Recessed Lighting: Complete Guide to Planning and Installation
Recessed lighting provides clean, modern illumination without visible fixtures. Whether you're adding lights to a single room or planning a whole-house installation, understanding recessed lighting helps you make smart decisions.
Why Choose Recessed Lighting?
Advantages
- Clean aesthetics: No visible fixtures—just light
- Versatile: Works in any room and ceiling height
- Space-saving: Nothing hangs below ceiling plane
- Focused light: Direct illumination where needed
- Layered lighting: Combine with other fixtures easily
Best Applications
- Kitchens (task and ambient)
- Living rooms (ambient and accent)
- Bathrooms (vanity and shower areas)
- Hallways and entries
- Low ceilings where hanging fixtures won't work
- Home offices and reading areas
Recessed Light Components
Housing (Can)
The metal enclosure installed in the ceiling.
Types: - New construction: Mount to joists before drywall - Remodel (retrofit): Install through finished ceilings - IC-rated: Safe for insulation contact - Non-IC: Requires clearance from insulation
Size options: 4", 5", 6" (diameter) most common
Trim
The visible portion at ceiling level.
Styles: - Baffle: Ridged interior, reduces glare - Reflector: Smooth interior, maximizes light output - Gimbal/eyeball: Adjustable direction - Wall wash: Directs light onto walls - Shower trim: Wet-location rated with lens
Bulb/Light Source
Traditional: Screw-in bulbs (BR30, PAR30)
LED retrofit: Screw-in LED modules replacing trim and bulb
LED integrated: Entire unit with built-in LEDs
Planning Your Layout
General Spacing Guidelines
Rule of thumb: Space lights half the ceiling height apart.
| Ceiling Height | Suggested Spacing |
|---|---|
| 8 feet | 4 feet apart |
| 9 feet | 4.5 feet apart |
| 10 feet | 5 feet apart |
From walls: Half the spacing distance (2-2.5 feet typically)
Room-Specific Planning
Kitchens: - Over counters for task lighting - Centered in general areas - Consider under-cabinet for additional task light - Avoid shadows at work surfaces
Living rooms: - Perimeter placement to wash walls - Centered lights for general illumination - Accent positions for art or features - Often combined with decorative fixtures
Bathrooms: - Over vanity (centered on mirror/sink) - In shower/tub areas (wet-rated required) - General room lighting
Hallways: - Centered down length - 4-6 feet apart depending on width
Choosing Light Output
How Much Light?
General guidelines by room:
| Room | Lumens per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 50-75 |
| Bathroom | 50-75 |
| Living room | 20-30 |
| Bedroom | 20-30 |
| Hallway | 15-20 |
Example: 200 sq ft kitchen × 60 lumens = 12,000 lumens total. With 800-lumen lights, you'd need about 15 lights.
Beam Spread
Narrow spot (15-25°): Accent lighting, artwork
Medium flood (35-45°): Task areas, general purpose
Wide flood (60°+): General room illumination
LED Options
LED Retrofit Kits
What they are: Complete LED module that replaces both trim and bulb.
Advantages: - Easy installation (screws into existing socket) - Modern appearance - Energy efficient - Long life (25,000+ hours) - Dimming compatible (most)
Considerations: - Must match housing size - May extend below ceiling slightly - Check wet location rating for bathrooms
LED Wafer Lights
What they are: Ultra-thin LED fixtures that mount directly to junction box.
Advantages: - No housing needed - Minimal ceiling space required - Very clean, modern look - Works where standard cans won't fit
Ideal for: - Low ceilings - Rooms below other floors - Shallow ceiling cavities
Installation Considerations
What's Above the Ceiling?
Issues to address: - Joists (lights must fit between them) - Insulation (IC-rating required for contact) - Ductwork (may need to work around) - Plumbing/wiring (routing considerations) - Attic access (makes installation easier)
Electrical Requirements
Circuit capacity: - LED recessed lights draw 10-15W each - Many lights on one circuit possible - Consider separate circuits for different zones
Switches: - Dimmer switches recommended - Must be LED-compatible dimmers - Multi-location switching for larger rooms
Insulation Compatibility
IC-rated housings: - Can contact insulation directly - Required in insulated ceilings - Slightly larger/more expensive
Non-IC housings: - Require 3" clearance from insulation - Use in uninsulated spaces only - Fire hazard if covered with insulation
Dimming Recessed Lights
Why Dim?
- Adjust light level for activities
- Create ambiance
- Save energy
- Extend LED life
Dimmer Selection
For LED recessed lights: - Use LED/CFL-rated dimmers - Match minimum load requirements - Check compatibility with specific LEDs - Consider smart dimmers for automation
Common issues with wrong dimmers: - Flickering - Buzzing - Limited dimming range - Lights not turning on at low settings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Spacing: - Too few lights (dark spots) - Uneven spacing (looks haphazard) - Too close to walls (harsh shadows on walls)
Selection: - Wrong beam spread for application - Mismatched color temperatures - Non-IC housing in insulated ceiling
Installation: - Cutting holes too large - Hitting joists or obstacles - Incompatible dimmers
Cost Expectations
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LED retrofit kit | $15-$40 each |
| LED wafer light | $20-$50 each |
| Remodel housing | $10-$25 each |
| LED dimmer switch | $25-$75 |
| Professional installation (per light) | $75-$150 |
Full room (kitchen, 10 lights): $800-$1,500 installed with dimmers.
Ready to Add Recessed Lighting?
We design and install recessed lighting systems tailored to your rooms and needs. From layout planning to final installation, we handle the complete project.
Contact us for a recessed lighting consultation.