What decorative lighting offers in style, recessed lighting offers in function. But these small fixtures are anything but basic, and there's a wide variety of recessed lighting types to enhance all your living spaces.

Also known as can lighting or downlights, recessed lighting is typically installed in the ceiling, wall, and sometimes the ground (if you're using them outside). Whether these lights are being placed in new construction, a remodeled space, or a retrofit project makes a difference, as we discuss in more detail below.

There are two main components to recessed lighting: the housing and the trim. This guide will outline what these components are and why they matter when choosing recessed lights for the room. First up? Housing type.

Recessed Lighting Housing Types

The housing type refers to the actual light fixture. When you look at recessed lighting, the housing is the part you can't see, because it sits above the ceiling and holds the light bulb and trim in place.

Choosing the right type of housing has to do with the construction of your home. Before you get into the fun stuff – colors, finishes, style – nail down your housing:

New construction housing: Adding a room to your home or building a brand new house? Choose this type of housing, which goes in before the ceiling is even in place.
Remodel housing: Installing recessed lighting in a ceiling that's already there? This is the right housing type.
Insulation contact (IC)-rated housing: If the recessed lighting will have direct contact with insulation, you'll need IC-rated housing.
Non-IC housing: You can only use this type if there's 3" or more of clearance between the light fixture and insulation.
Airtight housing: Want recessed lighting in an area where there's unconditioned space above (like an attic) and conditioned space below (like a bedroom with AC)? Use this type of housing to reduce the airflow between the two.
Shallow ceiling housing: If your ceiling is supported by 2" x 6" joists, choose this type of housing.
Sloped ceiling housing: Have a sloped ceiling in the space you want to install recessed lighting? This is the right housing for you, but make sure to check the angles before purchasing.

Recessed Lighting Trim Types

The housing is the part of recessed lighting fixtures that you can't see. But the trim is what stands out when you look up at the ceiling or wall where it's installed. Here are the nine different types of recessed lighting trims:

Adjustable: Want to mix things up? Choose this type of trim so you can move the direction of the light in your space.
Baffle: This is the most common type of trim. The bulb fits inside the housing and is not flush with the ceiling, and the ribbed interior of this trim type helps minimize glare.
Decorative: Make a bold statement with this trim style, ranging from modern low profile to star-shaped to Victorian design.
Open: The bulb is nearly or completely flush to the ceiling in this trim type, so the light isn't restricted in any way.
Pinhole: Want a tiny sliver of light only? Or want to focus a tight beam on an object without drawing attention to the light source? Opt for this trim type, which has a low-profile and concealed fixture.
Reflector: Similar to baffle in that the bulb is inset, this trim style has mirrored surfaces for optimal illumination.
Shower: Approved for wet areas, this trim has a tempered glass lens fitting for use in the bathroom.
Slotted: Similar to pinhole trim in that the source of light is concealed, this style has tilt and rotation features that give you some control of the amount of light in the space.
Wall Washer: Using recessed lighting on an accent wall or to illuminate a piece of artwork? This trim allows you to pivot the bulb wherever you want the light to shine.

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Tip!
Recessed lighting kits are available to take the guesswork out of coordinating housing types and trim styles. Be aware of voltage too: You may need a transformer and some kits come with one that's built-in.

Recessed Lighting Features

Besides the housing and trim, there are some additional features to consider when you're ready to install recessed lighting.

Amount of light: If you want to control the amount of light in the space, add a dimmer switch.
Direction of light: If you want the light to go in different directions rather than just down, opt for a multi-directional light.

Choose the Right Lights for the Room

Once you've narrowed down your housing and trim types, you can start selecting options for recessed lighting. You can coordinate with what's already in the room (ceiling fans, chandeliers, pendant lighting), and even mix and match different types of recessed lighting in the same space.

And remember: if you're placing these lights in an area that will have moisture, select the fixtures designed specifically for these spaces.

Here's a recessed lighting checklist for easy reference:

Choose the housing:New construction or remodel? Sloped or shallow ceiling? Insulation contact or airtight? The right housing matters.
Choose the trim: Square or round? Adjustable or baffle or pinhole? The types of trim typically correspond to the way you'll be using the recessed lighting in the room, as well as the look and feel you want.
Choose the function: Are you spotlighting a piece of art on an accent wall? Low-lighting a desk so it doesn't interfere with lighting in other parts of the room? Boosting the amount of light in a big room? These are the things to consider when purchasing recessed lighting.
Choose the features: Want to control how high or low the lights go? Add a dimmer switch. Want to control where the light lands? Opt for a multi-directional recessed light.