Add Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting provides clean, even illumination without the visual clutter of hanging fixtures. A well-planned grid eliminates dark corners, highlights architectural features, and gives you layered lighting control that transforms how the room feels at different times of day.
Time Required
1-2 days
Cost
$100-$250 per light
Difficulty
Moderate to Professional
Planning the Layout
Calculate spacing based on ceiling height
The standard rule is to divide the ceiling height by 2 to get the spacing between lights. For an 8-foot ceiling, place lights roughly 4 feet apart. For a 9-foot ceiling, 4.5 feet apart. The first row should be half the spacing distance from the wall (2 feet for an 8-foot ceiling).
Determine the number of lights
A typical 15x20 foot living room needs 8-12 recessed lights for general illumination. Use your layout grid to place them evenly. Avoid placing lights directly over seating areas where they cause glare. Instead, position them to wash walls and illuminate task areas.
Create lighting zones
Group lights into zones on separate switches or dimmers. Common zones include perimeter wall wash, center general lighting, and accent lights aimed at art or the fireplace. Zoning lets you set the mood without an all-or-nothing approach.
Choosing the Right Housing
- IC-rated vs. non-IC: IC (insulation contact) rated housings can be buried in attic insulation safely. Non-IC housings require 3 inches of clearance from insulation. If the living room has an attic above, always use IC-rated cans.
- New construction vs. remodel cans: New construction housings attach to joists before drywall goes up. Remodel (retrofit) cans clip into a hole cut in existing drywall. Use new construction housings during a renovation since the ceiling is typically opened up.
- 4-inch vs. 6-inch diameter: 6-inch cans are standard for general room lighting. 4-inch cans provide a more modern, minimal look and work well for accent or task lighting. Mixing sizes in the same room is generally not recommended.
- Airtight housings: Airtight (AT-rated) cans prevent conditioned air from escaping into the attic. This is code-required in most jurisdictions and saves energy. Look for cans rated both IC and AT.
LED Selection and Dimmer Compatibility
- Color temperature: Choose 2700K (warm white) for a cozy living room feel or 3000K (soft white) for a cleaner, slightly brighter look. Avoid 4000K+ in living spaces as it feels clinical.
- CRI rating: A Color Rendering Index of 90+ ensures furniture, art, and skin tones look natural. Budget LEDs with CRI below 80 make everything look washed out.
- Dimmer compatibility: Not all LED trims work with all dimmers. Use LED-rated dimmers (Lutron Caseta, Leviton Decora Smart) and check the manufacturer's compatibility list. Incompatible pairings cause flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range.
- Integrated LED vs. retrofit trim: Integrated LED modules are self-contained units that replace the entire can interior. Retrofit trims screw into the existing socket. Integrated units offer better light quality but cost more to replace.
Pro Tips
- •Don't over-light the room: A common mistake is installing too many cans, creating a retail store feel. Use dimmers on every zone and supplement with decorative fixtures, sconces, and lamps for a layered, inviting atmosphere.
- •Use wall wash trims near art: Adjustable or wall-wash trim directs light onto a specific wall, making artwork pop and the room feel larger. Place these 12-18 inches from the wall.
- •Match all trims and color temperatures: Even slight variations in trim color or LED temperature are noticeable when multiple cans are visible at once. Buy all trims from the same batch.