Well, as the name suggests, square recessed lighting essentially refers to those units that are of a slightly unique shape. Other than providing an additional design option over their rounder cousins, such fixtures don’t really differ much in terms of functionality. Perhaps the only marginal difference is that it’s relatively easier to cut out square than round holes during the installation process! There’s also an interesting observation though. Manufacturers tend to prefer a particular shape for certain types of recessed lights. For example, troffers, which are essentially fittings installed into suspended tiled ceilings tend to be of a squarer angular shape. In this case, its design could be due to installation concerns since squarer fixtures will fit in easily with a tiled surface.

That said, you can literally find the round or square recessed lighting styles in almost all types of recessed lighting fixtures. For example, with a trip down the lightings store, one can find round or square down lights easily. So in what situations will your decision on the use of square, round or other shapes of recessed lightings matter?

One of the main considerations mentioned is the nature of the ceilling’s surface. Like the example stated above, if you’re working with a tiled ceiling and considering recessed lighting, square recessed lighting fixtures will fit in much easily than a round design. The latter probably means you need to cut up the tiled ceiling in an much awkward manner that may ruin the existing design of your room or space. However, finding the exact size to fit the tile’s size can prove to be daunting.

Fortunately many manufacturers have recognized this need and came up with a wider variety of sizes. You can easily browse some of their catalogues online or even at Home Depot! In the event you can’t find anything suitable, you always have the option of going for custom made ones. Though that may require deeper pockets. Nowadays however, lighting and fixtures retailers have expanded their spectrum of services in order to stay above the competition. Even if you’ve decided to go the custom route, some specialized retailers may even offer discounts and services which will way surpass your expectations. In fact, some might even work directly with your architect, interior designer or builder, to make the whole integration process seamless. You may end up getting more value for the same buck!

Another other consideration that’s pretty much obvious is the design you’re achieving for. Some of the square recessed lighting comes in beautiful structure dimensions which make them awesome additions to your interior. It gives interior designers or even DIY home dwellers an additional option when it comes to mixing and matching the different lighting accessories to spruce up your room or space.

Remember, even if you can’t find the square recessed lighting fixtures you’re looking, there’s always the customized solution.

Since it is waterproof and contains a lens or trim that protects the lamp from weather elements, people have used outdoor recessed lighting and other surface mounted lights to illuminate their decks, barbeques, walkways etc. You name it, there’s probably a light for it! Some of these are also required by local codes for safety purposes. Commercial buildings and offices love using it for landscaping as it’s able to accentuate the designs very well.

Let’s run through some of the common styles of outdoor recessed lighting available :

(1) Well Lights

Commonly used to illuminate walking paths or highlight a specific landscape design such as a statute, the well light is usually placed along the path or garden with the lights shining upwards. It creates a therapeutic and calming atmosphere while lighting the pathways subtly without being too much of a glare. There are also some well light styles which project itself upwards on a pedestal instead of inground. These are predominantly used for highlighting sculptures, fountains etc.

(2) Wall Mounted Lights

As the name suggests, these are outdoor recessed lighting designed for mounting on vertical surfaces such as the wall or a particular side of the building. They come in a variety of styles, from the elaborate decorative, modern simplistic zen to standard shaped lights. If you’re looking to light your barbeques, wall mounted lights can be a good consideration.

(3) Recessed Down Lights

Great for for illuminating pouches, recessed down lights is a great way to light up a large area like the porch as it would quite a challenge getting the same level of lighting with wall mounted light fixtures. If you have tall ceilings, it’s important to ensure that an appropriate number of larger size cans are used. For example, if you have a porch that is 10′ x 20′ with a 12 foot high ceiling, four 6 inches halogen recessed cans lights should be sufficient to light up the area.

(4) Underwater Lights

Another style of outdoor recessed lighting is underwater lights. These are often used to illuminate swimming pools, fountains and even ponds for during the night. These lights are not intrusive to marine life and hence work well even if you have carps in your pond.

(3) Step Lights

Where do you think step lights are used? Yes, you’re right. Staircases! Be it the outdoor staircase leading to your home entry. Or the steps sprinkled along your garden pathways, these step lights gives a heart warming welcome to your guests and keeps them safe from tripping in the dark. A must have!