Recessed lighting is a great way to add some direct or subtle mood lighting. It doesn't take up additional floor or table space like a lamp would. It also doesn't draw too much attention to itself, making this type of lighting perfect for a wide variety of home styles. Below we'll cover the types, materials and finishes in recessed lighting trims & retrofits so you can choose the best option for your situation.
Table of Contents Hide
The first consideration in recessed lighting is what type you should get, also sometimes referred to as the trim style. You have several main options, each with their own benefits:
Baffle trim: This type of recessed light has grooves set into it, which are meant to block excess light. This reduces glare and shadows, so choose this type for a pure and soft ambient light. Black baffles can reduce the glare further but choose white if you want the light fixture to match a lightly colored surrounding ceiling.
Reflector trim: These are made with extra sheen surrounding the bulb so that the fixture itself reflects more light into the space. If you want a brighter light, reflector trims are a solid choice.
Adjustable trim: If you're looking to adjust recessed lighting trims & retrofits to create accent lighting or spotlighting, you'll want an adjustable trim. Terms to look for in adjustable lighting include eyelid, gimbal ring, adjustable cone, eyeball and wall wash.
Wet location or lens: This type of recessed lighting provides bulb and light casing protection from moisture and humidity. This may be a must if you're placing your recessed lighting in moist areas like a bathroom. It's common to see the terms damp listed or wet listed to indicate how much the lighting fixture is protected from moisture.
You also have two main materials to choose from, each of which helps give a certain design aesthetic and comes with certain benefits.
Plastic: Plastic, usually of polycarbonate, is a very common lighting fixture material. A basic plastic can work well in casual spaces. However, there are ornamented plastic styles for more regal or upper-class looks. Dark-colored plastics give a modern and sleek look. Because the recessed lighting is way up in the ceiling, it will be hard to notice that the lighting is even plastic. Plastic is also a good way to keep the cost lower.
Metal: Metals can give an austere look that is great in modern or industrial spaces. Steel is a very common material to find for its durability, as is aluminum because of how lightweight it is.
