What are the Different Types of Recessed Lighting? Check Out Our Guide

Recessed lighting is a sleek and modern way to brighten up any room without bulky fixtures getting in the way. Installed directly into the ceiling, these lights provide a clean, streamlined look that works well in almost any style of home.

They’re incredibly versatile too – perfect for general lighting, highlighting a feature wall, or creating a cosy atmosphere in a living space. With so many styles, trims and bulb options available, recessed lighting can be customised to suit both your design preferences and functional needs.

Whether you’re renovating, building from scratch, or just updating your lighting, understanding the different types will help you make the right choice for your space. Let’s explore the main options and their unique benefits.

What is Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting (often called “can lights” or “downlights”) is a type of light fixture installed directly into the ceiling, creating a smooth, flush finish that blends seamlessly with your space.

Unlike hanging lights or lamps, recessed lights are set inside the ceiling cavity, so all you see from below is the trim and bulb. This design makes them ideal for a clean, modern look that doesn’t take up visual space.

They’re often used for ambient lighting to brighten a room evenly, task lighting to focus on specific areas like kitchen benches, or accent lighting to highlight artwork and architectural features.

Recessed lighting typically consists of three main parts: the housing (the fixture hidden in the ceiling), the trim (the visible finish), and the bulb. Because they can be customised with different trims, beam angles and light types, they’re a versatile choice for almost any room in your home.

Types of Recessed Lighting by Housing Style

When choosing recessed lighting, the housing is the hidden part installed in your ceiling that holds the light fixture. Different housing styles are designed for different situations:

• New construction housings – Best for homes being built or undergoing major renovations. They’re installed before the ceiling goes in, making wiring and positioning easier.
• Remodel housings – Designed for existing ceilings where you want to add lighting without major structural work. They fit through small cut-outs for a cleaner installation.
• IC-rated housings – Safe to use in contact with insulation, helping prevent overheating and improving energy efficiency. Ideal for insulated ceilings.
• Non-IC-rated housings – Require at least 75mm of clearance from insulation to avoid overheating. Suitable for ceilings without insulation nearby.
• Shallow ceiling housings – Perfect for spaces with limited ceiling depth, like basements or between floors.

Choosing the right housing style ensures your recessed lighting is safe, efficient and well-suited to your home’s structure.

Types of Recessed Lighting by Trim Style

The trim is the visible part of recessed lighting, and it plays a big role in both the look and function of your lights.

Here are the most common recessed lighting trims:

• Baffle trim – Features ribbed interiors that reduce glare, making it ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and cosy spaces.
• Reflector trim – Has a shiny interior to maximise light output, perfect for kitchens, offices or task lighting.
• Adjustable (eyeball) trim – Lets you direct light where you need it, great for highlighting artwork or architectural features.
• Gimbal trim – Similar to eyeball trim but with a lower profile, offering a sleeker look while still being adjustable.
• Open trim – Simple and clean, delivering bright general lighting without extra frills.
• Wall wash trim – Designed to cast soft, even light across a wall, ideal for accenting textures or displays.

By matching the trim style to your room’s purpose and design, you can create the perfect balance of style, function and ambience.

Types of Recessed Lighting by Bulb Type

The type of bulb you choose for recessed lighting affects brightness, colour, energy efficiency, and running costs. Here are the main options:

• LED bulbs – The most energy-efficient choice, LED bulbs last up to 25,000 hours or more. They produce minimal heat, come in various colour temperatures, and are ideal for most spaces.
• Halogen bulbs – Offer bright, crisp light with excellent colour rendering, making them great for task lighting. However, they use more energy and run hotter than LEDs.
• CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs – More energy-efficient than halogens, with a longer lifespan. They take a moment to warm up to full brightness and may not be as compact as LEDs.
• Incandescent bulbs – The traditional choice, producing warm light, but they’re less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan, making them less common today.

Your choice will depend on factors like energy savings, desired light quality and budget. Many homeowners now choose LEDs for their long life, versatility and eco-friendliness.

Choosing the Right Recessed Lighting for Your Space

Selecting the perfect recessed lighting comes down to balancing style, functionality, and efficiency. Here’s what to consider:

• Purpose of the lighting – Decide if it’s for ambient lighting (overall brightness), task lighting (focused areas like kitchens), or accent lighting (highlighting features or art).
• Room size and layout – Larger rooms may need multiple fixtures spaced evenly, while smaller spaces might only require a few well-placed lights.
• Ceiling type and depth – Check if you have enough space for standard housings or if you’ll need shallow options.
• Trim style – Choose a trim that suits the room’s look—sleek open trims for modern designs, or wall wash trims for accenting walls.
• Bulb type – Consider energy efficiency, brightness, and colour temperature; LEDs are the most versatile and cost-effective.
• Dimming options – Install dimmers for adjustable mood lighting and energy savings.

By combining the right housing, trim and bulb type, you can achieve lighting that enhances both the appearance and practicality of your space.

Comparing Recessed Lighting with Other Styles

Recessed lighting fixtures offer a sleek, modern look that other lighting styles can’t always match.

Unlike chandeliers or pendant lights, recessed light fixtures (also called canned lights or recess fixtures) sit flush with the ceiling, making them perfect for rooms where you want a clean, uncluttered feel. They’re especially handy in spaces with low ceiling height, as they don’t take up headroom.

While traditional lamps or mounted fixtures can create focused pools of light, recessed lighting spreads illumination more evenly. You can also pair them with dimmer switches to adjust brightness and set the mood, something not all lighting styles support.

Another advantage is flexibility – by changing the light bulbs, you can shift between warm, cosy tones or bright, energising light.

That said, decorative fixtures like pendants or sconces can add more visual interest, so the choice often comes down to whether you value minimalism or a statement-making design.

Professional Installation vs DIY

When it comes to recessed lighting, you might be wondering if it’s a project you can tackle yourself or one best left to the pros.

While DIY installation can be tempting – especially if you’re handy – it’s important to understand the risks. Recessed lighting involves working with your home’s electrical system and cutting into ceilings, which can lead to safety hazards, wiring mistakes or even damage if done incorrectly.

A fully qualified electrician brings the skills, tools and knowledge to ensure your lights are installed safely, meet building codes and perform efficiently. They can also help you choose the right housing, trim and bulb type for your space.

DIY may be possible for simple remodel housings if you’re confident with electrical work, but for most people, the peace of mind and polished results from a licensed electrician are worth the investment. After all, good lighting isn’t just about looks – it’s about safety and reliability too.

Brighten Up Your Spaces

Recessed lighting is a versatile and stylish way to brighten your home without cluttering your space. With so many options for housing, trim and bulb types, you can tailor your lighting to match your room’s style, function and energy needs.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or simply updating your lighting, understanding the different types helps you make informed choices.

From glare-reducing baffle trims to adjustable eyeball styles, or energy-efficient LEDs to powerful reflector options, there’s a recessed lighting solution for every purpose.

For the best results – and to ensure safety – it’s often worth getting professional installation. With the right setup, your recessed lighting won’t just illuminate your space; it will enhance its atmosphere and make it more functional and inviting.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.