You are considering having recessed lighting for your home interior, but you may be contemplating whether or not you need a can for it. Well, we have reached out to the experts to deliver you the most helpful guide for your convenience.
Yes, you need a can for your recessed lighting under the following conditions:
- You have a low ceiling
- You want an accent or “aimed” lighting for your space
- You have a specific trim design for your recessed lighting
- You prefer a faster replacement of the light bulbs in case they burn out
Deciding for can lighting is a no-easy job. It requires a great deal of planning since there are many factors to consider. Stay on this page as we delve into the details of the elements of can lights so as to give you an informed choice.
Things to Consider Before Deciding on Can Lights
Before you make a decision for your can lighting, here are a few things to consider:
- The area of your living space where you plan the lights to be installed
- Whether you intend a wide illumination or a specific spot to light
- The size of the lighting fixtures that you prefer
- The kind of lights that you intend to have, whether incandescent or LED
Indeed, among others, there are many essential elements and factors to consider before plunging into your decision of choosing can lights. We will discuss these in more detail in the succeeding section.
Why Do You Need Can Lights?
Can lights contain the elements that may fit your purpose. It is one form of recessed lighting that provides you with many advantages below that you would enjoy more than other forms of lighting fixtures.
Work for Low Ceilings
They do have advantages in terms of design. Only a thin trim at the bottom rim and, in a few instances, a portion of the interior reflector are the only elements of the fixture that extend below the ceiling line. In this design, it can still cast a broad illumination just like any standard ceiling fixture.
With the low profile design of can lights, it is perfect for low ceilings.
Ideal for “Aimed” Lighting
One of the attributes of can lights is that it has a reflector. This refers to a white or shiny interior lining that helps direct the light from the bulb down into the room. Additionally, the reflector is a gimbal cone that swivels, thus letting the light be directed to a certain direction you want.
If you have certain fixtures in your space that you would want to highlight or it serves to be the focal point of the room, then accent lighting works best for this purpose.
Offer More Flexibility in the Choice of Design
In terms of the bulb for can lights, you have a choice for standard incandescent, LED, or compact fluorescent bulbs. LEDs have become increasingly the preferred choice since they significantly generate less heat than light bulbs.
Although most can lights use standard bulbs, there are also variants that fit special large bulbs like in the photo below. These types are designed specifically for recessed lights. These bulbs are designed to fill the opening of the mouth of the reflector. Still, there are also variants that are compatible with LED bulbs only.
Aside from the bulb, the rim is also a factor in the design of can lights. It is the decorative trimming that hides the joining of the ceiling drywall and the metal canister. It could be integrated with the reflector and it is the last step in the installation process.
There are a lot of design choices, colors, and textures of canister rims that are available in the market. It is a matter of personal choice of what rim you prefer.
You would consider blending it with the finish and design of your ceiling, the color theme of your interior, what area you would want to get lighted, and many other factors.
Allow Faster Replacement of the Bulbs
The canister of can lights contains a standard screw-in Edison socket that is compatible with standard incandescent, LED, or compact fluorescent bulbs. Hence, this provides an easy and faster replacement of the light bulb in case they burn out.
Additionally, you would not have a hard time looking for a replacement bulb in the market at a later time.
Another advantage of can lights is that you don’t need to detach the whole housing even if it just means replacing the busted bulb.
How Much Does A Canister Light Cost?
Since can lights offer choices of designs, they also have a wide range of costs depending on the design, quality, and features. The cost may range from $5 to $30 if you buy individually. However, there are convenient multipacks available that you can buy in a set of four, six, or eight fixtures.
LED fixtures are smaller yet these are more expensive, but the cost savings in terms of efficiency makes it still a good bargain in the long haul.
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In Summary
Can lights work best for your low ceiling. They are sleek in design while giving the illumination you planned for your interiors. Whether you want an expansive illumination or accent lighting, can lighting best fits your purpose.
Can lights also have a variety of designs, colors, and trim options that will perfectly blend with your interiors. You can also choose between incandescent and LED lights.
Can lights also allow easy replacement of the bulb in case they burn out. The socket is standardized and you won’t have a hard time getting a replacement bulb at a future time.
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