Best Recessed Lighting Options for Your Home: Our Top 18 Picks

Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of the best recessed lighting options available in the market. If you’re looking for an efficient and stylish way to enhance your home’s lighting, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at various recessed lighting types and provide you with valuable insights and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Govee Retrofit LED Non-Removable Recessed Downlight with RGBWW Light Color

Experience the magic of vibrant lighting with Govee Smart Retrofit Recessed Lights, available in a 4-inch size.](https://medium.com/@eveliaashurst/smart-recessed-lightings-749f574e9cf6) These smart downlights offer flexible connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to control the lights directly from your smartphone. With 16 million color options, 0-100% dimmable brightness, and 65 preset scene modes, you can create the perfect atmosphere for any space. The easy installation process and all-in-one group control feature make managing your lights a breeze, while two-way control through the Govee Home app or voice assistants provides ultimate convenience.

Philips Hue Colorful Recessed Lighting

Transform your home decor and enhance your mood with the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance smart retrofit LED downlight. This sleek 5/6-inch downlight features millions of warm-to-cool white and color-changing shades to suit your style. With up to 1100 lumens of brightness and Bluetooth connectivity, you can dim, brighten, and create the perfect atmosphere with the Philips Hue app. The Hue ecosystem allows you to control 50 lights and accessories, automations, and smart control from anywhere in the world-all with the convenience of voice control. Whether for bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchens, this Philips Hue LED light adds a touch of elegance and versatility to your space.

Halo Recessed Light Fixture: Energy Efficient, Dedicated LED Lighting for Damp Locations

Dive into the world of Halo Surface Mount Recessed Light Fixture, featuring a sleek and modern design that seamlessly blends into any room.](https://medium.com/@caslascala90/brighten-up-your-space-with-the-best-halo-recessed-lighting-our-top-11-picks-c76904b9a333) This hassle-free installation process is a breeze, with no need for clips or plates. The energy-efficient LED technology provides crisp and bright lighting while consuming significantly less energy, resulting in lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental footprint. The dimmable feature allows you to customize the lighting to fit your desired mood and needs. With a lifetime of 50,000 hours, these durable lights from Halo are a wise investment for your home. Elevate your living space with the Halo Surface Mount Recessed Light Fixture.

Halo Ltb 6 LED Recessed Light with Adjustable CCT and Dimmable Retrofit Trim

Experience effortless lighting customization with the Halo LTB6-DM, a versatile 6-inch recessed light that can be used in new construction, remodeling, and retrofits. With a field-selectable color temperature ranging from 3000K to 5000K, this canless light boasts a sleek design that seamlessly blends into various interiors. Suitable for dry and wet locations, the LTB6-DM delivers up to 805 lumens of luminous output while providing ultimate glare reduction through its regressed baffle design. The dimmable feature pairs perfectly with compatible phase cut dimmers, making it an excellent choice for general area downlighting in single-family and multi-family applications.

Halo Canless EZ-Trim 4 Inch Recessed Light

The Halo CEZ canless direct mount recessed light is a user-friendly, versatile solution for both residential and commercial settings. Its canless design offers a modern, clean look while allowing you to save on installation costs. The 4-inch white trim with a white baffle makes it suitable for shallow plenum spaces. Simply use a compatible LED lamp (purchased separately) to create a sleek and functional lighting system.

NICOR Square Trim 6 in. Square LED Recessed Downlight

Experience exceptional recessed lighting with the DQR6 from NICOR. This 6 in. square trim LED downlight effortlessly fits into retrofit and new construction projects, while boasting a sleek square-trim design. Engineered for energy efficiency, the LED light engine draws only 16-Watts, producing an impressive 1400 lumens. The enriched 90+ CRI light output ensures superior color quality, meeting new industry standards like Title 24. Enjoy the perfect blend of style and functionality with this top-rated LED downlight.

Halo Halo 6 inch LED Recessed Light with Customizable Color Temperature

Introducing Halo’s HLB 6-inch LED Recessed Lights, a perfect fit for your home’s lighting needs. With an easy-to-install design and a wide range of color temperature settings, these lights create a cozy atmosphere throughout your house. The LED driver offers 120-volt dimming capability and provides uniform illumination, while the wet location listing ensures durability. With its attractive round matte white finish, these lights seamlessly blend into your home’s decor. Try them for yourself and experience the convenience of lighting that’s both stylish and practical.

Progress Lighting Edgelit Recessed Lighting

Progress Lighting’s Edgelit Recessed downlight offers a sleek, low-profile design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics. With no need for housing or J-box, installation is a breeze, and it’s perfect for a wide range of residential, commercial, and hospitality applications. The energy-efficient lighting provides impressive savings of up to 75% and a remarkable LED life of up to 50,000 hours. Dim it effortlessly to up to 10% without any flicker, thanks to compatibility with various forward phase and electronic low-voltage dimmers. This downlight is truly a top-notch, versatile lighting solution for a multitude of spaces.

Energy-Saving 4-Inch White LED Slimline Recessed Lighting Kit

Globe Electric’s Slimline Recessed Lighting Kits elevate your lighting experience with their adjustable trim and easy installation features. These kits are perfect for damp areas such as bathrooms and drop ceilings, all while being energy-efficient and long-lasting. With a 5.0-star rating and glowing reviews from customers, these integrated LED lights are a top choice for recessed lighting.

24 Pack LED Can Lights for Recessed Lighting

Transform your space with the Sunco Lighting 24 Pack 5/6 inch LED Can Lights. This retrofit recessed lighting solution quickly integrates into your existing 5” or 6” can and boasts a dimmable feature along with selectable color temperatures of 3000K/4000K/5000K/6000K/6500K. With an energy-efficient 13W LED being equivalent to 60W, you’ll enjoy a quality lighting experience without breaking the bank. Say goodbye to traditional can lights and hello to an elegant workspace with this affordable, versatile, and easy-to-install option.

Lotos Wireless Recessed Downlight for Adjustable Ambient Lighting

The Lotos LED Recessed Kit offers a sleek design that combines high-quality light output and efficiency, all while eliminating the need for a large housing. Available in a downlight version for general ambient lighting, this innovative product can be easily installed as a remodel or new construction with an optional frame-in kit. With a 4.7 rating from satisfied customers and an array of 5-CCT options, Lotos LED Recessed Downlight is a top choice for those seeking recessed lighting with exceptional quality and adaptability.

Halo Ltb 4 in. Selectable CCT Recessed Lighting

This HALO LTB4-DM is a versatile 4-inch canless recessed light, perfect for new construction, remodels, and retrofits without the need for a housing or j-box. It offers field selectable color temperature, allowing you to customize your lighting with ease. The canless design is ideal for both dry and wet locations and fits in ultra-shallow ceiling plenums. With a maximum output of 700 lumens, this light delivers ultimate glare reduction thanks to its regressed baffle design and dims to 10% with compatible phase cut dimmers, making it perfect for general area downlighting in single and multi-family applications.

Hue Philips Recessed Lighting 4-Pack

Savvy smart lighting enthusiasts will appreciate the Hue Philips White Ambiance recessed downlight, boasting 4.4-star reviews and offering 4-packs of 12W, Bluetooth-enabled bulbs. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, these lights bring up to 1100 lumens of brightness to your space. With downloadable Philips Hue app control, you’ll easily adjust brightness and color temperatures to your desired settings. The added convenience of voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant makes this the ultimate lighting solution.

Utilitech Colorful 6-in-1 Recessed Lighting System

Elevate your lighting game with the Utilitech Canless Recessed Lighting Kit. This innovative solution brings an easy DIY installation to your hands, without the need for an existing recessed can or junction box in the ceiling. Perfect for low plenum clearance, these lights are ideal for indoor and outdoor residential, hospitality, commercial, and multifamily applications. With a color temperature range from warm to cool white, these LED lights offer exceptional energy efficiency without compromising on style. Experience hassle-free installation and enjoy the convenience of dimmable lighting for your various spaces.

Commercial Electric 6 in. LED Recessed Light with Night Light Feature (670 Lumens, 11-Watt, Dimmable)

Upgrade the lighting in your space with this versatile Commercial Electric LED color-changing recessed light. With five color temperature options and a warm night light feature, you can easily create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. The energy-efficient LED technology delivers up to 670 Lumens of brightness while using only 11-Watts, making it a cost-saving choice. Ideal for multiple rooms, it’s wet rated for outdoor applications and backed by a 5-year warranty.

Infibrite Recessed LED Light Kit: Wet Rated, High-Luminosity, Ultra-Thin Design for Home Upgrades

Elevate your home’s atmosphere with Infibrite’s sleek 6-inch canless LED recessed lighting kit. Perfect for fitting into tight spaces and replacing existing lighting, these lights also boast a wet-rated design, ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens. With an easy, DIY installation process, these bright, 1050-lumen lights provide a modern touch to any room.

6-Pack White LED Remodel Construction Recessed Lighting for Easy Installation

Easily brighten up your space with the convenient Halo 6-Pack White LED Recessed Lighting. Say goodbye to traditional j-boxes, as these lights require no housing or j-box for installation. Simply cut a hole, wire, and mount for a seamless setup. The repositionable driver junction box ensures flexibility, while the 5-color temperature settings provide a warm to daylight atmosphere that’s perfect for living rooms, bathrooms, and more. With energy-saving and long-lasting LED technology, this versatile lighting fixture is a must-have for any home.

Halo 6” Recessed LED Lighting Kit

Introducing Halo’s HLB Lite, a value-packed MicroEdge offering perfect for your remodeling project. With its round polymer trim and smooth lens, this canless recessed downlight delivers up to 1000 lumens and is suitable for both new construction and remodeling. Its simplified installation in drywall or suspended ceilings reduces installation time and saves money. Plus, with its high color rendering and three color field selectable color temperature, this Halo Lite provides excellent color performance for your space.

Buyer’s Guide

Recessed lighting has become a popular choice for homeowners and professionals alike, providing a clean and modern look while illuminating spaces effectively. However, with so many options available, choosing the right recessed light can be overwhelming. This buyer’s guide will help you understand the essential features, considerations, and advice for selecting the perfect recessed lighting for your needs.

Understanding Recessed Lighting Sizes

Recessed lights come in various sizes, typically measured in inches (diameter) and usually denoted as a trim size, which is the portion of the light visible after installation. Common sizes include 3”, 4”, 5”, 6”, and larger options for residential and commercial use. Consider the size of your ceiling and the desired lighting coverage when selecting the right size for your needs. Smaller lights provide more focused illumination, while larger lights offer broader coverage.

Choosing the Right Trim Type

Recessed lights have different trim types designed for specific applications and aesthetics. Some common trim types include baffle, egg crate, and slim. Baffle trim is popular for residential settings due to its affordability, ease of installation, and effective noise reduction. Egg crate trim is ideal for spaces that require better control and adjustment, such as in home theaters or conference rooms. Slim trim is perfect for spaces with low ceilings or for those who want a sleeker, more minimalist look.

Light Source Evaluation

Recessed lights come with different light sources, such as incandescent, halogen, LED, or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). LED lights are an energy-efficient and long-lasting option, making them a popular choice for many households. They also offer a wide range of color temperatures and color rendering indexes (CRI) to suit different lighting needs. When choosing a light source, consider the space’s requirements, energy efficiency, and maintenance.

Installation Factors

Ensure that the recessed lights you choose are compatible with your ceiling type and existing electrical wiring. Also, consider the necessary housing depth and backbox compatibility for proper installation. Installing recessed lights can be a complex process, so consulting a professional electrician or following detailed installation instructions is recommended for optimal results.

FAQ

What is recessed lighting?

Recessed lighting refers to a type of lighting fixture where the light source is recessed or sunken into the ceiling or a wall. It provides a sleek and unobtrusive appearance, making it popular in modern and contemporary interior designs. Recessed lighting can be used to highlight specific areas, provide general ambient light, or accentuate architectural features.

The main advantage of recessed lighting is its ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding space, creating a clean and minimalist look. It is also energy-efficient and durable, as the fixtures are usually encased in a protective housing to prevent dust and debris accumulation. Some recessed lights are also dimmable, allowing for further customization of the lighting mood.

What are the different types of recessed lighting?

There are several types of recessed lighting, including:

1. Canned lights: These are the most common and basic type of recessed lighting, featuring a round or square housing and a bulb. Canned lights can be installed in residential or commercial settings. 2. In-cabinet lights: These are designed for use in cabinets, closets, or other confined spaces where standard recessed lights may not fit. 3. Surface-mounted lights: These are mounted on the surface of the ceiling or wall, providing an alternative to traditional recessed lighting. 4. Track lighting: This consists of multiple recessed lights mounted on a single track, allowing for greater flexibility in directing light.

2. Linear lights: Also known as edge-lit lights, these recessed lights create light by illuminating the edge of a translucent or opaque panel, resulting in a uniform and stylish lighting effect. Linear lights are often used for accent lighting or to create a modern aesthetic. 6. Trimless lights: These recessed lights have a trimless design, with the light source and housing integrated into a single unit. This minimalistic look is perfect for achieving a sleek and seamless appearance.

What are the benefits of recessed lighting?

The primary benefits of recessed lighting include:

1. Aesthetic appeal: Recessed lighting provides a contemporary and clean look, blending well with the surrounding environment. 2. Energy efficiency: Many recessed lights utilize energy-efficient LED bulbs, which offer significant energy savings compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. 3. Versatility: Recessed lighting can be installed in various settings, including residential and commercial spaces, and can be used for general or task-specific lighting purposes.

2. Customization: Recessed lights come in various sizes, shapes, and finishes, allowing for customization to suit specific design preferences and lighting needs. Some recessed lights are also dimmable, offering additional control over the lighting mood and energy consumption. 5. Durability: Recessed lighting fixtures are usually encased in a protective housing, ensuring a long lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.

What factors should I consider when choosing recessed lighting?

When selecting recessed lighting, consider the following factors:

1. Placement: Determine the ideal locations for the recessed lights within the space, taking into account the desired lighting effect and any architectural features that require highlighting. 2. Type and wattage: Choose the appropriate type and wattage of the recessed lights to meet your lighting needs and energy efficiency goals.

2. Controls: If you require dimmable or adjustable lighting, ensure the recessed lights are compatible with the desired control system. 4. Aesthetics: Select recessed lights that match your design preferences and complement the overall look of the space. 5. Installation: Ensure that the chosen recessed lights are compatible with the existing ceiling or wall structure and that the installation process is within your skill set or budget.

How do I install recessed lighting?

Installing recessed lighting typically involves the following steps:

1. Locate the studs: Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the ceiling or wall, ensuring that the recessed lights will be securely attached. 2. Center the holes: Measure and mark the center of the recessed light holes, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and centered.

2. Cut the holes: Using a jigsaw or hole saw, cut the holes in the ceiling or wall, following the marked centers. 4. Install the recessed light housing: Attach the recessed light housing to the ceiling or wall using screws, ensuring that the housing is securely fastened. 5. Connect the wires: Connect the wiring from the recessed light to the existing electrical system, following local electrical codes and safety guidelines.

What maintenance is required for recessed lighting?

Recessed lighting typically requires minimal maintenance. However, it is essential to:

1. Clean the fixtures: Regularly clean the recessed light fixtures to remove dust and debris, ensuring that the light is not obstructed and that the fixture remains functional. 2. Check bulbs: Periodically inspect the light bulbs for signs of wear or damage, replacing them as needed to maintain optimal lighting performance and energy efficiency.

2. Ensure proper ventilation: If recessed lights are used in an enclosed space, such as a bathroom or kitchen, ensure that proper ventilation is in place to prevent moisture buildup and potential damage to the fixtures. Regularly inspect the lighting area for signs of moisture or mold and address them promptly.

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