Recessed lighting, also known as downlights, can lights, or recessed ceiling lights, is a type of lighting fixture installed flush within a hollow opening in the ceiling. This low-profile design creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic by tucking the fixture away for an uncluttered look. Prized for its versatility, recessed lighting can provide broad ambient illumination, focused task lighting, or dramatic accent lighting, with modern LED recessed lighting offering the best in energy efficiency.
Benefits of Recessed Lighting and Downlights
Modern recessed lighting is a versatile and stylish solution that offers more than just illumination.
- Create a Clean, Spacious Feel: Because recessed ceiling lights sit flush with your ceiling, they create an open, uncluttered look that makes rooms feel larger and ceilings appear higher.
- Unmatched Lighting Versatility: The primary strength of recessed lights is their adaptability. You can use them for broad ambient lighting, focused task lighting over a counter, or dramatic accent lighting on artwork.
- Boost Efficiency and Home Value: Upgrading to LED recessed lighting significantly lowers energy bills and provides tens of thousands of hours of maintenance-free use. This permanent, modern upgrade also enhances your home's appeal and value.
Choosing Your Style: Recessed Can Lights vs. Canless LEDs
Your biggest choice will be between a traditional can-style system and a modern all-in-one canless light.
| Feature | Traditional Recessed Can Lights | Modern Canless Recessed Lighting |
| Structure | Two-part system: a housing installed in the ceiling plus a separate LED can lights trim. | All-in-one ultra-thin recessed light (or wafer light) with an integrated driver. |
| Best For | New construction projects where you want the long-term flexibility to change trims. | Remodels, shallow ceilings, basements, and areas with obstructions where can lights won't fit. |
| Installation | Housing is installed first, requiring more planning and vertical ceiling depth. | Fast and simple. The slim fixture snaps directly into a hole cut in the drywall. |
Explore Our Recessed Lighting Collections
Find the exact component you need by browsing our specialized subcollections.
- Retrofit Kits: Easily upgrade your old fixtures to efficient LED recessed lighting.
- Canless Lights: The perfect solution for shallow ceilings and easy installs.
- Gimbals: Use adjustable recessed lighting for sloped ceilings or to highlight art.
- Wet Rated: For showers, bathrooms, and outdoor recessed lighting in soffits.
- Smart: Control your recessed lights with Wi-Fi, an app, or your voice.
- Fire Rated: Code-compliant fixtures for multi-family and commercial properties.
- Trimless: "Mud-in" fixtures for a seamless, architectural plaster-in finish.
- Housings: The foundational cans for new construction projects.
- Sizes & Shapes: From 2-inch mini-lights to 8-inch commercial downlights, in classic Round or modern Square.
Shop Recessed Lighting, Can Lights & LED Downlights
At Bees Lighting, we have every type of recessed lighting you need to complete your project. From foundational recessed can lights to the latest in LED recessed lighting technology, you'll find the perfect fit. If you have questions or need help with a layout, call our lighting experts at 855-303-0665.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing recessed lights?
What should I consider when choosing recessed lights?
What is the difference between can lights and canless recessed lights?
What is the difference between can lights and canless recessed lights?
What are the benefits of LED recessed lighting?
What are the benefits of LED recessed lighting?
Can recessed lights be installed in an existing ceiling?
Can recessed lights be installed in an existing ceiling?
Are recessed lights energy-efficient?
Are recessed lights energy-efficient?
