What Is Recessed Lighting?

Hanging light fixtures can look beautiful in the right environment, but they're not suitable for every home.

If you long for an uncluttered aesthetic or want to avoid banging your head on a pendant light, recessed lighting could be the answer.

Recessed lighting is a type of lighting fixture set directly in a wall or ceiling. The light's housing is concealed behind the wall material, leaving just the decorative trim and bulb visible. Several types of recessed lights are available, including adjustable lights that let you change the beam direction and lights with reflectors that increase the beam's intensity.

What's the Difference Between Recessed and Can Lights?

Can lights are a particular type of recessed lighting designed for downlighting. They comprise a lightbulb housed in a cylindrical case like a can. The housing sits flush with the ceiling, making can lights a good choice for compact spaces or rooms with low ceilings.

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Where Is Recessed Lighting Most Often Used?

Recessed lighting is most commonly used in living areas like kitchens, sitting rooms and bathrooms. Angled recessed lights are also a popular option for drawing attention to wall art and other architectural features. You can install recessed lighting outdoors, but you'll need to purchase waterproof fixtures.

Is Recessed Lighting Outdated?

In the 1960s, recessed lighting was considered a futuristic and fashionable way to light living spaces. Therefore, some people worry that recessed lighting is likely to become outdated and avoid installing it in their homes. However, recessed lighting remains popular because it allows even light distribution without drawing attention away from other home features, so there's no real danger of it going out of style.