s/o can lights

[sawyerthedestroyer]

I'd like to put can lights in our hallways in place of the light fixtures that are there now, plus an additional one for each light fixture because our hallways are too dark for my liking. H said that he likes the idea but doesn't want to do it because he's gotten the idea that can lights are dated and people don't like them in their house (if we were to ever try and sell).

So, are can lights dated?

[housegeek]

I like em, ill be putting them in our house

[kaylie]

I like them too - we just put some in our family room. I think they make the room feel taller and give a nice, even light. They also don't reflect off of the TV, which is nice. We're planning on putting some in our upstairs hallway as well.

Hanging fixture are great for certain areas where you want a decorative accent, but there are plenty of areas where you don't want people to be looking at your light fixtures.

[moonlight]

I honestly think can lights are one type of lighting that is timeless. I don't think they've ever gone out of style (my parents installed some in the 70s) and I don't think they ever will. Maybe a certain style (like I have seen older ones with a grate over them) but that can be easily fixed. I wouldn't worry about it.

[FoxInFiji]

No I don't think recessed lighting is dated. The style of trim can be though. White trim with a black baffle isn't "in" anymore. People want them to blend in with all white or white with metallic baffles. Some blogs I've read also suggest the smaller 4-5" cans are more instyle than 6" cans but I disagree and think that it depends on the size of the space. If you have a big space use big 6" cans because it look proportional. That size costs much, much less for the housing and trim than the specialty sizes. I'd try cutting out some paper of the various size cans and taping it up on the ceiling to see what looks best.

Also note that you can't just replace flushmount fixtures with the same number of cans. Cans have a smaller throw of light and put out less wattage than a typical two bulb flushmount. With 8 foot ceilings you generally want a 6" can every 8 feet at minimum. Smaller cans need an even closer spacing. If you want a brighter hall or a nice wall wash of light a closer spacing would be better.