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AJ LONG ELECTRIC

Call Us: 703-997-0026
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AJ LONG ELECTRIC

Call Us: 703-997-0026

Recessed Lighting Installation Guide

Everything you need to know about adding beautiful, functional recessed lighting to your Northern Virginia home.

Transform Your Space with Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is a versatile, elegant solution for illuminating your home that can transform any room with clean, modern aesthetics and functional lighting design.

Homeowners in Vienna, Falls Church, Arlington, and McLean are choosing recessed lighting for its ability to create ambiance while providing effective illumination without the visual clutter of traditional fixtures.

AJ Long Electric specializes in custom recessed lighting design and professional installation, helping you achieve the perfect lighting solution for your specific needs and space.

Recessed lighting installation by AJ Long Electric in a McLean, Virginia living room

Benefits of Recessed Lighting

Creates Visual Space

Recessed lights are installed flush with the ceiling, creating an illusion of higher ceilings and more open space. Perfect for Vienna and Arlington homes with lower ceilings or smaller rooms.

Versatile Lighting

From ambient whole-room illumination to targeted task lighting or dramatic accent lighting for artwork, recessed fixtures can serve multiple lighting needs within the same space.

Modern Aesthetics

Clean, streamlined appearance complements any décor style from contemporary to traditional. Many Falls Church and McLean homeowners choose recessed lighting during renovations to update their home's look.

Customizable Control

Modern recessed lighting can be installed with dimmers, smart controls, and zoned switching to create different lighting scenes for various activities and moods.

Increased Home Value

Well-designed recessed lighting enhances the appeal and functionality of your Northern Virginia home, potentially increasing its resale value and marketability.

Energy Efficiency

Modern LED recessed lighting provides bright, even illumination while using significantly less energy than traditional lighting, reducing electricity bills for Vienna and Arlington homeowners.

Understanding Recessed Lighting Types

Housing Types

The housing is the portion installed within your ceiling. There are two main types:

  • New Construction Housing:

    Designed for installation during new construction or major renovations before drywall is installed. These housings are secured directly to ceiling joists and provide the most installation flexibility.

  • Remodel Housing:

    Designed for installation in existing ceilings. These fixtures are installed through a hole cut in the drywall, with clips that secure the housing to the ceiling. Most common for Arlington and Falls Church home updates.

  • Canless LED Fixtures:

    Modern ultra-thin LED fixtures that don't require traditional housings. These low-profile units are ideal for ceilings with limited clearance above them, common in Vienna condos and townhomes.

Trim Styles

The trim is the visible portion of the recessed light that sits flush with your ceiling:

  • Baffle Trim:

    Features ridged interior surfaces that reduce glare and soften light. The most popular option in McLean and Vienna homes for general living spaces.

  • Reflector Trim:

    Smooth, polished interior surface that maximizes light output. Ideal for kitchens, home offices, or other areas where task lighting is needed.

  • Adjustable/Eyeball Trim:

    Allows the light source to be angled in different directions. Perfect for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or as accent lighting in Arlington and Falls Church homes.

  • Wall Wash Trim:

    Designed to direct light toward and down a wall surface, creating even illumination. Popular for hallways or to highlight textured walls or artwork displays.

Recessed Lighting Placement Guidelines

Living Room

  • Space lights 5-6 feet apart for even ambient lighting
  • Position lights 2-3 feet away from walls
  • Use wall wash trims to highlight architectural features
  • Consider accent lighting above fireplaces or art pieces
  • Install on separate switches or dimmers for flexible lighting scenes

Kitchen

  • Center lights over walkways and work areas
  • Position task lighting 24-30 inches above countertops
  • Install lights 12-18 inches from cabinets to avoid shadows
  • Use higher lumen outputs (brighter lights) for task areas
  • Consider under-cabinet lighting to complement recessed fixtures

Bedroom

  • Install soft, dimmable lighting for relaxing ambiance
  • Position reading lights over bed headboard areas
  • Avoid placing directly over pillows to prevent glare
  • Include perimeter lighting for wardrobe areas
  • Consider warm color temperatures (2700-3000K) for a cozy feel

Bathroom

  • Use shower-rated fixtures in wet areas
  • Position lights to minimize shadows on faces at mirrors
  • Install higher CRI (90+) lights for accurate color rendering
  • Consider cooler color temperatures (3500-4000K) for task areas
  • Add accent lighting for spa-like ambiance in larger bathrooms

General Placement Tips for Northern Virginia Homes

For balanced room lighting:

  • General rule: Divide ceiling height by 2 for spacing between lights (e.g., 8' ceiling = 4' spacing)
  • Place lights at least 2 feet from walls to avoid harsh shadows
  • Consider joists and other ceiling obstructions during planning

For optimal functionality:

  • Zone lighting by function (ambient, task, accent) on separate switches
  • Include dimmer controls for flexibility in all rooms
  • Consider smart lighting controls for Vienna and McLean luxury homes

The Recessed Lighting Installation Process

1

Consultation & Design

Our lighting design experts meet with you to understand your goals, assess your space, and create a customized lighting plan. We'll help Arlington and Falls Church homeowners choose the right fixture types, sizes, and placement for optimal results.

2

Preparation & Planning

We inspect your ceiling structure, locate joists and obstacles, and determine electrical requirements. For Vienna and McLean homes, we'll identify if panel upgrades are needed and prepare all necessary permits.

3

Installation

Our licensed electricians carefully cut ceiling openings, install housings and electrical connections, and ensure all wiring meets code requirements. We take special care to protect your home during installation with drop cloths and dust protection.

4

Fixture & Trim Installation

After the electrical work is complete, we install your selected trims and light bulbs or LED modules. For existing ceiling installations, we ensure clean edges and proper fixture seating for a professional finish.

5

Testing & Education

We test all installed fixtures, verify proper dimming operation, and demonstrate how to use and maintain your new lighting system. Our work comes with a comprehensive warranty for your peace of mind.

Understanding Recessed Lighting Costs

The total cost of recessed lighting installation in Northern Virginia homes depends on several factors:

  • Number of fixtures: Most installations include 4-12 fixtures depending on room size
  • Fixture quality and type: Basic to premium fixtures range from $15-$100+ per light
  • Installation complexity: New construction vs. retrofit, ceiling type, accessibility
  • Electrical requirements: New circuits, panel capacity, switch and control options

AJ Long Electric provides detailed, transparent quotes for recessed lighting installations in Vienna, Falls Church, Arlington, and McLean. We'll help you understand all costs involved and recommend options to fit your budget.

Average Recessed Lighting Costs in Northern Virginia

Standard Installation (6 lights) $1,200-$1,800

Basic LED recessed lights in an accessible area with existing wiring

New Circuit Installation +$300-$600

Additional cost when a new circuit is required

Smart Lighting Controls +$200-$800

For app-controlled or voice-activated smart lighting systems

Cost Per Additional Light $150-$250

Average cost for each additional recessed light on the same circuit

Get Your Detailed Quote

Frequently Asked Questions About Recessed Lighting

How many recessed lights do I need for my room?

A common rule of thumb is one recessed light for every 4-6 square feet of ceiling space for ambient lighting. For an average 12' x 12' room in Vienna or Falls Church, this would mean 4-9 lights. However, the exact number depends on ceiling height, fixture brightness, room purpose, and desired lighting effect. Our experts can help determine the optimal number during your consultation.

Can recessed lights be installed in any ceiling?

Recessed lights can be installed in most ceiling types, but the approach varies. Standard drywall ceilings are easiest, while concrete, plaster, or ceilings with limited access present additional challenges. For older Arlington and McLean homes with plaster ceilings, we take special care to prevent cracking. Canless LED fixtures provide solutions for ceilings with minimal space above them, such as in condos with concrete ceilings.

What size recessed lights should I choose?

The most common sizes for residential recessed lighting are 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch, which refers to the diameter of the trim or opening. For most Northern Virginia homes, 4-inch fixtures work well in kitchens or as accent lighting, while 5-inch or 6-inch fixtures are ideal for general room illumination in living spaces. Larger rooms with higher ceilings in Vienna and McLean often benefit from 6-inch fixtures for better light distribution.

How long does recessed lighting installation take?

For a standard room requiring 6-8 recessed lights in an accessible ceiling with existing wiring, installation typically takes 4-6 hours. More complex projects in Falls Church or Arlington homes involving new wiring, multiple rooms, or specialty fixtures may take 1-2 days. Installations in older homes that require electrical panel upgrades may extend the timeline. We always provide a specific time estimate based on your unique project requirements.

Are LED recessed lights worth the higher cost?

Yes, LED recessed lights are highly recommended for Northern Virginia homes despite their higher initial cost. They use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen options, last 15-25 times longer (reducing replacement costs), generate less heat (improving safety and reducing cooling costs), and offer superior light quality and control options. For most Vienna and McLean homeowners, the energy savings alone typically recover the higher upfront cost within 1-2 years.

View more Lighting FAQs

Why Choose AJ Long Electric for Your Recessed Lighting Installation

With over 25 years of experience serving Northern Virginia homeowners, our licensed electricians specialize in custom lighting design and professional installation.

  • Lighting Design Expertise: Our team includes lighting design specialists who understand both aesthetics and functionality
  • Customized Solutions: We tailor lighting plans to your specific space, preferences, and budget
  • Quality Materials: We use only premium fixtures and components from trusted manufacturers
  • Clean Installation: Our technicians take special care to protect your home and leave the work area spotless
  • Exceptional Reputation: Over 1,200 5-star reviews from satisfied customers across Northern Virginia
Professional recessed lighting installation - Northern Virginia LED lighting contractor

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We Install All Premium Lighting Brands:

Halo Lighting
Juno Lighting
Lithonia
Progress Lighting
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Ready to Transform Your Space with Beautiful Recessed Lighting?

Contact AJ Long Electric today for expert recessed lighting design and installation in Vienna, Falls Church, Arlington, McLean, or anywhere in Northern Virginia.

Request a Free Consultation Call 703-997-0026

Over 1,200 5-star reviews from satisfied customers across Northern Virginia!