Recessed Lighting Layout & Installation: A Guide for Pros & DIYers

May 15, 2025

Why Recessed Lighting Layout Matters

Recessed lighting—also known as can lights or pot lights—is a favorite among contractors and DIYers alike. It’s sleek, space-saving, and works just about anywhere. But here’s the thing: even the best recessed lighting can fall flat without the right layout.

It’s not just about how it looks. Placement affects everything—how evenly your space is lit, whether you end up with weird shadows, and how the room feels overall.

And if you’ve ever asked “How many lights do I need?” or “How far apart should they go?”—you’re not alone. The good news? Once you understand a few simple principles, building the right recessed lighting layout gets a whole lot easier.

Let’s break it down.

Define the Purpose of Your Lighting Layout

Before you start cutting holes in drywall, take a step back and ask: what’s the goal for the space? Understanding how the room will be used helps you create a recessed lighting layout that’s both functional and efficient.

Here are a few common lighting types to guide your plan:

General / Ambient Lighting
This is your baseline lighting—what keeps the room evenly lit. For most rooms, this is where recessed lighting really shines (literally).
Task Lighting
Focused lighting for things like kitchen counters, reading nooks, or workstations. Task lights are typically installed directly over areas where activities happen.
Accent / Wall Wash Lighting
Perfect for highlighting artwork, shelving, or architectural features. This style of recessed lighting draws attention to what matters most.

Depending on your room and goals, your layout might include one or more of these. The key is to think beyond “just add light” and instead think about how your lighting will function.

Start with a Sketch

Before you start drilling holes or picking out trim, it helps to map things out. A simple sketch of the room—on paper or using a digital tool—goes a long way in creating a solid recessed lighting layout.

You don’t need to be an architect here. Just note the key stuff:

Room dimensions
Major furniture or appliances (sofa, kitchen island, vanity, etc.)
Focal points like artwork, workstations, or the center of the room

The goal is to highlight where the action happens. That’ll guide your lighting plan and help avoid awkward shadows or wasted light.

Easy Placement & Spacing Rules

Once you’ve sketched your layout, it’s time to figure out where each recessed light should go. No need to overthink it—just follow a few tried-and-true rules:

General / Ambient Lighting
- Divide ceiling height by 2 for even spacing
- (Example: 8-ft ceiling = lights every 4 feet)
Task Lighting
- Place lights 14–18 inches in from the edge of cabinets or counters (Keeps work areas well-lit without harsh shadows)
Accent Lighting
- Space fixtures 4–6 feet apart to highlight artwork or architectural features

Think of spacing like seasoning—you want it even, but not overpowering. A well-balanced layout helps your recessed lights do their job without overwhelming the space.

Choose the Right Trim & Housing

Choosing the best recessed lighting isn’t just about functionality—it’s also about style, safety, and how easy it is to install. Trim and housing are where form meets function.

Trim Types: Function + Style

Recessed lighting trims come in a variety of styles to suit both your lighting needs and your design vision. Most trims are available in different finishes (matte white, brushed nickel, black, etc.) and shapes (round or square), so you can match your space’s overall aesthetic.

Here are some of the most popular types:

Baffle Trim – Features ridged interiors that reduce glare. Great for living rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you want soft, diffused lighting.
Reflector Trim – Uses a shiny surface to maximize brightness. Ideal for kitchens or tall ceilings where you want to bounce light further.
Eyeball Trim – Adjustable to point light exactly where you want it. Perfect for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or reading nooks.
Shower-Rated (Lens) Trim – Sealed against moisture, this trim is essential in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other damp locations.

Whether you’re going for cozy, ultra-modern, or spa-like, there’s a trim that fits both your function and style.

Housing: What to Know Before You Buy

The housing is the part that actually gets installed in the ceiling, and there are two main types:

IC-Rated (Insulation Contact)
Designed to be safely installed where the fixture will touch insulation. Required for attics, bathrooms, and any area with insulated ceilings.
Example: If you’re installing above a shower or in a ceiling with insulation overhead, IC-rated is a must.
Remodel Housing
Best for retrofitting lights into existing ceilings when attic access is limited or unavailable.
Example: Finishing a basement or updating a room without tearing out drywall? Go with remodel housing.

Pro Tip: Double-check local code to ensure you’re using the right housing type, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture and wiring safety are key.

Contractor Tips vs. DIY Recessed Lighting Installation Notes

No matter who’s doing the install, smart planning pays off. Here are tailored tips for both professionals and weekend warriors:

For Pros: Installation Best Practices

Spacing & Placement – Even, code-compliant spacing helps avoid dark corners and overlit zones. Use beam spread specs to calculate coverage.
Dimmer Compatibility – Not all LED recessed lights play nicely with dimmers. Always check specs to avoid flicker or buzzing.
Know Your Code – Local building codes often dictate where you can use IC-rated fixtures, how close lights can be to insulation, and the type of wiring required.
Here’s a helpful NEC guide for recessed lighting requirements (2023 update)
Label Everything – On large jobs, keeping labels on trim, housing, and bulbs prevents mix-ups—especially if some spaces require fire-rated or wet-location fixtures.

For DIYers: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Check Ceiling Access – Make sure you know what’s above before you start cutting—attic space, joists, or HVAC might impact your layout.
Understand Circuit Load – Recessed lighting adds to your home’s electrical demand. Avoid overloading a circuit, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.
Use Templates – Many recessed lighting kits include ceiling templates to help mark perfect cutouts—use them to save time and avoid patchwork repairs.
Bathrooms & Kitchens = GFCI Zones – If you’re wiring near water, make sure outlets and circuits are GFCI-protected where required.

Bonus: When to Use a Recessed Lighting Kit

If you’re installing multiple lights—or just want to keep things simple—a recessed lighting kit can save you serious time and second-guessing. These kits typically bundle everything you need: housings, trim, and bulbs that all work together.

They’re especially helpful for:

First-time DIYers who don’t want to piece together parts.
Contractors handling a fast-turnaround job and want to minimize compatibility issues.
Anyone upgrading a room with multiple fixtures who wants a consistent look.

White Star Supply carries recessed lighting kits for all kinds of spaces—from kitchens and basements to bathrooms and commercial builds. Our team can help you choose the right kit based on your ceiling type, insulation, and design goals.

Ask the Experts at White Star Supply

Not sure which recessed lighting trim gives off the right vibe? Wondering how many cans you really need in that room? We’ve got your back.

At White Star Supply, our showroom team helps both pros and DIYers plan layouts, compare trims, and find the right lighting options for every project. We’ll walk you through housing types, spacing tips, and product selection—no guesswork required.

Need help picking trim or spacing things out? Stop by and let’s talk lighting.

Let’s Light It Right

A smart recessed lighting layout does more than just place lights in the ceiling—it sets the tone for how the space looks, feels, and functions. When you get it right, your room is brighter, more balanced, and better to live (or work) in.

Whether you’re roughing in a new build or finally upgrading the family room, White Star Supply has everything you need to bring your lighting vision to life—including expert guidance, in-stock products, and the best recessed lighting options for your budget.

Let’s make your next project shine—reach out today.