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The Difference Between Can Lights vs. Recessed Lights and How To Make a Choice for Your Home
Light it up with the right choice
Photo: Bryan / Adobe Stock
Photo: Bryan / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Can lights are known for their cylindrical, can-like housing.
Recessed lights are available in a variety of designs that serve different purposes.
Can lights always have a housing, whereas recessed lights can be found in all-in-one designs.
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If you’re wondering whether can lights or recessed lights are the way to go for your home, you’ve found the right guide. While many think of can lights and recessed lights as the same thing, these two fixtures can have unique functions and designs. Discover the differences between can lights and recessed lights to determine which option is best for your home.
What Are the Differences Between Can Lights and Recessed Lights?
Can lights are a type of recessed light that get their name from their cylindrical housing that resembles a can. They feature an open top with a bulb inside. Recessed lights, on the other hand, are available in a wide variety of styles, and feature trim, a bulb, and sometimes housing. When people talk about recessed lights, they’re often referring to a light installed within the ceiling that is flush with the surface.
These two fixtures do have some differences, especially in their installation process, design, and use.
| Feature | Can Lights | Recessed Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Ceiling, wall, floor | Ceiling |
| Design | Cylindrical housing | Trim, housing, bulb |
| Function | Easily angled | Can be angled |
| Use | Task lighting | Overall lighting |
Differences in Installation
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The main difference between can lights and recessed lights is the way they’re installed. Can lights can be found in ceilings, walls, and floors. They feature a canister-like housing that is installed in a hole and can become flush with the surface. The can light is then connected to an electrical box through wiring.
Recessed lights are installed in the ceiling and can feature housing or an all-in-one unit, also known as a canless light. This light is placed in the ceiling and connects to your home’s electrical wiring. These types of recessed lights present a more difficult installation and replacement process. When the bulb burns out, the entire unit needs to be removed and reinstalled.
Design Differences
Can lights and recessed lights can also differ in their design. Can lights may protrude from the ceiling and can be more visible than most other recessed lights. There are two main categories of can lights:
IC-rated
Non-IC-rated
IC-rated can lights can have direct contact with insulation as they’re designed with an air gap that keeps the outer can cool. Non-IC-rated can lights cannot be in contact with insulation as they do not have this air gap and will cause a fire hazard.
Recessed lights are usually flush and offer an unobtrusive design that is barely noticeable. They typically feature three main components: trim, housing, and a light bulb. The trims are available in a variety of styles including:
Open trim
Reflector trim
Baffle trim
Pinhole trim
Eyeball trim
Canless trim
Gimbal trim
Wall-wash trim
Shower trim
Each type of trim offers a different aesthetic and function that is best used for certain situations or areas in the home.
Differences in Use
Can lights and recessed lights can be used for different purposes. Can lights are often best for task lighting or accent lighting. Their design makes it easier to adjust and angle them to illuminate a specific area or object.
Recessed lights are typically chosen over can lights to illuminate an entire room or area. With a wide variety of trims available, recessed lights are great at providing different types of lighting, including ambient, task, accent, and decorative. They’re also a more modern light fixture.
Making the Right Lighting Choice
Photo: Ursula Page / Adobe Stock
Can lights and recessed lights can both provide excellent illumination to your home. Each comes with advantages and different designs, but the choice that’s best for you depends on your installation options, design preferences, and targeted function. When making your decision, consider the purpose of the room, your desired mood, and the overall aesthetic.
No matter which option you pick, contacting a local light fixture technician near you to complete the installation will make the job quick and easy. Working with electricity can be risky business, and it’s best to let a pro tackle the job. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have, complete the installation, and make sure everything is working properly. The cost to install a recessed lighting fixture ranges from $100 to $480, but it’s a worthwhile investment to keep you safe.
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