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Collection: 3 Inch Recessed Lighting & Small Downlights

The perfect compromise between accent and general light, our 3 Inch Recessed Lights are highly versatile. Shop small downlights and trim kits ideal for illuminating low-ceiling hallways, providing focused light over vanities, or adding subtle task lighting to smaller kitchen counters.

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16 products

Sylvania Gimbal LED Downlight - Bees Lighting
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Sylvania

3" Gimbal LED Downlight, 500 Lumens, Selectable CCT, Black Finish

Regular price $21.88
Sale price $21.88 Regular price $0.00
Sylvania LEDVANCE Slim CCT Selectable Microdisk 3A Recessed Downlight - Bees Lighting
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Sylvania

Microdisk 3" LED Canless Downlight, 500 Lumens, 5-CCT, 120V

Regular price $14.48
Sale price $14.48 Regular price $0.00
RAB Gimbal Downlights CCT Adjustable - Bees Lighting
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RAB Lighting

3" Canless Gimbal Downlight, 600 Lm, 5-CCT, 38° Spot, White Smooth Trim

Regular price $50.00
Sale price $50.00 Regular price $0.00
RAB CRX High-Output, Field-Adjustable Downlights - Bees Lighting
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RAB Lighting

3" High-Output Commercial Downlight, 1500 Lm, 5-CCT, 120-277V, ELV/0-10V

Regular price $47.00
Sale price $47.00 Regular price $0.00
RAB 3" Round Downlight CCT Adjustable - Bees Lighting
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RAB Lighting

3" Canless LED Recessed Light, 650 Lumens, 5-CCT, Round Baffle Trim

Regular price $37.00
Sale price $37.00 Regular price $0.00
RAB 3" Square Downlight CCT Adjustable - Bees Lighting
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RAB Lighting

3" Canless LED Recessed Light, 650 Lumens, 5-CCT, Square Baffle Trim

Regular price $37.00
Sale price $37.00 Regular price $0.00
RAB 3" Square Downlight CCT Adjustable - Bees Lighting
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RAB Lighting

3" Canless LED Recessed Light, 1000 Lumens, 5-CCT, Square Baffle Trim

Regular price $40.00
Sale price $40.00 Regular price $0.00
RAB 3" Round Downlight CCT Adjustable - Bees Lighting
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RAB Lighting

3" Canless LED Recessed Light, 650 Lumens, 5-CCT, Round Smooth Trim

Regular price $37.00
Sale price $37.00 Regular price $0.00
Kenric 3.5″ 5CCT Trimless Adjustable Downlight, 1450 Lumens, White Finish - Bees Lighting

WAC Lighting

Kenric 3.5" 5CCT Round Trimless Adjustable Downlight, 1450 Lumens, White

Regular price $87.95
Sale price $87.95 Regular price $0.00
Kenric 3.5″ 5CCT Trimless Adjustable Downlight, 1450 Lumens, White Finish - Bees Lighting

WAC Lighting

Kenric 3.5" 5CCT Square Trimless Adjustable Downlight, 1450 Lumens, White

Regular price $87.95
Sale price $87.95 Regular price $0.00
Patriot 3" 5CCT Downlight, 1000 Lumens, White Finish - Bees Lighting

WAC Lighting

Patriot 3" 5CCT Round Remodel Adjustable Downlight, 1000 Lumens, White

Regular price $117.95
Sale price $117.95 Regular price $0.00
Patriot 3" 5CCT Downlight, 1000 Lumens, White Finish - Bees Lighting

WAC Lighting

Patriot 3" 5CCT Round Remodel Downlight, 1035 Lumens, White

Regular price $117.95
Sale price $117.95 Regular price $0.00
Patriot 3" 5CCT Downlight, 1000 Lumens, White Finish - Bees Lighting

WAC Lighting

Patriot 3" 5CCT Square Remodel Adjustable Downlight, 1000 Lumens, White

Regular price $117.95
Sale price $117.95 Regular price $0.00
Patriot 3" 5CCT Downlight, 1000 Lumens, White Finish - Bees Lighting

WAC Lighting

Patriot 3" 5CCT Square Remodel Downlight, 1035 Lumens, White

Regular price $117.95
Sale price $117.95 Regular price $0.00
RAB CRLED 3" Deep-Regress Commercial Downlight - Bees Lighting

RAB Lighting

3" Deep Regress Commercial Downlight, 650 Lm, 4-CCT, White Finish

Regular price $45.71
Sale price $45.71 Regular price $0.00
RAB CRLED 3" Deep-Regress Commercial Downlight - Bees Lighting

RAB Lighting

3" Deep Regress Commercial Downlight, 600 Lm, 4-CCT, Matte Silver Finish

Regular price $45.71
Sale price $45.71 Regular price $0.00

3 inch recessed lighting offers a perfect middle ground between the pinpoint accent of a 2-inch light and the broad illumination of a 4-inch light. These small recessed lights are prized for their versatility, providing a clean, modern look while delivering substantial, high-quality light.

The Versatile Choice: Where to Use 3 Inch Lights

The 3 recessed lighting fixture is an excellent all-rounder, popular in both residential and high-end commercial design.

  • Targeted Task Lighting: The focused beam of a 3 inch recessed downlight is perfect for kitchens, providing bright, crisp light directly over countertops and islands.
  • Hallways & Closets: Ideal for hallways, entryways, and walk-in closets, especially in areas with lower ceilings where a larger light might feel overpowering.
  • Accent & Wall Washing: When used with a gimbal or adjustable trim, 3 inch can lights are a favorite tool for architects to highlight artwork or wash a wall with light.
  • General Lighting (in multiples): In a small- to medium-sized room, a grid of 3 inch recessed lighting fixtures can provide beautiful, even ambient illumination with a very modern, discreet appearance.

Small Fixture, Big Performance

With modern LED technology, 3 inch can lights pack a powerful punch, often producing as many lumens as older, 6-inch incandescent lights. This allows you to get bright, functional light from a fixture that is subtle and blends seamlessly into your ceiling.

Shop 3 Inch Recessed Downlights

Discover the perfect balance of size and performance with 3 inch recessed lighting. Whether you need focused task lighting or a modern ambient solution, this collection has the small recessed lights you need. Need help with a layout? Call our lighting specialists at 855-303-0665.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 3 inch recessed lights bright enough for general lighting?

Yes, when used in a grid. While a single 3 inch recessed downlight is more focused than a 6-inch one, a layout of multiple 3-inch lights (e.g., spaced 3-4 feet apart) is a very common and modern way to provide full, ambient light for a room.

What's the main difference between 3 inch and 4 inch recessed lights?

It's primarily an aesthetic and beam-width difference. A 3-inch light offers a slightly more "architectural," high-end look with a more defined light beam. A 4-inch light is the versatile "modern standard" that provides a slightly wider light spread for general lighting.

How far apart should I space 3 inch recessed lights?

For general lighting in an 8-foot ceiling, a spacing of 3 to 4 feet apart is a good starting point. For task lighting over a counter, you might place them closer, around 24 inches apart.

Are 3 inch lights a good choice for a kitchen?

They are an excellent choice. A row of 3 recessed lighting fixtures over your countertops or a grid of them over an island provides precise, bright task lighting right where you need it.

Do 3 inch lights come in canless (wafer) models?

Yes. You can find 3 inch recessed lighting in all the most popular styles, including new construction 3 inch can lights, remodel housings, and ultra-thin canless wafer lights.