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Which Type of Lighting is Right for My Room? Surface-Mounted Fixtures Versus Recessed Can Lighting

Which Type of Lighting is Right for My Room? Surface-Mounted Fixtures Versus Recessed Can Lighting
June 30, 2019 Valerie Griffiths

The proper lighting enhances the look, feel, and overall functionality of most any room. There’s no limit to the number of ways you can illuminate your living spaces. Decide on the proper lighting style and fixture for a particular room; they’re important considerations! Here’s how to choose surface-mounted fixtures or recessed can lighting.

Surface-Mounted Fixtures

Surface Mounted LightingConsider the type of space you’re looking to light. A decorative chandelier serves as a statement piece over the dining room table or in an entryway. Chandeliers, as well as pendants and ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, are examples of surface-mounted light fixtures.

Flexible Options

Flexibility is a big perk of surface-mounted lights. They come in all shapes and sizes to complement your space. For example, surface-mounted lights may be large or small, and hang low, or sit flush to the ceiling. They provide good, quality, lighting and can easily be incorporated into any space.

But what about basements or rooms with low ceilings? There might not be room for certain surface-mounted fixtures, or they may not jive with the look and feel of the space.

Recessed Can Lighting

Recessed LightingAnd how about underneath cabinets, or above kitchen islands? What if you have a piece of artwork or furniture that you’d like to highlight? These are scenarios where recessed can lighting is the ideal choice. Recessed lights are installed flush with the ceiling. This helps make a room feel larger. Recessed can lighting provides a clean and minimalistic look and feel.

Additionally, recessed can lighting is often used to cast more light where you need it most. For instance, select fixtures come with the option of gimble rings. They can tilt to a certain degree and shine on something specific in a room. This is a wonderful choice for picture lighting.

Further, recessed can lighting can also be used throughout an entire space, but it doesn’t provide bright light as a surface mount.

Recessed can lighting is a bit more complicated to install, unlike surface-mounted fixtures, which most rooms are equipped to accommodate. Adding either type of lighting is a routine job for your licensed electrician.

In summary, in some rooms, you may want a range of lighting within a single space to meet your needs. You might want a hanging pendant over the kitchen sink, and recessed cans to shed light under the cabinets. Above all, consider layering your lighting to add to the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a room.