Lighting is one of the most important aspects of home décor. If done right, it combines style and functionality to illuminate spaces properly.
Whether you are finding a way to spruce up a new home or redesign an existing one, choosing suitable lighting systems for the interior is pivotal.
Lighting is essential in creating mood and ambiance in your residence, so one must carefully consider luminaire choice and placement layout.
Recessed canister lights have grown in popularity over the last 10 to 20 years. This is because recessed canister lights are flushed with the ceiling, giving the illusion that the room is larger than it is.
Traditional lights, as you may know, are installed on the ceiling and protrude down. Recessed canister lights are installed directly into the ceiling, wall, or any other surface, saving space while adding a unique design to your space.
Recessed canister lighting, as a diverse lighting choice, provides a versatile and subtle lighting tactic that can accommodate many application areas while not making a loud design statement.
Like any other lighting alternative, Recessed Canister Lights have numerous advantages and disadvantages. If you want to know these, the information below will help you make a wise choice.
Table of Contents
Pros of recessed canister lights
Recessed lighting and sophisticated interior design typically go hand in hand. If you are still on the fence about using recessed lighting in your house or apartment, consider the following benefits:
1. Hidden Fixtures
Recessed canister lights are fitted within your ceiling and do not hang down. A recessed lighting fixture is ideal for houses with low ceilings.
We do not want our visitors to trip over light fixtures, do we? Furthermore, floating lights can make a room appear smaller.
Recessed lighting solves all these problems. If it is struck directly by a ball or other plaything, it may only cause damage to the reasonably affordable lightbulb and nothing more.
2. Comes In Various Colors And Styles
One more fascinating and lesser-known aspect of recess canister lighting is that it comes in various shades and includes trim and reflectors.
Not to mention that the recessed light casings can have their decorative finish on the central area of the cans. All of which can be used to improve your current or newly renovated room décor.
Recessed lighting is always fashionable. Some light fittings, such as track lighting or hanging fixtures, have patterns that change over time, making them appear outmoded.
With recessed lighting, you won’t have to worry about these lights going out of fashion and needing to be replaced.
3. Dramatic Lighting Effects
A solid beam of light shining on a cherished artwork or monument, like a limelight on a stage, pulls everybody’s focus.
Recessed downlights can also add a lot of theatrics to a room by emphasizing architectural details.
Get a hold of a few of these lights for your living room and deliver a movie-like feel to the visitors!
4. Focused Light
Since the light beams disintegrate before reaching the destination, ambient light sources such as pendants and lightbulbs are ineffective at “forcing” usable light down to cabinetry, tables, and chairs.
Recessed canister lights perform better in this regard. The better a light beam shines on a specific spot, the narrower it is.
A spotlight, for instance, emits a sturdy, concentrated beam of light, while a headlamp emits a broader, less-focused beam.
Recessed canister lighting is the best option for study rooms. Because these lights are directly installed in the ceiling, they are an excellent choice for any room or area with limited clearance.
5. Condensation Resistance
Recessed lights can have unique cover designs, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms, significantly above showers, where waterproof fittings with higher humidity resistance are demanded.
Recessed canister lights are the only category of typical household lamps that can be mounted above a hot tub or in a restroom.
Particular “wet space” recessed fixtures have insulated lenses that keep out moisture and the incidental spritz of liquid while showering.
6. Maintenance And Repair
Recessed can light requires minimal maintenance when set up correctly. Still, like any other ceiling light, electric bulb connections can wear out or go wrong, and wire bolts can unscrew and necessitate restoration.
In rare cases, the thermal sensors can fail, resulting in a fixture that “turns black” until the detector cools and restarts.
The solution is to replace the detector more frequently and install a new fixture, which is relatively simple.
However, many fittings can last for years, and with new LED-style lightbulbs, you may never have to touch them.
Cons of recessed canister lightings
But besides their numerous benefits, recessed canister lighting fixtures have a few potential pitfalls.
The most common disadvantage of these inconspicuous lights is that they are not the most productive choice for large rooms or those with vaulted ceilings. The following are some other significant disadvantages.
1. One Is Not Enough
One disadvantage of recessed lighting is that each light only illuminates a small area. Several of these lights should be implanted in your ceiling to ensure that your space is well-lit.
This requires more work in terms of installation and can influence the total cost, particularly if you need them for a huge room.
2. Complexness In Installation
A few property owners are capable of installing a conventional light fixture as a DIY project; regrettably, this is not the case with recessed canister lighting.
This type of lighting necessitates knowledge. One must install it with care because it requires removing insulation in the area to reduce fire hazards.
For setup, several cavities in the ceiling are obligated. Giving this task to electrical professionals may be the best way to ensure a suitable and safe setup.
3. Cave-Like Effect
If you only install recessed canister lighting throughout your residence, you may experience what architects refer to as “the cave effect.”
A cave effect happens when there are a few bright locations in the house, but everything along the interior is gloomy.
While this is an ideal setting for home cinema nights, it may not be suitable for other rooms in your residence.
4. Air Leak
Because recessed lighting is installed directly into the roof, it can leave tiny openings around each light. Air can pass through empty spaces.
This can cause drafts and impact the comfort of the office or home. It could also be a costly energy concern in hot and cold environments.
But do not fret- specialists and electricians can help guarantee that these shortfalls and gaps are sealed adequately while installing recessed canister lights.
5. Insulation Costs
The procedure of insulating and stabilizing around recessed canister lights may necessitate the use of a professional insulation service provider, which raises the total cost of the lighting setup.
Heat can transfer through the fittings without insulation, lowering your home’s energy savings.
However, some types of recessed lighting require specific clearance from insulation due to the high heat generated by the light.
6. Glare Bombs Causing Headaches
Despite being advertised as “recessed” canister lights, some new LED fittings are hardly even recessed.
These fittings, with as little as a quarter-inch recess and a vibrant translucent lens, can be glare bombs that relate to visual discomfort, dizziness, and tiredness.
This is particularly the case in open areas where we unwind and stay for extended periods.
On the other hand, the superficial LED fittings along the room periphery do a great job of lighting white shelves in a vibrant kitchen. For overall ambient lighting, make sure to use deeper recessed fixtures.
Summary of recessed canister lightings
| Pros |
|---|
| Hidden Fixtures |
| Comes In Various Colours And Styles |
| Dramatic Lighting Effects |
| Focused Light |
| Condensation Resistance |
| Maintenance And Repair |
| Cons |
|---|
| One Is Not Enough |
| Complexness In Installation |
| Cave-Like Effect |
| Air Leak |
| Insulation Costs |
| Glare Bombs Causing Headaches |
Folks might love the concept of recessed canister lighting but have one quandary: where should I set up recess canister lighting? The most obvious answer is: wherever you want in your home!
There are some advantages and disadvantages to installing recessed canister lighting in your residence.
So, how do you know if they are a good fit for your design aesthetic and functionality requirements? Take into account which rooms you believe would benefit from recessed lighting.
Recessed lighting is commonly used in kitchens, living rooms, and other large areas such as basements.
Recessed lighting may be worthwhile if you are constantly whining that any of these areas are not adequately lit for work or ambiance.
(Last Updated on September 1, 2022)
