Recessed Lighting 101: Everything You Need to Know
Recessed lighting, also known as pot lights or downlights, is a type of light fixture installed directly into the ceiling, creating a clean and streamlined look. These fixtures are popular for their modern appearance and ability to provide focused or ambient lighting without taking up visual space.
A recessed light consists of three main components: the housing, which is the fixture's body hidden in the ceiling; the trim, which is the visible part that surrounds the bulb and affects the light’s direction and style; and the bulb, which provides the actual illumination.
Choosing the Perfect Pot Light for Your Home
With so many styles, sizes, and technical details to consider, choosing the right recessed lighting can feel overwhelming. Before making a decision, it’s helpful to understand how key features—like light size, trim style, and housing type—affect the overall look and performance of your lighting. Understanding the basics will help you find the perfect fit for your home.
Size
Recessed lights come in a variety of sizes, however 3-inch to 7-inch fixtures are commonly used in residential settings due to their versatility and clean look.
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3-inch and 4-inch lights are ideal for focused, task-oriented lighting. Perfect for kitchen counters, reading areas, or highlighting artwork. These smaller sizes work especially well in standard 8-foot ceilings where precision lighting is key
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5-inch fixtures strike a balance between task and ambient lighting. They’re a great choice for hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens where a slightly wider beam is beneficial without overwhelming the space.
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6-inch lights are a popular go-to for general lighting. They offer broad coverage and are available in a wide range of trim styles, making them suitable for living rooms, dining areas, and open-concept layouts.
For larger spaces or when a wider spread of light is needed, 7-inch, 8-inch, and 9-inch fixtures can be used to create a more expansive wash of light, especially in rooms with higher ceilings or for accenting large wall areas.
Trim Styles
The trim is the visible part of the recessed light that you see when looking up at the ceiling, and it plays a big role in both style and function. Trims are available in a variety of finishes to match your space—white for a clean, seamless look, black for bold contrast, brushed nickel for a modern touch, and other finishes like bronze or chrome for added character. Whether you prefer a subtle or standout look, choosing the right trim can enhance both the lighting and the overall design of your room.
Housing Types
Recessed lights are built in two main ways. Some come as a single, all-in-one unit, which makes installation quick and simple. Others are two-piece fixtures, where the housing (the part that goes into the ceiling) is installed first, and the trim and light are added afterward.
New Construction
Designed for open ceilings where the framing is exposed, new construction housings are installed before the drywall goes up. They’re secured directly to ceiling joists, making them ideal for major renovations or new builds.
Remodel
Remodel housings are made for existing ceilings where access is limited. These fixtures are inserted through a hole in the drywall and held in place with clips, making them a great choice for upgrades or retrofits.
Can vs. Canless
Can Lights feature a traditional metal housing (or “can”) that holds the bulb and trim. They offer flexibility in bulb choice and are often used in both remodel and new construction setups.
Canless Lights are ultra-slim, all-in-one fixtures that don’t require a separate housing. They’re easier to install in tight spaces and often come with integrated LEDs, making them a sleek, modern option for fast installs.
LED vs Traditional Bulbs
LED Bulbs are the most energy-efficient option, staying cool to the touch and lasting significantly longer than most traditional bulbs. Many LED recessed lights are also available in smart versions, allowing you to control brightness, color temperature, and scheduling through apps or voice assistants. Perfect for modern, connected homes!
Incandescent bulbs are known for their warm, inviting glow that creates a cozy and familiar atmosphere. They remain a popular choice for ambient lighting, especially in traditional or decorative settings where soft, classic illumination is preferred.
Where Should You Install Recessed Lights?
Kitchen
Recessed lights are perfect for kitchens, offering focused task lighting over countertops, islands, and sinks. Use smaller fixtures for precision and consider spacing them evenly for full coverage.
Bathroom
In bathrooms, recessed lighting provides clean, shadow-free illumination. Ideal for tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or getting ready for the day! Be sure to use damp- or wet-rated fixtures, especially near showers or tubs.
Bedroom
In bedrooms, recessed lighting creates a soft, relaxing atmosphere that complements bedside lamps or accent lighting. Choose the right color temperature and brightness level before installation to match the mood and function of the space.
Family/Living Room Area or Basement
Recessed lighting in living spaces offers flexible, unobtrusive illumination for entertaining, watching TV, or highlighting artwork. Combine with accent or floor lighting for a layered effect.
Hallway
Recessed lighting in hallways provides clean, continuous illumination that enhances safety and visibility without cluttering the ceiling. Choose fixtures with a consistent color temperature to create a smooth, welcoming flow between rooms.
Outdoor
Recessed lighting can enhance porches, soffits, and covered patios with subtle, weather-resistant illumination. Always choose wet-rated fixtures to withstand moisture and the elements.
Placement Tips
Spacing
For even, balanced lighting, a good rule of thumb is to space recessed fixtures about half the ceiling height apart. For example, in an 8-foot ceiling, place lights roughly 4 feet apart to avoid dark spots and overlapping beams.
Layering
Recessed lighting can provide clean, effective illumination on its own, but it also pairs well with other light sources like pendants, sconces, or floor lamps. Combining different types of lighting can enhance the room’s depth, functionality, and overall ambiance.
Brightness & Color Temperature
Some recessed lights require you to set the color temperature (CCT) before installation, so it’s important to choose the right tone—warm for cozy spaces, cool for task areas. If you want more flexibility, consider smart LED fixtures that let you adjust brightness and color temperature anytime via app or voice control.
How to Install Globe Electric Recessed Lights
Installing Globe Electric recessed lights is designed to be quick and user-friendly, whether you're upgrading existing fixtures or starting fresh. Most models feature tool-free installation with push-and-click clips that secure the light into place, and many include a slim junction box that fits easily into tight ceiling spaces without interfering with joists or ductwork.
For step-by-step guidance, check out our official installation video here:
Before you begin, always turn off the power at the breaker to ensure safety. Double check your ceiling cutout size, then follow the included instructions for wiring and mounting. If you're installing a CCT-selectable or smart LED model, make sure to set your preferred color temperature or connect it to your smart home system before securing the fixture in place.