Should You Go for Pot Lights or Can Lights? What to Consider

When it comes to home lighting, two popular options are pot lights and can lights. Both provide recessed lighting installed into the ceiling, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding between the two.

Understanding the distinctions will help you choose the best type of recessed lighting for your needs.

Defining Key Terms

First, let's clearly define what pot lights and can lights are:

What are Pot Lights?

Pot lights, also known as recessed downlights, are cylindrical lighting fixtures that install into an opening cut into the ceiling. The trim or visible part of the light sits flush with the ceiling surface. A bulb sits inside the pot light housing or "can" which directs light downwards in a focused beam.

Standard pot light sizes range from 3 to 6 inches in diameter, with 4 and 5-inch being the most common. The focused light is ideal for task lighting applications like illuminating workspaces or accent lighting to highlight art and architectural details.

Pot lights require proximity to a ceiling joist for installation and are hardwired into a junction box above the ceiling. Insulation-contact (IC) rated pot lights can safely touch insulation material. LED and halogen bulbs are common pot light bulb options.

What Are Can Lights?

Can lights are a general category of recessed lighting with a can or cylindrical shape. The housing mounts into the ceiling and can accommodate different types of bulb holders. The most common are PAR and BR bulb types.

PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) lights use a bowl-shaped reflector and screw-in bulb that produces a soft, widespread beam of light. BR (bulged reflector) can lights emit light in a floods upward as well as downwards.

Can lights offer more flexibility than pot lights. They can install in ceilings, walls, floors, and external locations. Directional cans focus light while standard cans cast ambient omni-directional light. Cans come in a range of sizes from 4 to 12 inches across.

Comparing Key Features

Now that we understand the basic definitions, let's do a detailed feature comparison of pot lights vs can lights:

Lighting Pattern

The most noticeable difference is the lighting pattern. Pot lights have a focused, directional beam perfect for task lighting. Can lights emit a wider flood beam that distributes ambient lighting in all directions.

If you want to spotlight a particular area, pot lights are the better choice. If you prefer overall illumination, can lights will work better.

Beam Spread

Related to the lighting pattern, pot lights and can lights also differ in their beam spread, or angle of light output.

Pot lights have beam spreads ranging from 20-40 degrees. This focused beam puts the light exactly where you need it. Can lights offer 25-45 degree spot beam lights as well as wide flood beams up to 120 degrees for full room lighting.

Light Source

While both pot and can lights allow for different bulb types, common options include:

• Pot lights: LED, halogen, Xenon
• Can lights: LED, halogen, incandescent, CFL

LED lights provide the most energy efficiency and longest lifespan for both options. Halogens offer a bright, sparkling light. Incandescents and CFLs are less efficient but inexpensive bulb choices.

Installation

Installation is where major differences arise. Pot lights install into a specially cut round hole sized for the fixture's "can." The installer must have access above the ceiling.

Can lights fit into a pre-installed housing or "can" in the ceiling or wall. The simplicity makes cans easier and cheaper to retrofit into existing homes without major remodeling.

Pot lights require proximity to ceiling joists for support while can lights have more placement flexibility. IC rated pot and can lights can safely contact insulation.

Appearance

Appearance also sets pot lights and can lights apart. Pot lights sit flush with the ceiling, giving a clean, integrated look. Can lights protrude below the ceiling surface, appearing more obtrusive.

For contemporary, minimalist spaces, unobtrusive pot lights are an ideal choice. In traditional settings, the protruding housing of can lights may not be as much of an issue.

Cost

In terms of upfront costs, can lights tend to be more budget-friendly. The average cost of can light fixtures ranges from $10-100. The average pot light costs $50-200.

However, pot lights offer greater long-term value through energy savings. Their beam spread puts light only where needed without waste.

Pros and Cons

Now let's summarize the main pros and cons of pot lights vs can lights:

Pot Light Pros

• Directed beam great for task and accent lighting
• Energy efficient, especially with LED bulbs
• Slim, flush profile for clean, integrated look

Pot Light Cons

• More expensive to purchase and install
• Require proximity to ceiling joists
• Limited to ceiling installation

Can Light Pros

• Omnidirectional lighting great for general illumination
• Inexpensive and easy retrofit install
• Install in varied locations and housings
• Dimmable for flexible lighting levels

Can Light Cons

• Less energy efficient than pot lights
• Protruding design not as seamless looking
• Spot lighting requires add-on reflectors or lenses

Choosing the Right Recessed Lighting

With their differences spelled out, how do you decide whether pot lights or can lights are the right choice?

Here are some key factors to consider:

Your Lighting Needs

Assess each room and area. Do you need directed task lighting or overall ambient lighting? Kitchens, workspaces, and reading nooks benefit from pot lights. Living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms often suit can lights.

Your Design Aesthetic

Pot lights better complement modern, contemporary styles. Can lights work well for traditional architecture. Factor in your decor and if fixture appearance matters.

New vs Retrofit Installation

Pot lights better suit new construction when ceilings are open for installation access. Can lights retrofit easily into existing ceilings and cans.

Installation Location

Pot lights only work in ceilings. For walls, floors, or external use, can lights are needed. Consider available installation space.

Budget

Upfront cost favors inexpensive can lights. But pot lights offer long-term value through energy savings.

Many homes use both types of recessed lighting. Pot lights provide sleek task or accent lighting while can lights offer ambient illumination. Carefully considering your needs and goals will guide the ideal fixture to fulfill them.

Incorporating Other Lighting

While pot lights and can lights are popular recessed lighting options, also consider ways to incorporate other lighting:

Pendant Lights

Hanging pendant lights deliver direct illumination perfect for kitchen islands, dining tables, or seating areas. Mini-pendants also provide task lighting over workstations.