Key takeaways
- Good pot light layouts light the room evenly and avoid dark corners and glare.
- Slim LED pot lights install into existing ceilings through small openings.
- Cost depends on the number of lights, ceiling access, switching and dimmers.
Pot lights, also called recessed lights, are one of the most popular upgrades in Niagara homes. Done well, they make a room feel bigger, brighter and more finished. Done poorly, they leave dark corners and glare. Here is how to plan them.
Plan the layout first
- Spacing. A common starting point is to space lights about half the ceiling height apart, then adjust for the room.
- Distance from walls. Keep lights far enough from walls to avoid harsh scallops of light, closer if you want to wash a wall or highlight art.
- Task areas. Kitchen counters, islands and desks need light in front of where you stand, not behind you.
- Zones. Put different areas on separate switches so you can light what you are using.
Slim LED pot lights
Modern slim LED pot lights are thin enough to install in existing ceilings through small openings, without large housings in the joist space. They use little power, run cool and last a long time. Many let you choose the colour temperature with a small switch.
Colour temperature
Warmer light (around 2700K to 3000K) feels cozy in living rooms and bedrooms. Neutral light (around 3500K to 4000K) suits kitchens, laundry rooms and workspaces. Using one colour temperature throughout an open space keeps it looking consistent.
Dimmers
Dimmers make pot lights far more versatile. Use dimmers rated for LED loads and dimmable fixtures to avoid flicker and buzz. See our guide on flickering lights for more.
What affects the cost
- The number of lights and switches
- Ceiling access, such as an open basement ceiling versus a finished main floor with an occupied floor above
- Whether new circuits are needed
- Dimmers or smart switches
- Patching and painting, if required
Why use a licensed electrician?
Pot lights add new wiring and connections in your ceilings. A licensed electrician makes sure the circuit can handle the load, uses fixtures rated for the location, including damp locations and insulated ceilings, and handles the ESA permit where required.
FM Electric installs pot lights across St. Catharines, Grimsby, Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region. See our lighting and pot light installation service or call (905) 931-4522.
Frequently asked questions
Can pot lights be installed in an existing ceiling?
Yes. Slim LED pot lights are designed for existing ceilings and usually need only small openings.
How many pot lights do I need?
It depends on the room size, ceiling height and how you use the space. A common starting point is spacing them about half the ceiling height apart. We plan the layout during the site visit.
