Recessed lighting delivers sleek, modern illumination that enhances any room without taking up space. If you're wondering how to choose recessed lighting for your home upgrade, this complete guide covers planning, sizing, installation, and more to help you get it right the first time.
1. Plan Your Lighting
Before you begin, it’s important to consider the location of your recessed lights and think about what purpose you want them to serve.
Best Use Cases for Recessed Downlights
- General Lighting — Evenly lights living rooms, kitchens, hallways.
- Task Lighting — Brightens counters, offices, bathrooms.
- Accent Lighting — Spotlights art, shelves, features.
- Ambient Lighting — Soft glow for bedrooms, lounges.
2. Sketch Room Layout
A simple sketch helps you visualize where your downlights will go in relation to your room’s focal points — such as counters, artwork, or furniture.
Pro tip: If your room doesn’t have a standout feature, start your lighting layout from the center of the room and work outward. You don’t need to be an artist — a basic drawing is all you need to plan effectively.
3. Choose the Right Downlights
Size Guideline
Recessed lights typically range from 3 to 6 inches in diameter. The right size depends on your space and lighting goals:
- 3 to 4-inch lights — Ideal for accent lighting or task lighting over countertops.
- 5 to 6-inch lights — Best for general lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways.
Trim Styles
- Baffle Trim — Features ribbed interiors to reduce glare and soften the light.
- Adjustable Head — Direct light where needed, perfect for highlighting artwork or specific areas.
- Square Trim — A modern, stylish alternative to traditional round trims.
- Modular Trim — Allows you to connect end-to-end for elegant streamlined custom shapes.
Color Temperatures (K)
The color temperature of your recessed lights — measured in Kelvins (K) — affects the overall feel of your room:- 2700K-3000K – Creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for bedrooms and living spaces.
- 3500K-4000K – Offers a bright yet comfortable light, great for kitchens and workspaces.
- 5000K – Mimics natural daylight, ideal for task lighting and laundry rooms.
4. Determine How Many Lights You Need
If recessed lights are your primary light source, a simple rule of thumb is to install one fixture per 25 square feet (5ft x 5ft). See fig. 1
Tip: Be sure to space them evenly to ensure balanced illumination without dark spots.
If you are using recessed lights as accent lighting, placement should be determined by what is being accented. Be sure to place your light at least 2 feet from your wall. See fig. 2
5. Pick Your Installation Method
Recessed downlights come with different installation options depending on your space and experience level:
- Junction Box — Downlights with a Junction Box (also called J-Box) or integrated junction box are directly wired to your home’s electrical system.
- E26 Base Adapter — A great option if you have existing recessed cans with an E26 (screw-in) base. These retrofit lights easily replace old bulbs without rewiring.
- Quick Connect System — Easily connects multiple canless downlights to a single power supply for fast, tool-free installation. See Quick Connect System starter kit.
6. Explore More Features
Today’s recessed lights go beyond basic illumination. Look for convenient, high-performance features such as:
- Adjustable White Recessed Lights — Features multiple shades of white light allowing you to select the perfect light for any task throughout your day.
- Smart Recessed Lights – Control brightness, color, and scheduling through the Feit Electric app or voice assistant (Alexa, Google Home).
- Canless Recessed Lights – Simplify installation with slim housings ideal for remodels or tight ceilings.
- Adjustable Head Lights – Aim light exactly where you want it.
- High-Output Lights – Deliver extra brightness for large or high-ceiling spaces.
- Dimmable Lights – Customize light intensity for any setting or time of day.
Get Started with Feit Electric Recessed Downlights
Upgrading to recessed lighting boosts aesthetics and function effortlessly. From DIY retrofits to custom installs, these tips ensure success. Explore our collection of recessed lighting options to find the perfect fit for your home!
