I'm renovating my living room and looking for the best options for recessed lights that are dimmable, around 6 inches in size, and have the ability to change colors. I've been searching online but can't find solid recommendations. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
For under $100, I’d suggest going for LED lights, preferably canless ones, if you don’t already have old cans. I’m not sure why you'd spend that much; decent 6-inch LEDs can be found for about $20 each. Brands like Cooper or Halo might be good options to check out!
I’d recommend checking out DMF retrofit recessed lights. They have a great dimming capability, down to 5%, and sometimes even 1%. They’re reliable and give you excellent value for your money. You can pair them with Lutron Maestro Pro Dimmers for optimal performance. They might have a 4-inch module with a 6-inch trim if you’re reusing old cans. If your ceiling is getting redone, consider a flangeless design for a cleaner look.
Just keep in mind that while those will have static color temperatures, a warm dim fixture might be a better choice. This means as you dim the light, it shifts from a cooler white to a warmer white, which DMF does incredibly well. It’s really about the quality of light—good lighting should be subtle, and you’ll definitely notice bad lighting!
If you’re installing these in your attic, be sure to plan how you’ll safely integrate them with insulation and thermal features. This is so you don’t create any fire hazards or have issues with air leakage. A little precaution goes a long way in ensuring everything is properly sealed, especially where mechanicals might go through the thermal envelope.
Also, because you're looking to change hues, it sounds like you’re going with LEDs, which are pretty cool-running and don’t need deep pots extending into the attic. They’re super energy-efficient too!
Halo is exactly what I used in my remodel. I even bought a couple of extras, so if any go out down the line, I've got replacements that match perfectly.