When shopping for recessed lights, you may come across a variety of sizes. When deciding between 4-inch vs 6-inch recessed lighting, there are several factors to consider including the size of your space and the purpose of the lights.
Recessed lights can serve a variety of purposes such as accent lighting, focus light, general lighting, and focused light. The main differences between 4-inch and 6-inch recessed lights are size, illumination, cost, and installation difficulty.
Smaller spaces such as bathrooms and hallways typically benefit from the use of 4-inch recessed lighting while larger rooms such as living rooms should consider installing larger recessed light, like 6 inches. To shed more light (pun intended!) on this topic, read on to get a better understanding of between 4-inch vs 6-inch recessed lighting.
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The Different Types of Recessed Lighting
Recessed light, also referred to as can lighting or downlighting, is used in interior design and home improvement projects. It is designed to provide illumination while keeping the fixture out of sight. This allows a room to have balanced lighting without any exposed bulbs.
Most recessed lights are available in 4 inch and 6 inch sizes, and a few are available in 8-inch sizes. The 4-inch size is the most common option since it provides sufficient illumination for smaller spaces.
The 6-inch size is best used in larger rooms such as living rooms, where more light is needed to illuminate the entire space.
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Benefits of 4-Inch Recessed Lighting
Using 4-inch recessed lighting has several advantages.
- It is the most affordable option, both in terms of purchase and installation cost.
- The smaller size also makes it easier to install since the hole needed for the light fixture is much smaller. Because of this, 4-inch lights are a great choice for areas with limited access, such as hallways and staircases.
Benefits of 6-Inch Recessed Lighting
- The primary benefit of installing 6-inch recessed lighting is that it provides better illumination than 4-inch lights. This is due to the larger size, which means more light can be emitted from each fixture. This is especially important in larger areas such as living rooms, where a single 4-inch light may not be enough to fully illuminate the entire room.
- Additionally, 6-inch recessed lighting is available in a wider variety of styles and finishes than 4-inch lights. This allows for more customization options when it comes to design.
A Closer Look at the Differences between 4-Inch Vs 6-Inch Recessed Lighting
When deciding between 4-inch vs 6-inch recessed lighting, there are several things to consider.:
Size and Appearance
The most basic difference between 4-inch and 6-inch recessed lighting is their size. 4-inch recessed lights have a smaller profile that can be used in spaces with limited headroom. This makes them ideal for hallways, bathrooms, closets, and rooms with lower ceilings.
On the other hand, 6-inch recessed lights have a larger profile that is more suitable for living rooms and other large spaces with higher ceilings where they can make a dramatic statement.
Comparing the two on their different sizes in terms of aesthetic impact, 4-inch recessed lights have a subtle and more demure feel, while 6-inch recessed lights have a bolder look that can be used to accentuate the décor of your room.
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Light Output and Coverage
The size of your recessed light also affects the amount of light it emits and how far it travels. In this regard, 6-inch recessed lighting tends to be more powerful than 4-inch. A 6-inch recessed light will typically produce more lumens (a measure of visible light) than a 4-inch, making them better for general lighting purposes in larger spaces. This is because they have a larger head with greater bulb wattage capacity. As such, they can provide brighter and wider coverage compared to their smaller counterparts.
However, since 4-inch lights have a lower wattage capacity, they are better suited for accent lighting tasks. They can be used to focus light on specific areas or objects and create an attractive visual effect in smaller rooms.
Additionally, 6-inch lights are better suited for downlighting applications while 4-inch lights are better for uplighting applications due to the strength of their beams.
Cost
When it comes to cost, 4-inch recessed lighting tends to be cheaper than 6-inch lights because they have a smaller profile. They are also easier to install since they require less space and can fit in tighter spaces.
On the other hand, 6-inch recessed lights require more space and are usually more expensive. However, they can provide better illumination and coverage than 4-inch lights and are a good choice for larger areas or rooms with higher ceilings.
Installation Difficulty
When it comes to installation, 4-inch recessed lights tend to be easier to install than 6-inch due to the size of the cutout required. 4-inch lights require a smaller cutout, making them easier to install in tight spaces.
In comparison, 6-inch recessed lighting requires a larger cutout and more space for installation, making them slightly more difficult to install than 4 inches. However, 6-inch lights can still be installed relatively easily with the help of a qualified electrician.
Illumination
The main purpose of recessed lighting is to provide illumination. As mentioned above, 6-inch recessed lights can provide a brighter and wider coverage than 4-inch lights due to their larger size. This makes them ideal for general lighting purposes in larger spaces.
On the other hand, 4-inch recessed lights are better suited for accent lighting tasks as they can focus light on specific areas or objects.
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Wrapping Up
When deciding between 4-inch vs 6-inch recessed lighting, it’s important to consider the size of your space and the purpose of the lights. For smaller spaces, such as bathrooms and hallways, 4-inch lights are adequate. For larger areas like living rooms and kitchens, 6-inch lights are recommended for the best illumination.
It’s also important to keep in mind that both 4-inch and 6-inch recessed lighting have their own benefits and drawbacks. The type of light fixture you choose should depend on your preferences, needs, and budget. Regardless of which size you choose, installing recessed lighting can make a dramatic difference in any room.