# Recessed Lighting

> Light fixtures installed flush into the ceiling, creating a clean, unobtrusive look. Also called can lights or downlights. Available as integrated LED or with replaceable bulbs.

**Source:** <https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/recessed-lighting>

Recessed lights sit inside a hole cut in the ceiling, with only the trim ring visible from below. This clean, minimal look has made them the most popular ceiling lighting option in modern homes — they provide illumination without visual clutter.

Sizing matters. 4-inch recessed lights work well in hallways, closets, and as accent lighting. 5-6 inch is the standard for general room illumination. The housing can be either new construction (nailed to joists before drywall goes up) or remodel/retrofit (inserted into an existing ceiling through a cut hole).

The biggest decision for new installations is between can-style housings with separate BR30/PAR30 bulbs and canless integrated LED wafer lights. Canless wafers are thinner (important with shallow ceiling cavities), easier to install, and generally produce more even light. The trade-off is that you can't swap the bulb when LEDs degrade — you replace the entire wafer. Given 50,000+ hour lifespans, most people won't need to replace them for 15-20 years.

## Specifications
| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Common sizes | 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch |
| Types | New construction, remodel/retrofit |
| IC rated | Safe for insulation contact |

## Related Terms

- [IC Rated](https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/ic-rated.md) — A safety rating for recessed light fixtures that are approved for direct contact with ceiling insulation. Non-IC fixtures require clearance from insulation to prevent fire risk.
- [BR30 Bulb](https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/br30-bulb.md) — A bulge reflector shape 3.75 inches in diameter, designed for recessed can fixtures. Produces a wide, even flood of light directed downward.
- [Ambient Lighting](https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/ambient-lighting.md) — The primary, overall illumination in a room — the base layer that provides uniform light for general visibility. Usually from ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, or large floor lamps.
- [Integrated LED](https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/integrated-led.md) — A fixture with LED chips built directly into the housing — no replaceable bulb. Generally more efficient and slimmer, but the entire fixture must be replaced when LEDs fail.