How many recessed lights do I need?

Divide your room's square footage by 12-15 for 6-inch lights. A 10x12 room needs 8-10 lights. A 15x20 room needs 20-25 lights. Space lights half the ceiling height apart (4 feet apart for 8-foot ceilings). Place lights 2-3 feet from walls for even wall washing. How much does recessed lighting cost?

How much does recessed lighting cost?

Canless LED fixtures cost $15-$30 each. Professional installation costs $100-$250 per light for new installs. A 10-light room costs $150-$300 DIY or $1,000-$2,500 professionally. Retrofit LED inserts for existing cans cost $8-$25 each and are the cheapest upgrade option. Can I install recessed lighting myself?

Can I install recessed lighting myself?

Yes for canless/wafer LED lights with attic access above. Cut the hole, run wire from existing circuit, connect junction box, and push light into ceiling. Canless lights are much easier than traditional cans. If you need a new circuit or don't have attic access, hire an electrician. Always turn off power at the breaker. What color temperature is best for recessed lights?

What color temperature is best for recessed lights?

3000K (soft white) is the most versatile choice for most rooms. Use 2700K (warm white) for bedrooms and intimate spaces. Use 4000-5000K for garages and workshops. Consistency matters — use the same color temperature throughout connected rooms. Add dimmer switches for flexibility.

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Home Improvement

Recessed Lighting Guide: Types, Layout, Cost & Installation

Lumberama Editorial Team, Lighting Design Specialists Sep 8, 2026 9 min read

Types

Traditional can (housing + trim): Metal canister installed in ceiling. Separate trim snaps into housing. IC-rated (insulation contact) for insulated ceilings. Non-IC for non-insulated spaces. Sizes: 4, 5, or 6 inches (6 inch most common). Cost: $15-$40 per fixture.

Canless (wafer/ultra-thin): LED light panel with junction box. No metal canister needed. Ultra-thin profile (less than 1 inch). Easier installation (smaller ceiling hole). Cost: $15-$30 per fixture. Rapidly becoming the standard.

Retrofit LED: LED insert that fits into existing can housing. Converts old incandescent cans to LED. Cost: $8-$25 each. Easiest upgrade for existing recessed lights.

Sizes: 4-inch: accent and task lighting. 5-inch: versatile, works in most rooms. 6-inch: general illumination, standard residential.

Layout and Spacing

General spacing rule: Divide ceiling height by 2 = maximum spacing between lights. 8-foot ceiling: 4 feet apart maximum. 9-foot ceiling: 4.5 feet apart maximum. 10-foot ceiling: 5 feet apart maximum.

Distance from walls: 2-3 feet from wall for wall washing effect. Closer to wall highlights art or architecture. Too close creates scallops on wall.

Room-by-room guidelines: Kitchen: 4-5 feet apart, task lighting over counters. Living room: 4-6 feet apart, focus on seating areas. Bathroom: over vanity and shower. Hallway: 4-6 feet apart, centered. Bedroom: 4-5 feet apart, avoid directly over bed.

How many lights per room: Formula: room square footage / 12-15 = approximate number of 6-inch lights. 10x12 room (120 sq ft): 8-10 lights. 12x14 room (168 sq ft): 11-14 lights. 15x20 room (300 sq ft): 20-25 lights.

Color Temperature

Options: 2700K (warm white): cozy, relaxed feel. Best for: bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms. 3000K (soft white): balanced warmth. Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, general use. Most versatile choice. 3500K (neutral): between warm and cool. Best for: offices, workspaces. 4000K (cool white): bright, energizing. Best for: garages, workshops, task areas. 5000K (daylight): very bright, clinical. Best for: detail work, art studios.

Recommendation: Use 3000K throughout most of the home for consistency. 2700K for bedrooms and intimate spaces. Dimmer switches add flexibility to any color temperature.

Cost

Per light (materials): Canless LED: $15-$30. Traditional can + LED trim: $25-$50. Retrofit LED (for existing cans): $8-$25.

Installation cost: DIY (existing circuit, accessible attic): $0 labor. Professional: $100-$250 per light (new install). Professional: $50-$100 per light (retrofit into existing can).

Typical room (10 lights): DIY canless LED: $150-$300 materials. Professional new install: $1,000-$2,500. Professional retrofit: $500-$1,000.

Whole house (30-50 lights): DIY: $450-$1,500 materials. Professional: $3,000-$12,500.

Dimmer switch: Standard: $15-$30 each. Smart dimmer (WiFi): $30-$80 each.