You can’t install a lighting fixture without deciding on an ideal style. Typically, you have to choose between recessed vs. surface-mounted light styles. These mounting styles determine how you’ll fix the lights based on the aesthetics of your space. But the big question is: What are these lighting styles, and which is better?
This article will compare recessed vs. surfaced mounted lights. Then, we’ll explore what makes them different. Also, you’ll get tips on where to use each lighting style.
Are you ready? Let’s jump in!
What is a Surface Mounted Light?
Surface-mounted Light
As the name implies, surface-mounted lights require placing fixtures on flat surfaces. So, they usually protrude from surfaces. It’s easy and affordable to surface-mount lights on walls, pergolas, or boulders.
Surface-mounting lights on your ceilings are what we call ceiling mounting, which is common in industrial environments. You can use them to add lights to small areas between structural vaults, an exposed or dropdown ceiling, etc.
What is Recessed Mounting?
Recessed Lights
It would help if you cut precise holes in your ceiling to install lights for recessed mounting. With this mounting style, your fixtures will produce light from the spot while staying nearly hidden and flush with the top.
However, it’s crucial to create the openings for recessed fixtures before mounting. Also, ensure the hole’s size fits your fixtures to avoid loose fittings.
Although recessed lighting fixtures are not expensive, the total cost of installation and construction makes it significantly more costly than other mounting styles.
Recessed vs. Surface Mounted Lights: What’s the Difference?
Cost
Hand Installing Recessed Lights
Generally, recessed mounting is more expensive because of the added costs and complex installation.
For example, if you’re installing fixtures in a 10×10 inches basement room, you can install one surface-mounted light fixture to light up the area. But, if you opt for recessed lighting, you’ll need at least four recessed lights to illuminate the same space.
In short, mounting a recessed light fixture can cost four times as much as surface mounting. However, surface-mounting may not be the cost-effective option for your application. Though they’re cheaper, there’s a chance that they won’t meet the regulations or requirements for specific applications.
For instance, surface-mounting is not a cost-effective lighting solution for fixtures on gas station canopies.
Application
Recessed Lights in a Kitchen
You can use your preferred mounting style before or during a lighting project. However, lighting remodeling or retrofitting has a different set of rules.
Unfortunately, recessed lighting is not an excellent choice for remodeling or retrofitting projects. Why? Because you need precise cut openings and more wires for recessed mounting. You’ll also need to chain wires between each fixture correctly. Thus, recessed lighting is better suited for new lighting projects.
However, recessed is the go-to for areas with low ceilings or places you can’t hang your lights.
Contrarily, you can use surface mounting for all applications, including new, retrofit, and remodeling projects. And you only need a flat surface to use this mounting style.
Lighting Installation
Installing Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are not easy to install. One challenge you may face with this mounting style is deciding on a layout that’ll be aesthetically pleasing without interfering with your building’s structure.
When installing recessed lights, you must place them between the ceiling or floor joists, making them even more challenging to get the correct layout. Recessed lights also require extra effort to run wires from each junction box.
On the other hand, surface mounting only requires a flat surface and few wires to work, making it easier to install.
Aesthetics
Recessed Lighting in Stairs
Each mounting style offers different aesthetic effects. For instance, recessed lights can give a clean and compact aesthetic effect since the lights are hidden and flush with the ceiling, while surface-mounting will offer a more decorative aesthetic.
Surface-mounted fixtures can also serve as ornaments to attract attention. However, there are different opinions on aesthetics. Some think surface mounting looks messy and disorderly. Others believe recessed lights are rigid and cheap.
Hence, we can’t put the pin on which one has more aesthetics. So it depends on your preferred lighting appearance or requirements for your space.
Flexibility
Lighting Aesthetics
Recessed lights have several challenges that make them less flexible than surface-mounted lights. For instance, avoiding joists, plumbing pipes, and other mechanical systems with recessed lights. But it gives rooms with lower ceiling heights a more spacious feel.
Surface-mounted lights have way more flexibility since you can place them anywhere with a flat surface. But they’re not so effective in smaller spaces with lower ceilings.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Recessed Lighting
Rows of Recessed Lights
Pros
- They don’t take attention away from other room decorations.
- Recessed lights offer directional light for decorative elements.
- You can light up a room without using a lot of space.
- They’re great for low ceilings and narrow spaces.
- Most recessed lights are waterproof, making them great for outdoor and shower spaces.
- You can use these lights on stairs, walls, and floors.
Cons
- You’ll need many recessed lights to get your desired lighting effect, especially in large rooms.
- They have limited styling options.
- Installing recessed lights requires making a circular hole in your ceiling.
Recessed vs. Surface Mounted Light: Advantages and Drawbacks of Surface Mounted Lights
Surface-mounted Light on Wall
Recessed vs. Surface Mounted Light: Pros
- You can illuminate small bathrooms and halls with surface-mounted lights only.
- They generate ambient lights that can illuminate a wide area.
- Surface-mounted lights don’t need holes as big as recessed lights.
- You can get these lights in different styles, shapes, and sizes, allowing for more customization.
Recessed vs. Surface Mounted Light: Cons
- Using a lot of surface-mounted lights may give your space an unbalanced look.
- They’re not a good fit for rooms with low ceilings.
- Using more than one surface-mounted light can make your space look smaller.
FAQs
How much does it Cost to Install Recessed Lights?
Recessed lights can cost anywhere between $200 to $250 per fixture.
Does Recessed Lighting have high Energy Consumption?
Yes. But there are ways to make them more energy efficient.
Last Words
We can’t say which is better because it depends on your application requirements. If you’re placing fixtures in small spaces with low ceilings, we recommend using recessed lights for a more spacious feeling. Recessed mounting is also better if you prefer a clean and compact aesthetic.
However, surface mounting is your go-to if you’re working with higher ceilings where it’s difficult to insert lights. Also, you can’t go wrong with surface mounting if you prefer a more decorative aesthetic.
Do you have more questions? Feel free to reach us, and we’ll be happy to help.
