Lighting has the power to transform spaces, create ambience, and even lift moods. In our ceaseless journey to craft that perfect lighting experience, technology has thrown us a curveball—an exciting, sleek, and modern innovation called canless recessed lighting.

In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about canless recessed lighting. We'll explore all the details of canless recessed lighting, learning about its bright benefits and any possible downsides. We'll reveal how to install these lights, and even highlight one of the top choices in the market for canless recessed lighting. Ready to learn more and add a stylish touch to your home? Let’s dive in!

canless recessed lightingcanless recessed lighting

Part 1. What Is Canless Recessed Lighting?

Canless recessed lighting, often called canless LED lights, is a type of light fixture that's installed directly into a hole in the ceiling. Unlike traditional recessed lighting, which involves a "can" or housing to hold the light bulb, canless lights don't require this additional casing. They fit snugly into the ceiling, providing a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic that's perfect for modern homes. These lights use LED technology, ensuring energy efficiency and long bulb life.

Part 2. Pros & Cons of Canless Recessed Lighting

Every product has pros and cons. It all depends on whether a specific product is the right fit for your needs. With that being said, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of canless recessed lighting:

Pros

  • Small and Stylish Design: Canless lights are smaller than regular recessed lights, giving your room a neat, modern look. They're less noticeable and blend in with your ceiling, making your space look uncluttered.
  • Versatility: Canless recessed lights can be used in various parts of your home. From living rooms and kitchens to bathrooms and basements, their sleek design complements nearly any interior aesthetic.
  • Better for Lower Ceilings: Because of their compact nature, canless recessed lights are an excellent choice for rooms with lower ceilings where bulkier light fixtures could make the space feel cramped.
canless recessed lights are better for lower ceilingscanless recessed lights are better for lower ceilings
  • Ease of Installation: Canless recessed lights require just a hole in the plasterboard or the use of an existing can for installation, eliminating the need to pry open the ceiling to fix the lighting.
  • Durability: Canless recessed lights are often more durable than their canned counterparts, as there are fewer components that can become loose or damaged over time.
  • Wider Beam Spread: Conventional recessed lights incorporate a canister to house the bulb and an electrical box on top for wiring. The beam of light emitted is usually more focused and directional, depending on the selected trim. 
canless recessed lights have wider beam spreadcanless recessed lights have wider beam spread

Cons

  • Cost: Canless LED lights can be pricier at first compared to other types of lights. But keep in mind that they can save you money in the long run because they last longer and use less energy.
  • Difficulty in Replacement: While can lights allow for easy bulb replacement with the entire system in place, canless recessed lights require you to replace the whole unit, which can be challenging.
replace canless recessed lights replace canless recessed lights
  • Cost: LED lights, which are typically used in canless fixtures, are usually more expensive upfront than fluorescent bulbs used in can lights, although they tend to be more economical in the long run due to their energy efficiency and longevity.
  • Design Limitations: Canless recessed lights offer less flexibility in changing the style or decor of the lighting compared to can lights, which allow users to choose different decorative trim.

Part 3. Are Canned or Canless Lights Better?

Now that we have a better understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of canless lights. Let’s answer which lights are better. The question of whether canned or canless lights are superior largely comes down to specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.

Canless lights offer a sleek, modern look with their small and stylish design. Their wider beam spread and versatility allows them to be used in various parts of your home and their compact nature makes them an excellent choice for rooms with lower ceilings. Installation is typically easier, and they are often more durable due to fewer components.

the components of canned recessed lightsthe components of canned recessed lights

On the other hand, canned lights offer greater flexibility in changing the style or decor of the lighting, allowing users to choose different decorative trims. They also permit easier bulb replacement, and the initial cost is often lower, although the long-term running costs may be higher due to less energy efficiency.

Both types of lights have their own set of advantages, and your choice should depend on the specific requirements of your space, the look you wish to achieve, and long-term energy considerations. With all that being said, in our opinion, canless recessed lighting offers a more energy-efficient and modern-looking solution for your lighting needs.

Part 4. How Do You Install Canless Recessed Lighting?

Step 1. Power Off: First things first, always make sure the electricity is turned off at your home's main electrical panel before you start working. Safety should always be your priority!

Step 2. Plan Your Lights: Whether you're renovating a room or working on a new build, plan where you want your lights to go. Mark the spots where you'll put the lights before you start cutting holes in your ceiling. You can use the template that comes with your light kit to draw the spots.

Step 3. Cut Out the Holes: Now, use a tool like a drywall saw to cut out the holes for your lights. Follow the outline you drew using the template.

install canless recessed lightsinstall canless recessed lights

Step 4. Get the Junction Box Ready: Next, open up the junction box that comes with your light. You'll see some hole covers on the side panel of the box - go ahead and remove these. You'll need to insert some cable connectors (these don't come with the light, so you'll need to get them separately).

Step 5. Time to Wire Up: Now, get your electrical wires ready. If needed, strip the ends of the wires to expose the metal. Then, match the wire colors and connect them: black to black, white to white, and the ground (copper) wire to green.

Step 6. Connect More Lights: If you're installing more than one light, you'll need to connect them. Take another electrical cable and use it to connect to the next light. Then, connect the wires the same way you did before.

Step 7. Close the Junction Box: Once you've connected the wires, tuck them into the junction box and close the lid.

Step 8. Connect More Junction Boxes: If you're installing more lights, repeat the same process with the next junction box.

Step 9. Finish Up: Keep connecting lights and junction boxes until you've installed all your lights. For the last light, you only need to connect one side - just leave the hole cover on the other side of the junction box.

Bonus:  Here Is the Best Canless Recessed Lighting!

One of the best canless recessed lighting options available on the market is the AiDot Smart RGBWW Recessed Lights. These lights pack a plethora of impressive features, including smart functionality, energy efficiency, and a long lifespan. With their capability to create any mood with a palette of 16 million colors, and high compatibility with most smart home systems, they offer an unparalleled blend of aesthetics and convenience. Controlled via the AiDot app, these lights can be adjusted for color, brightness, and scheduling, providing ultimate control, even remotely. Some other standout features of this product include:

AiDot Smart RGBWW Recessed Lights AiDot Smart RGBWW Recessed Lights
  • Creates multiple scenarios or lighting presets for different moods or activities.
  • Adjusts the color temperature to align with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • Supports group control, i.e., controlling multiple lights simultaneously.
  • Automatically turns on/off or changes colors based on your preferred routine.
  • Works with the AiDot app and smart voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

[Bonus Now]: Here is an exclusive coupon code only found in blog posts. Save it now (AiDotBG01) and get 10% off at AiDot mall!

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Conclusion

Canless recessed lighting has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for modern, energy-efficient, and stylish home illumination. As you contemplate the ideal lighting solution for your home, consider not just the aesthetic appeal, but also the practicality, energy efficiency, and smart capabilities that a solution like canless recessed lighting can provide.

Above all, remember that lighting is more than just illuminating a room—it’s about creating a mood, enhancing a lifestyle, and making a space truly your own. So let your lighting choice reflect your personality, and let it shine bright in your home.