Recessed Lighting

Recessed Lighting Trims & Housings

LED Downlight Module for Recessed Lights LED fixture Grand Prize Winner Uses only 12 watts 92 CRI, 650 lumens Dimmable $94.90 Learn more 2-Inch LOW Voltage Trims & Housings 12V MR11 or MR16 halogen lamp Black, white, chrome, gold Dimmable Unit includes trim and housing Starts at $23.40 Learn more 3-Inch LOW Voltage Recessed Trims 13 Models White, black, chrome, gold Diameter: about 3.5in Starts at $22.95 Learn more	LED 4-Inch Recessed Downlight LED fixture Competition Winner Uses only about 11 watts Up to 94 CRI, 540 lumens Dimmable $215.00 Learn more 2-Inch LOW Voltage Housings & Trims 12V MR11 or MR16 halogen lamp Black, white, chrome, gold Dimmable Unit includes housing and trim Starts at $23.40 Learn more 3-Inch LOW Voltage Recessed Housings Ceiling opening: approx. 3.0in 1 New construction housing 1 Remodel housing 1 IC housing Starts at $45.90 Learn more
4-Inch LOW Voltage Recessed Trims 42 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: about 4.75in Starts at $15.45 Learn more 4-Inch LOW Volt Trims - Sloped Ceilings 9 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: about 4.75in Starts at $17.70 Learn more	4-Inch LOW Voltage Recessed Housings Ceiling opening: approx. 4.25in 7 New construction housings 4 Remodel housings 2 IC housings Starts at $51.65 Learn more 4-Inch LOW Volt Housings - Sloped Ceilings Ceiling opening: approx. 4.25in 5 New construction housings 3 Remodel housings 2 IC housings Starts at $51.65 Learn more
4-Inch LINE Voltage Recessed Trims 35 Models White, black, chrome, gold Brushed nickel Diameter: about 4.75in Starts at $13.25 Learn more 5-Inch LINE Voltage Recessed Trims 20 Models White, black Diameter: about 6.5in Starts at $10.55 Learn more	4-Inch LINE Voltage Recessed Housings Ceiling opening: approx. 4.25in 3 New construction housing 1 Remodel housing 1 IC housing Starts at $16.25 Learn more 5-Inch LINE Voltage Recessed Housings Ceiling opening: approx. 5.75in 2 New construction housing 2 Remodel housing 2 Air tight IC housings Starts at $17.70 Learn more
6-Inch LINE Volt Trims - Sloped Ceilings 11 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 7in - 8in Starts at $13.25 Learn more	6-Inch LINE Volt Housings - Sloped Ceilings Ceiling opening: 6.5in x 7in 3 New construction housing 2 Remodel housing 3 IC housings Starts at $59.90 Learn more

Trims for Recessed Lights

Adjustable Trims for Recessed Lighting 37 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 3.5in - 8.0in Starts at $13.25 Learn more Glass Trims for Recessed Lighting 9 Models Etched white, blue, pink frosted Diameter: 3.5in - 4.75in Starts at $22.95 Learn more	Baffle Trims for Recessed Lighting 31 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 3.5in - 8.0in Starts at $15.45 Learn more Pinhole Trims for Recessed Lighting 4 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 3.5in - 4.75in Starts at $17.25 Learn more
Reflector Trims for Recessed Lighting 32 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 3.5in - 8.0in Starts at $17.25 Learn more Wall Wash Trims for Recessed Lighting 12 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 4.75in, 6.5in Starts at $15.15 Learn more	Shower Trims for Recessed Lighting 17 Models White, black, chrome, gold Copper, natural metal Diameter: 4.75in, 6.5in Starts at $16.20 Learn more

Housings for Recessed Lights

New Construction Recessed Housings 16 Models Lamp voltage: 12V & 120V Some air tight Some for sloped ceilings Starts at $30.55 Learn more IC Recessed Housings for Insulated Ceilings 11 Models Lamp voltage: 12V & 120V Some air tight Some for sloped ceilings Starts at $19.90 Learn more	Remodel Recessed Housings 13 Models Lamp voltage: 12V & 120V Some air tight Some for sloped ceilings Starts at $45.90 Learn more Air Tight Recessed Housings 13 Models Lamp voltage: 12V & 120V Some remodel housings Some for sloped ceilings Starts at $16.25 Learn more
Sloped Ceiling Recessed Housings 14 Models Lamp voltage: 12V & 120V Some air tight Some remodel housings Starts at $30.55 Learn more 277-Volt Recessed Housings 5 Models Lamp voltage: 12V only Some air tight Some IC rated Starts at $67.40 Learn more	Low Profile Recessed Housings 10 Models Lamp voltage: 12V & 120V 6in or less in height Some air tight Starts at $45.90 Learn more

Accessories for Recessed Lights

Color Filters for Recessed Lighting 7 Colors MR11, MR16, PAR20 Tempered glass $6.90 Learn more Lenses for Recessed Lighting Frosted lenses Linear spread lenses Spread Lenses Various sizes $6.90 Learn more

UV Filters for Recessed Lighting 4 Sizes + custom sizes Blocks 99% UV radiation Retards degradation $18.30 Learn more Louvers for Recessed Lighting Honeycomb light louvers Diameter: 2in Color: black $4.90 Learn more

Recessed Lighting FAQ

General FAQ What is a recessed light? What other terms are used for recessed lights? What is the nature of recessed lights? What is the function of recessed lights? What are the aesthetics of recessed lights? How would you describe your recessed lights? Why do you not have an IC remodel housing that is 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter?   Housing FAQ What is the difference between a new construction housing and a remodel housing? When should an IC housing be used? Why don't you have a remodel IC housing that is 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter? Can a non-IC housing be used in an insulated ceiling? Can recessed housings be used on a "drop ceiling" or a suspended ceiling? What is an air-tight housing? Why would I use an air-tight housing? What is a sloped ceiling housing?   Trim FAQ What are the differences among a baffle trim, a stepped baffle trim, and a reflector trim? When should a baffle trim be used? When should a reflector trim be used? What is an adjustable trim? When should an adjustable trim be used? What is a glass trim? When should a glass trim be used? What is a pinhole trim? When should a pinhole trim be used? What is a shower trim? When should a shower trim be used? What is a wall wash trim? When should wall wash trim be used? How should I determine which finish I should select?

Lamping FAQ Which light bulbs can be used in recessed lights? What is the difference between low voltage and line voltage? What is the difference between using a low voltage MR16 halogen lamp and a line voltage PAR halogen lamp in a recessed light? How can I reduce the amount of light from a recessed downlight? Should I use an MR16 lamp with a front glass in a recessed downlight? Do any downlights come with lamps?   Installation FAQ Should the trims from one manufacturer be used with the housings of another manufacturer? Will your recessed lighting trims fit in my Juno or Halo recessed housings? In what types of spaces/rooms can recessed lights be used? Where in a given space/room should recessed lights be installed? How far apart should recessed lights be placed? How many recessed downlights should I use in a given room? Can recessed downlights be installed in bathroom ceilings?   Accessory FAQ What is a honeycomb louver?

 

General FAQ

Q) What is a recessed light?

A) A recessed light is a light fixture recessed into the ceiling that usually concentrates the light in a downward direction. It is often a relatively unobtrusive light fixture that is made up of three main components – a housing that rests above the ceiling, a trim which can be seen at the ceiling opening, and a light source (light bulb) that is recessed and is often difficult to see unless one looks straight up into the fixture.

Q) What other terms are used for recessed lights?

A) Terms that are often synonymous with the term, “recessed lights”, are cans, recessed cans, high hats, pot lights, downlights, recessed downlights, recessed can lights, recessed lighting fixtures, recessed lighting trims, recessed light fixtures, and recessed ceiling lights.

Q) What is the nature of recessed lights?

A) Recessed lights are generally unobtrusive by blending comfortably into almost any décor but this is not always the case. Sometimes the trim component of the recessed light can be bold, dramatic, or colorful and sometimes the lighting effects of the recessed lights can be bold or dramatic as well.

Q) What is the function of recessed lights?

A) Recessed lights are usually quite functional by providing most or all of the general lighting in a space. For example, the light provided by a recessed light or a series of recessed lights can help one safely negotiate a long hallway. Recessed lights also can provide good task lighting when they are used directly over a kitchen counter top, for example.

Q) What are the aesthetics of recessed lights?

A) Recessed lights can sometimes offer opportunities to be creative and make an aesthetic statement. In some instances the design elements of the trims might be used to complement the design elements of other items in the space. Some recessed light trims come in colors or finishes that can complement other colors or finishes used in the space.

Q) How would you describe your recessed lights?

A) Our recessed lights come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, lamp wattages, and with a variety of trims and light sources. For example, our recessed light trims may be opaque, translucent, or transparent, come in various forms of metal, glass, or plastic, and may have a white, black, polished brass, polished chrome, brushed nickel, antique brass, satin chrome, or bronze finish just to name a few. The recessed housings may be a new construction housing, a remodel housing, or an IC housing intended for use in an insulated ceiling. The recessed light fixture might use incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, or metal halide light sources.

Q) Why do you not have an IC remodel housing that is 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter?

A) To the best of our knowledge no lighting manufacturer makes such a housing and here's why. On the one hand, to be rated to be used in an insulated ceiling an IC housing must have some kind of additional protective shroud preventing the ceiling insulation from coming in direct contact with the hot metal cone surrounding the lamp. On the other hand, to be considered a remodel housing the housing must be small enough to fit through a hole in the ceiling that measures only 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter. Thus, this small ceiling opening cannot accommodate a large IC housing being installed from below the ceiling. However, please keep in mind that if there is access to the space above the ceiling (for example, an attic), a regular IC housing can be used.

Back to top

Housing FAQ

Q) What is the difference between a new construction housing and a remodel housing?

A) A new construction housing is installed before the ceiling drywall is in place while a remodel housing can be installed after the ceiling drywall is in place.

Q) When should an IC housing be used?

A) An IC housing is designed for use in insulated ceilings and should be used if the recessed housing will be in physical contact with insulation.

Q) Why don't you have an IC remodel housing that is 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter?

A) To the best of our knowledge no lighting manufacturer makes such a housing and here's why. On the one hand, to be rated to be used in an insulated ceiling an IC housing must have some kind of additional protective shroud preventing the ceiling insulation from coming in direct contact with the hot metal cone surrounding the lamp. On the other hand, to be considered a remodel housing the housing must be small enough to fit through a hole in the ceiling that measures only 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter. Thus, this small ceiling opening cannot accommodate a large IC housing being installed from below the ceiling. However, please keep in mind that if there is access to the space above the ceiling (for example, an attic), a regular IC housing can be used.

Q) Can a non-IC housing be used in an insulated ceiling.

A) Yes but only if the insulation is placed at least 3 inches away from every part of the recessed housing.

Q) Can a recessed housing be used with a "drop ceiling" or a suspended ceiling?

A) Yes, the hanger bars of the new construction recessed housing can rest on the T-bars and then be secured into position by adjusting the length of the hanger bars.

Q) What is an air-tight housing?

A) An air-tight housing is one that will prevent most of the air flowing through the fixture - either from the space above to the room below or from the room below to the space above.

Q) When should an air-tight recessed housing be used?

A) Air-tight recessed housings should be used or in any space where you want to minimize the cost of heating and air-conditioning that space or where they are mandated (some geographical regions do this).

Q) What is a sloped ceiling housing?

A) A sloped ceiling housing is a special recessed housing that is designed to be used in ceilings that are not horizontal. Obviously, this type of housing should be used in ceilings that are sloped.

Back to top

Trim FAQ

Q) What are the differences among a baffle trim, a stepped baffle trim, and a reflector trim?

A) A stepped baffle has concentric circular grooves around the inside perimeter of the cone that surrounds the lamp. The primary purpose of these grooves is to reduce the reflected glare of the lamp. On occasion, the term, stepped baffle trim, is shortened to simply baffle trim. On the other hand, a reflector trim has a cone surrounding the lamp that is smoother or shinier and not grooved. The primary purpose of this smoother, shinier surface is to reflect more light down and out of the recessed fixture.

Q) When should a baffle trim be used?

A) Baffle trims are often used in residential settings (and sometimes in commercial settings) to minimize the glare coming from the recessed trim.

Q) When should a reflector trim be used?

A) Reflector trims are often used in commercial settings (and sometimes in residential settings) to maximize the amount of light ("light punch") provided by the recessed fixture.

Q) What is an adjustable trim?

A) An adjustable recessed trim is one that allows the lamp inside the recessed fixture to be aimed at something like a sculpture or a wall hanging and, thereby, provide good accent lighting. To do this, part of the trim must be able to rotate, revolve, and/or swivel.

Q) When should an adjustable trim be used?

A) An adjustable trim should be used when the recessed downlight is being used to provide accent lighting on a display, a wall hanging, a sculpture, a piece of crystal glass, or anything else that you may want to visually highlight. This type of trim can also be used to provide task lighting. This can be achieved, for example, if you want to provide a "reading light" over your bed that can be focused on where you hold your reading materials. If you should use an adjustable trim for this purpose, be sure to select a lamp that has a very narrow beam spread so as not disturb the person who might be sleeping next to you.

Q) What is a glass trim?

A) A glass trim is one that uses glass in a creative manner to add little bit of "sparkle lighting", lighting that adds a little flare, color, or patterning to the space. In addition to the "sparkle lighting" the same glass trim can also provide a good deal of functional lighting as well.

Q) When should a glass trim be used?

A) The use of a glass trim is entirely an aesthetic decision. The question is this: Do you want to add some "sparkle lighting" to the space? If so, what kind of "sparkle" and how much "sparkle" would you like to add? Glass trims are effectively used in bars, restaurants, game rooms, or hotel lobbies that seek to add a little bit of excitement, glamour, or "bling" to the space.

Q) What is a pinhole trim?

A) A pinhole trim is one that has an extremely narrow opening for the light to pass through.

Q) When should a pinhole trim be used?

A) A pinhole trim should be used when you want the light beam coming from the trim to be very narrow and well defined with little or no "spill light".

Q) What is a shower trim?

A) A shower trim is one that has a glass diffuser and a special rubber gasket that together prevent most of the moisture in the space below from passing into the recessed fixture.

Q) When should a shower trim be used?

A) Shower trims are specifically designed to be used over a tub, a shower, or a Jacuzzi® and in damp locations like outdoor soffits. Shower trims are not appropriate for wet locations that are exposed directly to rain, snow, sleet, or shower water spray.

Q) What is a wall wash trim?

A) A wall wash trim is one that usually has only a partial opening so that the light is emitted only through that opening of the recessed fixture. This means that the light beam is somewhat asymmetrical in nature and leaves the recessed fixture in somewhat of a directional manner.

Q) When should a wall wash trim be used?

A) As the name would imply a wall wash trim is used to "wash" the wall, drape, wall hanging, fire place, etc. with light.

Q) How should I determine which finish I should select for the trim?

A) The finish (white, black, copper, chrome, brushed nickel, etc.) you select for the recessed trim is an aesthetic decision and is, therefore, entirely dependent on your tastes and your interior design. Do you want the trim to draw your attention and possibly accent or complement some other feature in the space? For example, you may want to reinforce the brushed nickel wall sconces in the space by using brushed nickel recessed trims. If you would prefer not to draw any attention to "that hole in the ceiling", then you might select a finish that exactly matches the color of the ceiling, which is, more often than not, white.

Back to top

Lamping FAQ

Q) Which light bulbs can be used in recessed lights?

A) Recessed lights may use incandescent, line voltage halogen, low voltage halogen, fluorescent, or metal halide lamps (light bulbs). Recessed lights generally can provide a good deal of light or at least a modest amount of light. Fluorescent and metal halide recessed lights use electricity most efficiently in providing a given amount of light.

Q) What is the difference between low voltage and line voltage?

A) Low voltage is usually considered to be 12 volts or 24 volts and this means that the recessed housing comes with a transformer. Line voltage is usually considered to be 120 volts (residential applications) but sometimes is 277 volts (commercial applications).

Q) What is the difference between using a low voltage MR16 halogen lamp and a line voltage PAR halogen lamp in a recessed light?

A) Because an MR16 halogen lamp (light bulb) is generally smaller (only 2 inches in diameter) the recessed fixture for this lamp is usually smaller in diameter than one that uses a larger PAR halogen lamp. Because a low voltage MR16 halogen lamp uses 12 volts the low voltage housing must come equipped with a transformer and is, therefore, more expensive than a housing that uses a line voltage PAR halogen lamp. On the other hand, a low voltage MR16 halogen lamp produces a cone of light that is generally "tighter", "crisper", and more controlled than the beam of light produced by a line voltage PAR halogen lamp. Therefore, if you want to illuminate a work of art, jewelry, or crystal with a tight, well-controlled cone of light, then you definitely want to use a low voltage halogen recessed fixture. If, however, you simply want to provide general lighting or you want to provide perfectly adequate accent lighting in a retail setting or you cannot afford the extra cost of a recessed housing with a transformer, then you will probably want to select a line voltage halogen recessed fixture.

Q) How can I reduce the amount of light from a recessed downlight?

A) There are at least 4 solutions. (1) You can use a lower wattage lamp (light bulb) in the downlight. (2) You can use a higher voltage lamp in the downlight (130 volts instead of 120 volts). This will reduce the amount of light to about 80% of what it was. (3) If you are now using a PAR halogen lamp, you can switch to a PAR halogen lamp with a frosted front. (4) You can use a dimmer to control the brightness. The use of a dimmer, of course, gives you the greatest flexibility with your lighting scheme.

Q) Should I use an MR16 lamp with a front glass in a recessed downlight?

A) Most low voltage halogen recessed downlights come with their own clear glass lenses. So, there is no need to use an MR16 lamp with a front glass if the clear glass lens is already being used. However, for the sake of safety at least one of these lenses should be used.

Q) Do any downlights come with lamps?

A) On occasion they do. Most of the time, however, they do not. For this reason it is important to carefully read the entire product description.

Back to top

Installation FAQ

 

Q) Should the trims from one manufacturer be used with the housings of another manufacturer?

A) While this is a common practice because it is sometimes easy to do, it is not recommended. Even though the recessed light will probably work fine for years with no problems please be advised that this practice will probably negate the warranties of both the housings and the trims as well as the UL listings.

Q) Will your recessed lighting trims fit in my Juno or Halo recessed housings?

A) Probably not; trims are often specific to the manufacturer. However, even if the trims did fit, we cannot recommend that you try this because this will probably negate the warranties of both the housings and the trims as well as the UL listings.

Q) In what types of spaces/rooms can recessed lights be used?

A) Recessed lights are used very successfully in a great many locations: hallways, museums, art galleries, trade show exhibits, offices, conference rooms, studies, churches, restaurants, taverns, hotel rooms, libraries, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, stairways, dining rooms, game rooms, and living rooms.

Q) Where in a given space/room should recessed lights be installed?

A) Recessed lights are always installed in the ceiling of the space in question. The recessed housing is hidden above the ceiling while the trim is usually the only visible part of the recessed downlight.

Q) How far apart should recessed lights be placed?

A) For general lighting applications a good rule of thumb is to space recessed fixtures a distance that is equal to about half the ceiling height. For example, if a room has an 8ft ceiling, you should probably space the recessed fixtures about 4ft apart. This rule of thumb should be used only as a base line. Depending on the lighting needs of the space you may want to put more recessed fixtures or fewer recessed fixtures than this baseline.

Q) How many recessed downlights should I use in a given room?

A) Although this is a very common question it is not easy to give a simple answer because the answer depends on many important variables. Some of these variables include the height of the ceiling, the brightness or darkness of the ceiling, walls, and floor, the type of recessed downlight used, the type and wattage of the lamp being used, and the purpose of the recessed downlights (general lighting, task lighting, accent lighting). In a residential kitchen situation with an 8ft to 9ft whitish-colored ceiling, "light-colored" walls, cabinets, counter tops, and floor, 5in line voltage recessed downlights with white trims and white baffles, and 75W PAR30 lamps being used for general lighting the distance between the recessed fixtures could vary from four to five feet on center. Their exact location in your kitchen could also be affected by the location of the HVAC duct work, the water pipes, and joists, and if you are a person who wants only a little light or a person who needs a great deal of light. This latter issue is affected by age; in general, 50-year-olds need twice as much light as 20-year-olds. In order, to compensate for many of these issues you may want to "overlight" your kitchen and then control the recessed lights with dimmers. With dimmer switches you can easily control the amount of light for almost any person, situation, or activity while saving energy and increasing the lives of the lamps at the same time.

Q) Can recessed downlights be installed in bathroom ceilings?

A) Absolutely, just be sure to use a special "shower trim" over the tub, shower, or jacuzzi®. Regular trims can be used everywhere else in the bathroom.

Back to top

Accessory FAQ

Q) What is a honeycomb louver?

A) A honeycomb louver is a device made of thin metal with a honeycomb pattern that is placed in front of a lamp to minimize the direct glare coming from that lamp.

Customer Comments about our Recessed Lighting