Recessed Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Types & Shapes for Recessed Light Bulbs

Anyone who’s looking to bring more style to their place, modern to be exact, knows about recessed light bulbs very well. Over the years, it has become a major light bulb fixture for commercial lighting as well as residential lighting, and rightfully so. When considering recessed lights, pay attention to the type and size of bulb your fixture uses. Some recessed lights work with screw-in bulbs, while others use pin base bulbs. Different factors — color temperature, lumens, and wattage — affect a room's light quality. Halogen, can light bulbs and LED bulbs are the most common light bulbs for recessed lighting.

LED recessed light bulbs help lower energy costs and are cool to the touch. In general, look for a warm white temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, a bright white temperature for kitchens and workspaces, and a daylight temperature for reading nooks and studies. 

Explore the Variety of Light Bulbs for Recessed Lighting

The four light bulb types used in residential recessed lighting are incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL), and light-emitting diode (LED). Each type has unique characteristics, making them suitable for different applications in indoor recessed lighting.

Incandescent

Also known as traditional light bulbs, these are the oldest and least efficient technology. Electrical current passes through a tiny wire (filament), causing it to get hot and glow. On average, only 10% of the energy they consume is converted to light, with the remaining 90% being converted to heat. While they are less common today, some homeowners still use incandescent recessed lighting bulbs for their warm and familiar glow.

Halogen

Halogen light bulbs are a type of incandescent lamp. The filament inside the lamp is enclosed in a small quartz capsule containing halogen gas. These can light bulbs burn brighter (and hotter) and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are a popular choice for spaces needing focused and intense lighting.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)

CFLs are a highly energy-efficient alternative to incandescent lamps. They use a gas-filled tube that is twisted or folded into a compact shape, allowing them to fit into the same fixtures as standard bulbs. As electricity flows through the gas in the tube, a phosphor coating on the inside emits light.

CFLs require a ballast to regulate the current flowing through them, which can either be attached to the lamp itself (self-ballasted) or integrated into a dedicated fixture. While they are efficient, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury and are gradually being replaced by LED recessed light bulbs.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

LED light bulbs are the newest and most advanced technology in lighting. These semiconductors emit light when current passes through them. Benefits include an extremely long lifespan, dimmable functionality, and better energy efficiency than CFLs.

LEDs have become the standard choice for recessed ceiling light bulbs due to their superior efficiency, eco-friendliness (mercury-free), and versatility. Whether you're illuminating a living room or a kitchen, LEDs are the perfect solution for modern light bulbs for recessed lighting.

Shape of a Light Bulb

The shape of light bulbs determines the direction of the light emitted. In the U.S., a standardized letter code system is used to identify different bulb shapes. Understanding these shapes is crucial when selecting light bulbs for recessed lighting or other specific applications.

R (Reflector)

Reflector light bulbs are the most common shape used in recessed light bulbs. As their name suggests, they have a reflective surface inside that directs all of the light downward. This design prevents wasted light from shining upward into the recessed fixture and allows control over the beam angle. Reflector bulbs are a reliable option for recessed ceiling light bulbs.

BR (Bulged Reflector)

BR lamps are an improved version of reflector bulbs. The “bulge” near the base focuses more light into the beam, making them an excellent choice for pot light bulbs. This concentrated light output ensures greater brightness and efficiency in recessed fixtures.

PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector)

PAR lamps use a parabolic reflective surface to produce a tighter, more controlled beam of light compared to standard reflector bulbs. These are commonly used in stage and theatrical lighting, as well as in homes for accent lighting or highlighting artwork. For spaces requiring precise lighting, PAR lamps are ideal recessed lighting bulbs.

MR (Multifaceted Reflector)

MR lamps feature an inner reflective surface covered in facets that gather and shape the light into a tightly controlled beam. These bulbs are often used in indoor recessed lighting, especially in areas needing focused illumination, such as kitchens or workspaces.

Tube, Spiral, or Twist

These shapes are designed for compact fluorescent lamps. Their compact shape allows for the necessary tube length while fitting into standard fixtures. They are omnidirectional unless enclosed in a reflector shell. Spiral CFLs are a great alternative for canister light bulb replacements.

A (Arbitrary)

A-lamps are the most common household bulbs. They are omnidirectional and often referred to as A-line bulbs, with examples like A19 and A21 bulbs found in everyday home lighting. While not typically used as recessed bulb options, they remain a versatile choice for general illumination needs.

Size of Bulbs

In the U.S., the size (diameter) of a light bulb is expressed using a numerical code that represents 1/8ths of an inch. For example, an MR16 lamp is 16 “1/8ths” of an inch or 16/8 = 2 inches in diameter, making it a popular choice for recessed bulb applications.

Note: When opting for recessed light bulbs, consider learning a little about e26 vs a19 bulbs too.

Recommended Light Bulb Types for Recessed Lighting

General Lighting

Your general lighting layer provides overall illumination for your room. The lamps need to be bright with a wide beam angle for proper coverage, which is why BR lamps are ideal for recessed lighting bulbs.

The color of the light is crucial for general lighting. Color temperatures above 3200K can make a room feel cold and stark, similar to a dentist's office. BR lamps at lower color temperatures create a warm and inviting atmosphere for indoor recessed lighting.

Recommendation: BR30 or BR40 lamps with a CRI greater than 90 and a Color Temperature of 3000K or less. 

Here’s a blog we’ve written comparing BR30 vs BR40 that can help you navigate through a better choice for your use case.

Task Lighting

Task lighting should offer controlled light exactly where needed, making PAR lamps an excellent option for can light bulbs. Their focused beam ensures precision and efficiency in areas like kitchen counters or reading nooks.

Recommendation: PAR20 or PAR30 lamps with a CRI greater than 90.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting emphasizes artwork, architectural features, or decorative elements. Key factors like color rendering, color temperature, and beam control are essential. MR16 lamps are perfect for recessed ceiling light bulbs because they meet all these requirements while offering exceptional dimming capabilities.

Recommendation: MR16 or PAR lamps with a CRI greater than 90, a Color Temperature of 2800–3100K, and dimmable functionality.

Chart Overview

Below is a chart with our recommended lamp types for light bulbs for recessed lighting and their specifications. These recommendations are categorized by fixture size and type, helping you choose the perfect solution for your setup.

Lamp	Brightness (lumens)	Energy (Watts)	Color Temp (Kelvin)	CRI	Life (Years)	Dimmable	Instant On
MR16 Halogen	380-430	50	2800-3100	100	2-4	Yes	Yes
MR16 LED	320-440	5-9	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Some	Yes
BR20 Incandescent	410-440	50	2700	100	1-3	Yes	Yes
BR20 CFL	450-550	11-14	2700-6500	80-90	5-9	No	Delay
BR20 LED	320-550	5-11	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Most	Yes
PAR20 Halogen	550-570	50	3000	100	2-4	Yes	Yes
PAR20 LED	320-550	5-11	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Most	Yes
BR30 Incandescent	650-700	65	2700	100	1-3	Yes	Yes
BR30 CFL	670-750	14-16	2700-6500	80-90	5-9	No	Delay
BR30 LED	570-800	11-15	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Most	Yes
PAR30 Halogen	1030-1100	75	3000	100	2-4	Yes	Yes
PAR30 LED	620-720	11-15	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Most	Yes
PAR38 Halogen	1030-1100	75	3000	100	2-4	Yes	Yes
PAR38 LED	1050-1150	15-24	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Most	Yes
BR40 Incandescent	650-700	65	2700	100	1-3	Yes	Yes
BR40 CFL	1050-1200	23	2700-6500	80-90	5-9	No	Delay
BR40 LED	950-1200	15-24	2700-6500	65-95	25+	Most	Yes

 

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6″ Fixtures