All About Recessed Lighting Cans

Recessed Lights provide a gentle ambiance to any room. Figuring out the size needed for recessed lighting, however, can be difficult. Let's take a closer look at recessed lighting so that choosing the right one will be done with confidence.

It is important to understand what you are actually needing the size of. The dimensions of the can needed are for the unit as a whole once trim is in place and not just the bulb. The trim can either be sold with the fixture and lamp or the trim is sold separately. Most manufacturers will list the size of the recessed can lighting solution to determine the size of the product.  There are 6 common sizes that range from 1 inch to 6 inches.

The best way to choose recessed lighting can sizes is to look at the architectural features of the space.  The amount of space available to you in the ceiling, where the light will be place, determines which size may be appropriate for your space. Recessed lighting is more than just the round fixture that is visible when looking up at the ceiling. These fixtures often have an additional part of its design that is used almost as an anchor to keep the fixture secure in the beams of the ceiling.

Keep in mind that the size that is listed on the product is related to the diameter of the fixture and not the additional part of the system housed inside the ceiling. When choosing the right size, you need to consider how the entire fixture will fit in the space and not just the visible aspects. Once it is determined how big you can go with the ceiling construction, the next step is to look at which size might be best suited to the needs of your room.

Each can size has different benefits. Can lights measuring 1 inch and 2 inches are typically used to add extra illumination to tight spaces. Can lights of 3 inches and 4 inches are the commonly seen options for ambiance lighting for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. This is because they produce a wider scope of illumination that is still ambient yet noticeable.  This size can also be used for task lighting over specific areas since it casts a more focused light output.  Can sizes of 5 inches and 6 inches are ideal for general lighting needs since they are larger, but can also be used as ambient lighting in large spaces.

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