Yes, there is a difference between can lights and recessed lights. While both are types of recessed lighting installed into the ceiling, can lights and recessed lights have some distinct differences.
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What are Can Lights?
Can lights, also known as canister lights or downlights, are a type of recessed lighting that is cylindrical in shape. The housing of a can light is a can-shaped enclosure that is usually made of aluminum or steel. The light source inside a can light is pointed downward to create a narrow beam of direct illumination below. Some key features of can lights include:
- Cylindrical shape with open or closed bottom
- Made of metal such as aluminum or steel
- Houses light source pointing downward
- Creates narrow, direct beam of light
- Recessed into ceiling with trim kit
- Use incandescent, CFL, or LED bulbs
Can lights are one of the most popular types of recessed lighting due to their simple, versatile design. They work well to create task lighting, accent lighting, or general ambient lighting. Can lights are available in a range of sizes, beam angles, and finishes to fit different lighting needs.
What are Recessed Lights?
Recessed lights is a broad term that refers to any light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling. This allows the fixture to be flush with the ceiling surface. In addition to can lights, other types of recessed lighting include:
- Eyeball lights – adjustable bulb and reflector for directing light
- Wall washers – spread light across surfaces
- Linear lights – long, narrow fixtures
- Cove lights – indirect lighting mounted between ceiling and wall
- Troffer lights – lensed fixtures for fluorescent bulbs
The key feature of all recessed lighting is that the fixture is recessed into the ceiling, rather than mounted on the ceiling surface. The housing is concealed except for the exposed trim around the light opening. Recessed lighting creates an unobtrusive, seamless look compared to surface-mounted lights.
Differences Between Can Lights and Recessed Lights
While can lights are one type of recessed lighting, there are some key differences between can lights and other recessed light fixtures:
| Can Lights | Other Recessed Lights |
|---|---|
| Cylindrical can shape | Varying shapes and sizes |
| Direct lighting | Direct, indirect, or ambient lighting |
| Fixed directionality | Adjustable directionality or spread |
| Simple, single bulb | Multiple bulbs or linear lighting |
| Limited finish options | Range of finishes to match décor |
In summary, while all can lights are recessed lights, not all recessed lights are can lights. Can lights refer specifically to recessed cylindrical fixtures that provide direct, downward lighting. Recessed lighting is an umbrella term that encompasses can lights and various other types of lights installed into the ceiling.
Benefits of Can Lights vs. Recessed Lights
Here are some of the benefits of can lights compared to other recessed lighting types:
Can Lights Benefits:
- Simple, versatile lighting for many applications
- Relatively affordable cost
- Easy to install in existing ceilings
- Focus lighting on specific tasks or areas
- Wide range of bulb options including LED
Recessed Lighting Benefits:
- Flushes with ceiling for unobtrusive look
- Variety of styles to fit different décor
- Adjustable direction or spread of light
- Options for indirect ambient lighting
- Linear fixtures provide continuous lighting
Ultimately, can lights are best for basic directional task lighting, while other recessed fixtures create more diffuse or decorative lighting effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can lights and recessed lights share similarities as fixtures installed into a ceiling, but have distinct differences. Can lights refer to basic cylindrical recessed fixtures that direct light downward. Recessed lighting is a broad category encompassing can lights as well as eyeball, wall washer, linear, cove, and troffer lights. While can lights are affordable and versatile, other recessed fixtures provide more adjustable and ambient lighting options. Both can offer an integrated, seamless look when installed properly in a ceiling.