Canned lights have become a staple in modern interior design. These versatile fixtures offer a sleek, unobtrusive lighting solution for both homes and businesses.
At PacLights, we’ve seen a surge in demand for these space-saving luminaires. In this post, we’ll shed light on everything you need to know about canned lights, from their types and benefits to installation tips and future trends.
What Are Canned Lights?
Definition and Components
Canned lights, also known as recessed lights, are popular lighting fixtures that sit flush with the ceiling. These fixtures consist of three main components: a housing (the “can” installed above the ceiling), a trim (the visible part flush with the ceiling surface), and a light bulb.
Types of Canned Lights
The market offers several types of canned lights:
- Recessed downlights: These direct light straight down and are the most common type.
- Adjustable recessed lights: These allow you to pivot the light source, providing flexibility in illumination.
- Wall-wash recessed lights: Designed to evenly illuminate vertical surfaces, these are perfect for highlighting artwork or architectural features.
- Shallow canless LED lights: These ultra-thin fixtures don’t require a housing, making them ideal for ceilings with limited space above.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that LED recessed lights can use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them an energy-efficient choice.
Applications in Various Spaces
Canned lights are versatile and find use in both residential and commercial settings. In homes, they’re often installed in kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. The National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that 85% of kitchen remodels include recessed lighting.
In commercial spaces (offices, retail stores, and restaurants), canned lights provide even, glare-free illumination that’s perfect for task lighting or creating ambiance. For instance, in retail environments, strategically placed canned lights can highlight merchandise and enhance the shopping experience.
Selecting the Right Canned Light
When choosing canned lights, consider factors like ceiling height, room size, and desired light output. For an 8-foot ceiling, 4-inch diameter canned lights are typically sufficient. Larger rooms or higher ceilings may require 5 or 6-inch fixtures.
The color temperature of the light is also important. Warm white (2700-3000K) creates a cozy atmosphere, while cool white (3500-4100K) is better for task-oriented spaces. Daylight (5000-6500K) mimics natural light and is often used in commercial settings.
Now that we understand what canned lights are and their various applications, let’s explore their advantages in more detail.
Why Canned Lights Shine Above the Rest
Space-Saving Design
Canned lights offer a significant advantage with their space-efficient design. Unlike pendant lights or chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, canned lights recess into the ceiling, creating a sleek and uncluttered look. This feature proves particularly valuable in rooms with low ceilings or small spaces where every inch counts. The National Association of Home Builders reports that 78% of new homes built in 2020 included canned lights in at least one room, underscoring their popularity in modern architecture.
Versatile Lighting Options
Canned lights provide unparalleled versatility in lighting options. With a wide range of trims, sizes, and bulb types available, you can customize the lighting to suit any space or mood. Adjustable canned lights allow you to direct light precisely where it’s needed, making them perfect for task lighting in kitchens or highlighting artwork in galleries. The Illuminating Engineering Society recommends canned lights with a color rendering index (CRI) of 90 or higher for spaces where color accuracy matters most (such as retail stores or art studios).
Energy Efficiency with LED Technology
LED technology has significantly enhanced the energy efficiency of canned lights. LED canned lights consume up to 85% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer. This translates to substantial energy savings over time. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that if every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR certified LED, the energy savings would equal removing 648,000 cars from the road.
Perfect Ambiance Creation
Canned lights excel at creating both focused and ambient lighting, allowing you to set the perfect mood for any occasion. You can easily adjust the light intensity to create a cozy atmosphere for a romantic dinner or bright, even illumination for a workspace with dimmer switches. The American Lighting Association suggests using a combination of canned lights and other fixtures to achieve optimal layered lighting in a room, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
As we move forward, let’s explore the installation and maintenance aspects of canned lights, ensuring you can make the most of these versatile fixtures in your space.
How to Install and Maintain Canned Lights
Planning and Preparation
The installation of canned lights starts with meticulous planning. Measure your ceiling and mark the locations for your lights to ensure even spacing for optimal illumination. A common rule of thumb suggests spacing recessed lights about 4 to 6 feet apart (depending on ceiling height and room size).
Installation Process
Cut holes in the ceiling for the canned lights using a drywall saw. Exercise caution to avoid electrical wires or joists in the ceiling. Install the housing for the canned lights and secure them to the ceiling joists. Wire the lights according to local electrical codes (always ensure power is off during installation).
After wiring, install the trim and light bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs for maximum energy efficiency. These bulbs can reduce energy costs by up to 75% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Proper Placement
The placement of canned lights significantly impacts the desired lighting effect. In kitchens, position lights over countertops and work areas for task lighting. For living rooms, consider placing lights around the room’s perimeter for ambient lighting and over seating areas for accent lighting.
The Illuminating Engineering Society suggests using canned lights with adjustable trims in areas where flexibility is needed (such as over artwork or in home offices). This allows you to direct light precisely where it’s needed.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance of canned lights enhances their longevity and performance. Dust the fixtures and trim regularly with a soft cloth. For deeper cleaning, turn off the power, remove the bulb and trim, and gently vacuum the housing.
Common issues with canned lights include flickering, which often indicates a loose connection or a failing bulb. If you experience persistent flickering, consult a professional electrician. Dimming problems are another frequent issue, especially with LED bulbs. Use dimmable bulbs and a compatible dimmer switch to avoid this problem.
Upgrading to LED
Upgrading existing canned lights to LED improves energy efficiency and lighting quality. The process involves removing the old bulb and replacing it with an LED retrofit kit. These kits fit most standard canned light housings and provide energy-saving benefits without extensive rewiring.
When selecting LED retrofit kits, consider the color temperature and lumen output to match your lighting needs. The American Lighting Association recommends a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K for warm, inviting light in living spaces, and 3500K to 4000K for task-oriented areas like kitchens and home offices.
Final Thoughts
Canned lights have transformed interior lighting with their sleek design and versatile applications. These fixtures offer a space-saving solution that integrates seamlessly into any room, providing both focused task lighting and ambient illumination. The energy efficiency of LED canned lights reduces electricity costs and environmental impact, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious consumers.
When you select canned lights, you should consider factors such as room size, ceiling height, and desired lighting effect. The color temperature of the bulbs plays a key role in setting the right mood for each space. For optimal results, you should consult lighting professionals who can guide you through the selection and installation process.
At PacLights, we offer a wide range of canned light options to suit various commercial and industrial needs. Our products combine energy efficiency with durability and versatility, helping you create the perfect lighting solution for your space (from high bays to recessed downlights). As lighting technology evolves, canned lights will remain a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Disclaimer: PacLights is not responsible for any actions taken based on the suggestions and information provided in this article, and readers should consult local building and electrical codes for proper guidance.