Decorating – or redecorating – a home can be as fun as it is challenging. After all, there are so many choices to be made – fabrics and paint colors and flooring types, for starters. It can all become overwhelming. When it comes to lighting, you may be tempted to just throw up a standard bulb and call it a day, but taking the time to choose your lighting carefully will help you create the home ambiance that works for your and your family. 

Recessed lights and ceiling lights are both excellent options, but to decide which one you want, you’ll have to look at the pros and cons. Luckily, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about recessed lights vs. ceiling lights right here. Read on to learn more!

Recessed Lights

As the name implies, recessed lights are tucked away up into the ceiling as opposed to hanging from it. Also called can lights, recessed lights are usually three to six inches in diameter. They are perfect for home theaters, basements, kitchens, and spaces with a low ceiling. 

Pros: 

• The lightbulb itself is hidden away, keeping the ceiling profile flat and streamlined. 
• They make your room appear larger than it is, thanks to the more open ceiling area. 
• Recessed lighting can be aimed in specific directions, so it can be used as a spotlight over art or souvenir displays. Or, they can be arranged to illuminate the entire room in a wash of light.
• They’re ideal for wet or steamy rooms, like the kitchen and bathroom. 

Cons: 

• While the lights can be installed anywhere in the ceiling, the bulbs themselves will always point downwards, so it could take a lot of lights and plenty of time arranging them to light up a large room. 
• Installation requires holes to be put in the ceiling, which could weaken your ceiling or lead to air leaks. 

Ceiling Lights

These are the more traditional lights you probably have n your home. Ceiling light types include pendants, chandeliers, track lighting, and ceiling fan/light combos. 

Pros: 

• Make a statement with any number of designs to match or contrast your room’s style. 
• It’s easier to light up a large room with ceiling lights since many options have multi-bulb functions, and the bulbs can be more exposed. 
• Instead of several down-ward facing lights, you may only need one large light to light up an entire room. 
• You only need to cut one hole as opposed to many to install a single ceiling light. 

Cons: 

• Your lighting can quickly become a distraction if the light is too bright or the fixture too large. 
• Depending on the room’s shape, using a single ceiling light may leave shadows or unlit areas. 
• Using more than one ceiling light in an attempt to brighten the whole space can make a room look small and cramped
• If your light hangs too low, it could become hazardous for taller people. 

Contact Brunelli Electric

Whether you’re going for recessed or ceiling lights, the light experts at Brunelli Electric are here to help. From choosing the right style to getting it installed in no time, our professionals will ensure your home is illuminated the way you want. Give us a call today at 508-400-5571 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.