Why Do Homes Have So Many Pot Lights? Pros, Cons & Better Lighting Ideas

Let's talk lighting and how to survive our dark winters. I expect some opposing opinions on this, and that is totally fine, but anyone who has spoken to me about pot lights knows how I feel. Pot lights are not needed in living spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, offices and dens. Overhead lighting in those spaces should be reserved for ambient lighting like chandeliers. Pot lights do not provide ambiance.

Pot lights—also known as recessed lights or downlights—are fixtures installed directly into the ceiling so the housing is hidden and only the trim is visible. This creates a clean, minimal look and directs light downward into the room. Pot lights became popular because they provide clean, unobtrusive lighting that blends into the ceiling and works well for general illumination in kitchens, hallways, and living rooms.
However, designers often caution against relying on them exclusively, because too many overhead lights can make rooms feel flat and clinical without the warmth of lamps or sconces.

What is needed to survive our long dark winters with well-lit homes is many sources of light - this includes tall lamps, short lamps and chandeliers. For added warmth, coziness and a flattering glow burn a candle, unscented or scented. When you have all those bases covered, who needs so many pot lights?

Designer Tip: Layer Your Lighting

The most beautiful interiors rarely rely on a single light source. Designers typically combine pot lights with table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and pendants to create layered lighting that feels warm and inviting.

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On another note, we are excited to announce a new Danish candle line in store, Paia of Copenhagen, and there are lots of wonderful lamps in-store now to take home. Chandeliers can be custom ordered and generally take 4-6 weeks to arrive - just in time for the holidays! All purchases of lighting over $500 ship for free in Canada.

Shop all lighting here --- Shop all candles here  - Explore our collection of table lamps

After this article published, a designer friend of mine chimed in and said that contractors may pressure people into putting pot lights everywhere so it's easy for them and they do not need to wait for the customer to pick out a light fixture. As the saying goes, time is money... 

Another friend called pot lights "ceiling acne" and "potlights tend to be overused. Lighting should be intentional" - she has a way with words.

If you still need more reasons to avoid pot lights read here.

"Light equals happiness, therefore lamps equal happiness, period." -Maria Killam