Recessed lighting works well in a lot of spaces, but it does have a few drawbacks.

One of the main ones is the way the light spreads. Recessed lights shine mostly downward, which can create a fairly even wash of light across the floor but leave other parts of the room feeling a little flat. If recessed lights are the only source of light, the space can sometimes feel a bit harsh or overly bright.

That’s why many rooms benefit from other types of lighting as well. Table lamps, pendants, or wall sconces help soften the room and add light at different heights.

Installation can also be a little more involved than with other fixtures. Since recessed lights sit inside the ceiling, there needs to be space above the drywall for the housing and wiring. If a home wasn’t originally built with recessed lighting, adding it later can mean cutting into the ceiling and running new electrical lines.

Another thing to think about is placement. If recessed lights are spaced too far apart, you can end up with darker patches between them. If they’re too close together, the ceiling can start to look crowded with lights.

None of these issues are deal breakers. It just means recessed lighting tends to work best as one layer of lighting rather than the only light in a room.