Recessed lights are a stylish and space-saving choice, but they can sometimes cause glare. Modern technology has largely fixed this issue, but mismatched fixtures can still be a problem.
Don’t worry—we’ve got some great tips to help you reduce glare from your recessed lighting.
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There are multiple ways to reduce the glare from your recessed lighting. These solutions generally involve adjusting the trim on the housing.
- Use a grooved baffle, which comes in black or white.
- Install haze reflectors, which are specifically designed to reduce glare.
- Eyeball trims will let you freely adjust the direction of your light.
- Install dimmable LED retrofit lights. This will allow you to adjust the amount of light pouring down.
Recessed lighting fits well with many interior styles but comes with unique, often permanent challenges. Besides reducing glare, keep reading to find out if recessed lights are worthwhile, trendy, and cost-effective.
What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights?
Before tackling your glare issue, it’s helpful to understand what recessed lights are.
Recessed lights are fixtures hidden inside the ceiling, not hanging like traditional lamps. This design creates a unique ambiance and offers practical benefits.
If you’re confused by terms like “can lights,” they’re just another name for recessed lights, named for their cylindrical shape.
In Canadian English, they’re called “pot lights” because they resemble pots. You might also hear them referred to as “downlights.” So, when searching for solutions, remember these terms all describe the same thing.
How to reduce glare on recessed lights?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to fix that irritating glare.
While dimmable lights are an option, most solutions involve replacing the light’s trimming or trim. This is the lining that you’ll see and inserts on the light, making it crucial to your interior design.
Grooved Baffle
Sometimes, a Baffle is more than enough. Baffles are a kind of trim specifically designed to absorb more light.
They are ridged and specially shaped to trap and control light. This should minimize any glare that may have resulted from your new recessed lights.
Fortunately, Baffles are also commonly available in black or white, which should fit any style you want. However, you should bear in mind that you will need to match your Baffle with the correct lighting cans and light bulbs.
Haze Reflectors
Haze reflectors are a great step up in reducing glare while maximizing light. They cast a wide light pattern, so you don’t have to sacrifice brightness to avoid glare.
The key is their finish, typically Alcoa Aluminum’s “Alzak” finish, which uses anodizing to thicken the oxide coating on the metal. This finish effectively eliminates glare without losing light strength.
Unlike baffles with grooves, haze reflectors have a smooth surface, offering a cleaner look that suits various interior design styles, especially minimalist ones. This smooth look can greatly enhance your room’s atmosphere.
Eyeball Trims
Eyeball trims allow you to adjust the direction of your light, much like a chameleon’s eye. Shaped like an eyeball, these trims can be pointed in any direction to eliminate glare with precise adjustments.
Artists often favor eyeball trims for directing light onto walls, artwork, easels, desks, or workspaces.
They’re also great for highlighting architectural features like sloped ceilings or for “wall washing,” which evenly lights a specific wall area, such as around a fireplace.
Use Dimmable Lights
Dimmable lights are a straightforward solution to glare issues. Most modern kits allow you to wire your recessed lights to a dimmer switch, adjusting the overall light output.
However, dimming might not be practical if it sacrifices too much brightness. If your room becomes too dark, simply dimming the lights isn’t a worthwhile trade.
That said, most modern recessed lights are dimmable, and a slight adjustment might fix the glare. Plus, upgrading to newer, more reliable lights could be beneficial.
Are recessed lights out of style?
Recessed lights are not out of style. They remain a popular choice for their clean, minimalist look and versatility.
Whether for general lighting or as accent lights with options like eyeball trims, recessed lights fit well with various interior design styles, including modern and minimalist trends.
Are recessed lights worth it?
Recessed lights are definitely worth considering for your home. They offer a clean, minimalist look that can enhance the aesthetic of any room.
One of the main advantages of recessed lights is their space-saving design; being installed within the ceiling, they free up space and make rooms appear larger and less cluttered.
Their versatility is another significant benefit, as they are suitable for various applications, from general ambient lighting to task lighting and accent lighting.
With options like dimmable features and adjustable trims, recessed lights can be tailored to meet your specific lighting needs.
In Closing
Recessed lighting offers a stylish, space-saving, and versatile solution for any home. With the right trim and placement, you can reduce glare and enhance your room’s ambiance.
Whether you’re updating your current lighting or starting from scratch, recessed lights are a worthwhile investment that can transform your living space.
