Recessed light fixtures have become one of the most popular lighting options for many homeowners. Their grand aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency are two of the main reasons why people are starting to prefer recessed lighting over traditional light fixtures.
If you’re considering investing in new lighting installations for your home and recessed lighting has piqued your interest, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we are going to thoroughly cover the benefits and drawbacks of recessed lighting so that you can easily make a well-informed final decision.
What Is Recessed Lighting?
Unlike traditional light fixtures, recessed light fixtures don’t hang down from the ceiling. Instead, they are mounted in a way that they fit flush with the ceiling, guaranteeing a clean and minimalist look.
Recessed lighting can be used to improve the lighting of a room or to enhance specific decorations, furniture and artwork. Interior designers often recommend recessed lighting if you want to make your room appear bigger and more spacious.
Typically, recessed light fixtures require 120-volt circuits. Recessed light fixtures can be fitted with a variety of bulbs, including incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), halogen bulbs and even LED bulbs.
It all depends on your preferences and goals. If you are wondering whether recessed lighting is the ideal choice for your household, consider the following pros and cons.
Benefits of Recessed Lighting
Recessed light fixtures are better at distributing light
The truth of the matter is that recessed lights can ensure a more uniform and vibrant lighting compared to traditional fixtures. Since they are literally recessed into the ceiling, the light can easily reflect off the walls.
In turn, this creates a more subtle, natural light effect. In other words, recessed lighting excels when it comes to illuminating spaces while creating a visually appealing dramatic effect.
Recessed lighting is flexible in terms of style
Recessed light fixtures come in a variety of shapes and styles. That’s why with recessed light fixtures, it’s extremely easy to turn your lighting into another component of your home’s design.
You can ask your electrician to provide you with a catalog of the available fixtures to find the best models that match your vision.
Recessed light fixtures are available in many different shapes, including:
- Square,
- Round,
- Rectangular,
- Triangular.
They also come in a variety of finishes, such as:
- Chrome,
- White,
- Brushed nickel,
- Silver,
- Bronze.
- Black.
Another important design factor you should consider when choosing recessed light fixtures is the trip type, which can be:
- Baffle,
- Reflector,
- Slot aperture,
- Pinhole,
- Open,
- Surface-adjustable,
- Gimbal,
- Wall wash, etc.
Recessed lighting serves a multitude of functions
Apart from the fact that they’re great at illuminating any room, recessed light fixtures guarantee amazing functionality for a variety of purposes. For example, you can strategically place recessed light fixtures in a way that they highlight specific areas of your house.
Whether you want to draw more attention to your favorite painting, or you want to shift the spotlight to your brand new living room design, recessed light fixtures deliver exceptional versatility. Accent lighting, task lighting and of course, general lighting, can all be achieved with these easy-to-use fixtures.
Recessed lighting is more energy-efficient
One of the best perks of installing recessed light fixtures in your home is that they will save you money in the long run. Compared to traditional lights, recessed light fixtures need less energy to produce the same amount of light. Any homeowner would opt for the most cost-efficient alternative, which is another reason why recessed lighting is considered the top choice.
Recessed lighting fixtures look and feel modern
If you are looking for a lighting system that will give your house that sophisticated, polished look, recessed lighting is the ideal choice for you. They help create a streamlined aesthetic that can look both elegant or trendy, depending on the rest of your interior design.
Nowadays, you can even opt for “smart” recessed light fixtures which can be integrated to your wireless network. This allows for quick remote control either through a device or a voice-activated system.
Drawbacks of Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting may be more costly at first
Recessed lights usually cost a bit more than traditional fixtures. However, they are still less expensive than other decorative fixtures such as chandeliers. Some people settle for traditional lights because they fear the higher cost of recessed lighting.
However, although recessed light fixtures may cost more initially, they end up saving you more money in the long run since they use less energy. Also, keep in mind that recessed light fixtures are usually sold in sets, which is much more affordable.
Recessed lighting are difficult to change on your own
Since the light bulbs are typically placed behind the fixture, replacing them on your own can be a lot trickier. In most cases, you would need a specific tool to get the bulbs out.
However, although DIY work is more complicated, recessed light fixture replacements by a professional electrician are not too costly.
Ultimately, by contacting an electrician for your electrical work, whether it is a simple fixture installation or intricate electrical wiring repairs, you are safeguarding your safety and your property’s integrity.
Recessed lighting installation is more complex
In order to install recessed light fixtures, your electrician will have to drill holes in your house’s walls and ceiling. Therefore, the installation process is considered messier compared to traditional fixture installation.
Although professional electricians are efficient with any job, consider taking a bit of time off your schedule if you are planning on having recessed lights installed.
Our Top Recessed Lighting Design Tips
The key benefit of recessed lighting is the authentic decorative compositions you can achieve. Below, you will find some recessed lighting design tips that will help you utilize these fixtures more efficiently:
- Don’t place recessed light fixtures too close to one another. Try not to create a straight row as that resembles airports and runways.
- If you are using recessed lights to accentuate a 3D object, try to use two or three different angles. This works well with sculptures, fireplaces, vases, etc.
- Try to match the size of your fixtures to their spacing. As a rule of thumb, if you’re installing 6-inch fixtures, try to place them at least 6 feet apart.
- If you are using recessed light fixtures for task lighting, such as reading or cooking, try to place the fixtures overhead in a way that the light is not blocked by your shoulders or head.
- Generally, if you are trying to light a specific object, recessed lights should be placed about 12 inches away from the front of the object.
Which Brand Should You Pick For Your Recessed Light Fixtures?
There are many different manufacturers that produce high-quality, affordable light fixtures. If you want to go for the big brands, think Phillips, Torchstar, Amico, Sunco or Sylvania. They offer a variety of light fixture models that guarantee a long lifespan, power saving properties, and diverse designs.
However, there are plenty of other secondary brands that guarantee reliable light fixtures at a budget-friendly price. The most important thing you should keep in mind is whether the fixtures have been properly tested and given approval from reputable laboratories and testing agencies.
How Much Does Recessed Lighting Cost?
The cost of installing recessed lighting in your home can vary depending on several different factors. First of all, the overall cost depends on the number of lights you wish to install.
To determine how many recessed lights you need, you should consider the room size and layout, your preferred arrangement and the spacing guidelines for your specific project.
Moreover, the bulb type, trip type and finish also affect the final cost of your recessed lighting installation. Below you will find a table showcasing the average cost to install recessed lighting.
Note: these numbers are an estimate. If you want to learn how much installing recessed lighting would cost for your property, contact Greenway electrical for a 100% free consultation.
| Bulb Type | Cost/bulb | Trim Type | Cost/fixture | Finish Type | Cost/fixture |
| LED | $5 – $50 | Baffle | $5 – $80 | White | $10 – $25 |
| CFL | $3 – $15 | Reflector | $10 – $70 | Gold | $10 – $45 |
| Incandescent | $3 – $40 | Open | $5 – $90 | Chrome | $15 – $85 |
| Fluorescent | $2 – $15 | Slot aperture | $10 – $50 | Bronze | $30 – $60 |
Only a professional electrician can determine the correct cost for installing your recessed light fixtures. Apart from these factors, they will take into account the type of housing you have (IC-rated housing, non-IC rated housing, airtight housing, etc.). They will also consider the existing electrical wiring in your house, as well as your desired fixture locations.