 watts, making it extremely energy efficient. These lights produce a warm and inviting glow that will add an extra touch of elegance to any area with a color temperature ranging from 2,700 to 6,000 Kelvin. Additionally, this device may be muted between 5% and 100% and is compatible with the majority of dimmers, enabling you to precisely customize your illumination.
Key Features:
- Brand: Ensenior
- Color: 5000k - Daylight
- Material: Plastic, Metal
- Light Fixture: Close to Ceiling
- Room Type: Kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, workplace, common areas
Pros
- Neutral color temperature
- Maximum security is ensured by UL certification.
- Durable aluminum housing to dissipate heat
Cons
- Inconsistent dimming
This Energy Star Certified LED Recessed Light uses only 12W and is a superb, cost-effective substitute for 100W incandescent bulbs. This ultra-thin 1000lm LED light operates on 100-130V and can cut your energy expenditures by up to 88%. This ultra-thin LED downlight only requires 2 inches of clearance, making it the ideal light for ceilings that can't accommodate a normal housing can.
Key Features:
- Brand: TORCHSTAR
- Color: Daylight (5000K)
- Material: Aluminum
- Style: Modern
- Light Fixture: Ceiling
Pros
- Adaptable brightness and smooth dimming
- flicker-free operation and low noise
- High quality spring clamps for installation security
Cons
- Color temperature may be cooler than expected
The junction box of the canless LED recessed light from Amico is thermally insulated because it is IC-rated, which allows it to be in touch with ceiling insulation. It only needs a 2-inch gap in the ceiling. When light is installed in various ceilings and overhead joists, there won't be a fire threat. These 6-inch slim dimmable downlights employ the best-LED chips available, which have higher lumen output while using less energy. By using a 1050LM, which uses 12 Watts, instead of a 110W halogen lamp, you can cut your annual energy bills by up to 90%.
Key Features:
- Brand: Amico
- Color: 5 CCT in One (2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K)
- Material: Aluminum
- Style: Modern
- Light fixture: Recessed
Pros
- IC rated product
- Provides high brightness
- Offers warranty
Cons
- Can cause blindness because it offers too much unwanted brightness.
A fantastic method to enhance the ambiance of your house is with Sunco Ultra Thin LED Recessed Lighting. This device, which has a wide beam angle of 90 degrees, provides 850 lumens of gentle, diffused light to light up the space without creating any glare or shadows. Additionally capable of dimming, these pair of lights allow you to change the level of illumination as needed during the day or night. You may select the color that best complements your decor and demands because they come in five distinct color temperatures and one premium five CCT option.
Key Features:
- Brand: Sunco Lighting
- Color: 5000K Daylight
- Material: Polycarbonate, Copper Wiring
- Style: Classic
- Light fixture: Sconce
Pros
- Dimmable capabilities for maximum customization
- Can-free installation
- Fits in soffit and drywall
Cons
- Small Diameter
These LED recessed light fixtures are available that do not flicker, flash, or make crinkly noises, so you won't have to deal with your family's irate looks once more because you chose the wrong lighting. They offer your choice of brightness. Utilizing the recessed lights' dimming functionality, which ranges from 5% to 100% and is compatible with the majority of the most recent dimmers, will smooth out your environment and prolong the life of your lights.
Key Features:
- Brand: SUNLAKE LIGHTING
- Color: 5CCT
- Material: Metal
- Style: Modern
- Light fixture: Ceiling
Pros
- Offers five functional options
- Versatile usage
- Provides brightness of your choice
Cons
- Sometimes its functional options may not work
Look no further than BBOUNDER's LED Recessed Lighting if you want to give your house a modest yet attractive facelift. You can effortlessly change the brightness level to create the ideal mood with this choice because it has a remarkable 950-lumen output and is compatible with the majority of dimmers. The light will be dispersed evenly throughout the space thanks to their wide beam angle of 100 degrees. Additionally, they have an anti-glare baffle trim that helps shield your ceiling and walls from glare and reflection.
Key Features:
- Brand: BBOUNDER
- Color: 5000K Daylight
- Material: Plastic
- Style: Modern
- Light fixture: Ceiling
Pros
- Smooth dimming without flickering
- Construction that resists corrosion
- Adaptable design
Cons
- Installing a spring mount could be challenging.
The Smart Recessed Lighting from CLOUDY BAY is the ideal option for your home if you're seeking outstanding quality at a reasonable cost. With a color rendering index of 90 or higher, this choice can provide you with the ideal quantity of light. With just a swipe on your phone, the smart recessed lights' user-friendly software allows you to modify the brightness from 0 to 100%. To create the ideal atmosphere, you can also play around with different RGB color combinations and change the CCT.
Key Features:
- Brand: CLOUDY BAY
- Light Type: LED
- Special Feature: Wet Location/Not Dimmed by Dimmer Switch
- Wattage:15 watts
- Specific Uses For Product: Need to Connect to 2.4GHz WIFI (for configuration)
Pros
- Low power use
- 90+ CRI for simulation of natural light
- a broad beam angle and high light output
Cons
- Unlikely to work with wall-mounted dimmers
It is simple to brighten any space without compromising its attractiveness with the Hykolity Recessed Ceiling Lights. This recessed lighting kit has high-quality LED chips that deliver 1,200 lumens of brightness and can be lowered to 10% of its original brightness to suit your needs. You can use it in the kitchen, pool area, and bathroom without fear of rust or corrosion because it is damp-rated.
Key Features:
- Brand: Hykolity
- Color: 5000k Daylight White
- Style: Modern
- Light fixture: Ceiling
- Room Type: Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office
Pros
- Really Bright And Effective
- Simple To Install
- Etl-listed For Utmost Security
Cons
- Flickering Issues May Occur
The junction box that comes with Sunco's LED slim downlights eliminates the need for a can. Make a size-appropriate hole in your ceiling, then press up into it while folding the spring-loaded brackets in. For fast bright lighting and smooth dimming in your kitchen, family room, bedroom, bathroom, and common spaces of your house or workplace, install directly to the ceiling.
Key Features:
- Brand: Sunco Lighting
- Color: 5 CCT in One (2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K)
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Style: Contemporary
- Light fixture: Ceiling
Pros
- Easy to install
- IC rated product
- Offers 7-year warranty
Cons
- CCT selection may not work sometimes
The Amico 5CCT LED Recessed Lighting is intended to provide exceptional lighting. These quality LED bulbs use just 12 watts while producing 1,050 lumens, which makes them 90% more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lamps.
Key Features:
- Brand: Amico
- Color: 3 CCT in One (3000K, 4000K, 5000K)
- Material: Polyamide fibre
- Style: Retro
- Light fixture form: Recessed
Pros
- High brightness while using little power
- Colour temperature that can be changed
- Durable
Cons
- Colour adjustment may be delayed
Conclusion
Our top pick from the above-mentioned products could be Hykolity Recessed Light because this recessed lighting can be fitted in shallow ceilings, soffits, and drywalls because it is only 2.5 inches deep. Cutting a 6.2-inch hole in the ceiling, connecting wires with wire nuts, and then pushing the spring-loaded clips upward to hold the lighting fixture in place is all that is required for installation. They are IC-rated for direct contact with ceiling insulation, which completely eliminates the possibility of fire dangers. Additionally, this product has earned both Energy Star and ETL certifications, so you can be sure that it complies with all safety and efficiency regulations.
A light fixture fitted into a hollow ceiling aperture is a recessed light. When placed, it gives the impression that light is coming from a hole in the ceiling and is focused downward as a broad floodlight or a small spotlight.
