Recessed lighting (also called can lights or pot lights) provides clean, unobtrusive illumination that transforms the feel of any room. Whether you're updating a kitchen, finishing a basement, or modernizing throughout your home, recessed lights offer flexibility traditional fixtures can't match.
Why Choose Recessed Lighting?
Aesthetic benefits:
- Clean, modern look
- No protruding fixtures
- Makes ceilings feel higher
- Highlights artwork and features
Practical benefits:
- Even illumination across rooms
- Dimmable for ambiance
- No dust-collecting fixtures
- Works in low-ceiling areas
LED vs. Traditional Recessed Lights
Modern LED recessed lights have made older can lights obsolete:
LED Advantages
- 75% less energy than incandescent
- 25,000+ hour lifespan
- Less heat output
- Instant on (no warm-up)
- Available in various color temperatures
- Many are dimmable
Types of LED Recessed Lights
Integrated LED (Wafer Style)
- All-in-one design
- Very low profile
- No separate bulb to change
- Replace entire unit when LED fails
Retrofit LED
- Fits into existing can housings
- Great for upgrading older lights
- Bulb/module replaceable
Traditional Housing + LED Bulb
- Standard can with screw-in LED
- Most flexible for future changes
- Higher profile than wafer lights
For new installations, we typically recommend integrated LED wafer lights for their slim profile and clean appearance.
Electrical work for St. Charles & St. Louis County homes
Free on-site estimate, flat price before any work starts.
Sizing and Spacing
Size Guide
- 4-inch: Accent lighting, small spaces
- 6-inch: General purpose, most common
- 8-inch: High ceilings, large rooms
Spacing Rules of Thumb
General illumination:
- Divide ceiling height by 2 for approximate spacing
- 8-foot ceiling = lights about 4 feet apart
- 9-foot ceiling = lights about 4.5 feet apart
Task lighting:
- Closer spacing over work areas
- 2-3 feet apart in kitchens
Accent lighting:
- Place 12-18 inches from walls for wall washing
- Adjust for artwork/feature placement
Proper spacing prevents dark spots and harsh shadows.
Color Temperature
LED color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K):
- 2700K (Warm White): Yellowish, cozy feel. Best for living rooms, bedrooms
- 3000K (Soft White): Slightly warmer, versatile. Good for most residential
- 3500K (Neutral): Between warm and cool. Good for kitchens, bathrooms
- 4000K (Cool White): Crisp, energizing. Good for offices, garages
- 5000K+ (Daylight): Very bright, blue tint. Task areas, workshops
For most St. Louis homes, 2700K-3000K creates the most comfortable atmosphere.
IC-Rated vs. Non-IC Housings
IC-Rated (Insulation Contact)
- Can touch insulation safely
- Required where ceiling has insulation above
- Most residential applications
Non-IC
- Must maintain clearance from insulation
- Creates fire hazard if insulation touches
- Rarely appropriate for modern homes
Always use IC-rated housings in insulated ceilings.
New Construction vs. Remodel
New Construction Housings
- Install before drywall
- Attach to joists
- More support options
- Slightly lower cost
Remodel Housings
- Install through finished ceiling
- Clips grip drywall from above
- No attic access needed
- Spring or click-lock retention
Most work in existing homes uses remodel housings.
Common Recessed Lighting Projects
Kitchen Lighting
- General illumination across ceiling
- Task lighting over counters and island
- Usually 6-inch lights on dimmers
- 3000K-3500K color temperature
Living Room Lighting
- Perimeter lighting for ambiance
- Accent lights for artwork
- Usually 4 or 6-inch on dimmers
- 2700K-3000K color temperature
Bathroom Lighting
- Must be wet-rated in shower areas
- Even illumination for grooming
- 3000K-4000K color temperature
Basement Finishing
- Grid pattern for even coverage
- Wafer lights ideal for low ceilings
- Plan around ductwork and beams
Installation Considerations
What we check before installation:
- Ceiling joist locations
- Existing wiring paths
- Insulation type and depth
- Any obstacles (ducts, pipes)
- Attic accessibility
Permits: Required for new circuits in most St. Louis jurisdictions
Why Professional Installation?
Recessed lighting installation involves:
- Cutting holes precisely in the right locations
- Running wire through walls/ceilings
- Proper electrical connections
- Understanding ceiling structure
- Managing existing insulation
DIY mistakes we commonly repair:
- Holes cut in wrong locations
- Improper IC-rating for application
- Circuits overloaded with too many lights
- Poor dimmer compatibility
Service Areas
We install recessed lighting throughout the St. Louis metro including Chesterfield, Ballwin, Wildwood, Creve Coeur, Town and Country, Manchester, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, O'Fallon, St. Peters, St. Charles, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Cottleville.
Transform Your Space
Schedule a recessed lighting consultation and we'll help you plan the perfect lighting design.