Best LED Recessed Lights Buying Guides
Navigating the marketplace without researching the product you want can be time-consuming because there are many choices to select from. To narrow down these choices; here are a few points to keep in mind while purchasing LED recessed lights:
Type of LED recessed lights
In the market, you mostly find two types of recessed lights fixed and adjustable recessed lights. Fixed recess lights feature a lens permanently embedded in the trim with no movements.
Depending on your preference, fixed recessed lights can have either a baffle or reflector trim. A baffle trim reduces glare while the reflector trim amplifies the light for a more vibrant coverage.
Adjustable recessed lights, as the name indicated can be adjusted to shed light from different angles. A set of good quality recessed lights like the Sunco 12 Pack 6 Inch LED Can Lights to offer good value for money. This pack of 12 recessed lights possesses 4000k brightness, and 360-degree horizontal rotation, and is easy to install.
Ultra-thin recessed lights recently debuted in the market, and they come with a remote junction box to contain all the wiring and connections to fit any location you choose.
These easy-to-install models such as the Amico 6 Inch 3CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Lights do not need a ceiling clearing and therefore; they are easy to work with. However, they may cause unwarranted glare as the lens sits flat on the surface.
Elbow recessed lights are fully adjustable models that offer a 360-degree rotation, and the lens can be adjusted from a flat position to a 75-degree angle. These models offer more flexibility than regular adjustable recess lights making them ideal for commercial spaces.
Size
When considering the size of the recessed lights, you also have to consider the size of the space. If you have a large area to cover, you need to purchase more lights to ensure even coverage.
The size of the recess lights will vary according to personal tastes. There are those who prefer LED recessed lights with large diameters, while others want small diameter lights of about 4 inches. Experts recommend using large recessed lights for general lighting and smaller diameter lights for accent lighting.
An excellent example of recessed lights with a large diameter is the Ensenior 12 Pack 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light.
These 18V packs of lights offer a slim panel and dimmable features with a 5-year guarantee in tow. The lights come in various color ranges and are durable thanks to their aluminum and iron structure.
Color temperature
Depending on the ambiance you want in your space, you have to consider the color temperature typically measured in Kelvins (K).
Warm colors including yellow and light orange create a cozy setting while cool white colors provide more visibility and brightness. If you are not sure which color temperature will suit your space, consult an interior decorator for quick tips.
Brightness
LED recessed lights offer varied brightness depending on the lumen count. The higher the lumens, the more brightness you have at your disposal regardless of the color temperature.
Therefore, it is important to think of the space you have and the level of brightness it would take to illuminate the area without causing glare.
The good thing is that most models in the market come with a dimmable function. This allows you to adjust the brightness to suit the time of day or fit into the ambiance you want.
Wattage
Apart from the lumens, one has to consider the wattage when shopping for recessed LED lights. Like most electrical appliances, the higher the wattage, the more power is available for use. Ranging from 8-40W, you can find recesses LED lights of different sizes.
Additionally, you may want to consider the wattage depending on the area you want to cover. A large number of high-wattage lights may cause a slight spike in your power bill.
To avoid unnecessary spending on electric bills, you can settle for models such as the 12 Pack 4 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box. This pack of lights has a low 9.5 wattage, but the brightness is high enough for effective coverage.
Types of trim
There are over 22 forms of recessed lighting trims available in the market. It is up to you to select which trim suits you the most. Some of the popular trims include:
- Baffle trims reduce glare because they feature circular ribbing and are common among different types of recessed lights.
- Open trims are designed to be used with special wide bottom bulbs that provide a flush look between the bulb and the can’s rim.
- Reflective trims feature a mirror surface that amplifies the brightness of the lights to offer better illumination, especially above dark-lit surfaces.
- Eyeball trims have an adjustable inner ring that permits the user to change the overall direction of the light.
- Pinhole trims are usually used to accentuate artworks because they have a small opening that creates a sort of spotlight. You can find multiple recessed lights with pinhole trims in a home or commercial movie theatre that apes a star-studded sky for a decorative effect.
Warranty
Although LED recessed lights have a long life span, it is important to purchase a brand that offers a warranty. The product might not have any faults once delivered, but it may develop issues over time.
A warranty assures you that the quality is dependable over a long period. With recessed lights, you can get brands that offer 3 to 7-year warranties, which is a good sign of durability.
FAQs
How far apart should I install my recessed lights?
If you are not a professional, finding the right balance when spacing the lights can be difficult, particularly if it is your first time. Ideally, experts recommend you divide the ceiling’s height by two to get the suitable spacing between each light.
For example, a 10-foot high ceiling will have a 5 feet distance between each light. You also have to consider the shape of the ceiling to avoid over-spacing, especially in sloped ceilings.
Where is the ideal location for recessed lights?
Considering that recessed lights can be used indoors and outdoors, you are not limited to where you can place them. If you do not want to deal with a single large light fixture, you can install sizeable recessed lights in the kitchen or the bathroom that can be dimmed.
You can place them in corridors and hallways pairing them with sconces to highlight art pieces on the wall. With recessed lights, as long as they can .fit, you can install them anywhere from the deck to the patio.
Can you have too many recessed lights?
Yes, you can. If you walk into a room and are blinded by brightness, you may have installed too many recessed lights. Even with a dimming function, too many recessed lights can leave a space looking like a fashion runway rather than someone’s house. Seek a light specialist when constructing commercial or domestic spaces to avoid these pitfalls.
Do recessed LED lights consume a lot of electricity?
Considering that, LEDs are designed to be energy efficient; they will not consume as much electricity as compared to fluorescent lights. No matter the number of LEDs installed, you can always be assured that when the electric bill arrives, you will not scream in horror.
Final Thoughts
If you have been using fluorescent bulbs, adding LED recessed lights transforms your space adding subtle elegance. People have a misconception that recessed lights are expensive, but in reality, they are quite affordable because they come in packs of 4-12 lights. Once you install them, they are low-maintenance products, and they are durable; therefore, you can rest easy.
If you are looking for large recessed lights for a large space, the TORCHSTAR E-Lite Series 8 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Light is an ideal option. If you are looking for small, 4-inch lights with low power consumption, try the FREELICHT 12 Pack 4 Inch Slim LED Recessed Lighting. Those who need a model that offers 360-degree adjustable recess lights will appreciate the OSTWIN 6 Inch LED Retrofit Recessed Ceiling Lights.
With that said, we hope you will join us next time for another exciting review. Let us know in the comment section below the model that turned out to be the best LED recessed lights for your space.
