Recessed lighting is a type of ceiling light that sits inside the ceiling rather than hanging down from it. The fixture is installed into a cutout in the ceiling, so once it’s in place, you usually only see a small trim and the light itself.

Because the body of the fixture is hidden above the ceiling, recessed lights keep the ceiling looking clean and uncluttered. There’s nothing dropping into the room, which is one of the main reasons people choose them, especially in spaces where a low profile helps the room feel more open.

You’ll often hear recessed lights called “can lights” or “downlights.” Both terms refer to the same idea: a light that shines downward from inside the ceiling.

They’re commonly used in kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and bathrooms. When they’re spaced across the ceiling, they provide general overhead light that fills the room fairly evenly. In some cases, they’re also placed to highlight certain areas, like a kitchen counter, a piece of art, or a seating area.

The fixtures themselves are simple, but the layout makes a big difference. How far apart the lights are spaced, how high the ceiling is, and what the room is used for all play a role in how the lighting feels once everything is turned on.

At the end of the day, recessed lighting is just a way of putting light into a room without the fixture taking up visual space. The light is there. The fixture mostly disappears.