Recessed lighting — also called can lights or pot lights — is one of the most popular home upgrades in the Chicago suburbs for good reason. It delivers clean, modern illumination without bulky fixtures hanging from the ceiling, makes rooms feel larger and more open, and adds significant resale value to your home.
At MMDS, we install recessed lighting in homes throughout Glenview, Northbrook, and the North Shore. Whether you’re finishing a basement, renovating a kitchen, or upgrading your entire home’s lighting, here’s everything you need to know.
Types of Recessed Lighting
Housing Types
| Housing Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| New construction (NC) | Open ceilings during renovation or new build | Nails to joists before drywall goes up |
| Remodel / retrofit | Existing finished ceilings | Clips into drywall from below — no attic access needed |
| IC-rated (Insulation Contact) | Ceilings with insulation above | Safe to bury in insulation; required by code in most locations |
| Non-IC | Ceilings with no insulation (between floors) | Must maintain 3″ clearance from insulation |
| Airtight (AT) | All installations (recommended) | Sealed gasket prevents air leakage — saves energy |
For most Glenview and Northbrook homes, we recommend IC-rated, airtight remodel housings — they’re the safest, most energy-efficient option and install cleanly in existing ceilings.
LED vs. Traditional
We exclusively install LED recessed lighting. Here’s why:
- 90% less energy than incandescent equivalents
- 50,000+ hour lifespan (20+ years at typical use)
- No heat buildup — safer around insulation and in enclosed spaces
- Dimmable — most LED recessed lights work with standard dimmers
- Color temperature options — from warm (2700K) to daylight (5000K)
Modern LED retrofit kits can also upgrade existing recessed can housings without replacing the housing itself — a great option if you already have can lights with old bulbs.
Trim Styles
The trim is the visible ring around the light opening. Popular options include:
- Baffle trim — ribbed interior reduces glare; best for living rooms and bedrooms
- Reflector trim — smooth, polished interior maximizes brightness; ideal for kitchens
- Adjustable/gimbal trim — tilts to highlight artwork, architectural features, or task areas
- Shower trim — waterproof lens; required for wet locations (showers, outdoor soffits)
- Slim/wafer trim — ultra-low profile; mounts flush to ceiling with no housing needed
Room-by-Room Planning Guide
Proper placement is critical. Too few lights create dark spots; too many create a “runway” effect. Here are our recommendations:
Kitchen
- Quantity: 4-8 recessed lights (depending on kitchen size)
- Size: 4″ or 6″ diameter
- Spacing: 4-5 feet apart, 2-3 feet from walls and cabinets
- Focus areas: Over countertops, island, and sink — supplement with under-cabinet task lighting
- Color temp: 3000K-3500K (bright but warm)
Living Room / Family Room
- Quantity: 4-6 recessed lights
- Size: 5″ or 6″ diameter
- Spacing: 5-6 feet apart, on dimmer switches
- Tip: Use adjustable trims to highlight artwork or architectural features
- Color temp: 2700K (warm, cozy ambiance)
Bathroom
- Quantity: 2-4 recessed lights
- Size: 4″ diameter
- Key requirement: Wet-rated trims over shower/tub areas
- Tip: Place one centered over the vanity, others for general illumination
- Color temp: 3000K-4000K (clear, accurate color rendering for grooming)
Basement
- Quantity: 6-12+ depending on finished area
- Size: 6″ diameter (basements often have lower ceilings; larger lights provide better spread)
- Spacing: 5-6 feet apart in a grid pattern
- Tip: Recessed lighting is ideal for basements with low ceilings — no fixtures to bump into
- Color temp: 3000K-4000K (compensate for lack of natural light)
Hallways and Entryways
- Quantity: 1 light per 4-5 linear feet
- Size: 4″ diameter
- Tip: Center in the hallway width; use dimmers for nighttime navigation
Recessed Lighting Installation Cost in Glenview & Northbrook
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single recessed light (retrofit, existing circuit) | $150 – $250 per light |
| New circuit + recessed light | $250 – $400 per light |
| Kitchen package (6 lights + dimmer) | $900 – $1,800 |
| Basement package (8-12 lights + switches) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Whole-house package (15-20 lights) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| LED retrofit kit (upgrade existing can) | $75 – $150 per light |
Costs vary based on ceiling type (drywall vs. plaster), attic accessibility, number of new circuits required, and switch/dimmer upgrades. MMDS provides detailed quotes with no hidden fees. Financing available through Sunbit and PowerPay.
What to Expect During Installation
Pre-Installation
- Consultation — We walk through your home, discuss lighting goals, and create a layout plan
- Ceiling check — We verify what’s above the ceiling (joists, HVAC ducts, plumbing) to plan optimal placement
- Electrical assessment — We determine if existing circuits can support the new lights or if new circuits are needed
Installation Day
- Layout marking — We mark exact positions on the ceiling per the approved plan
- Ceiling cuts — Precise openings cut with specialized tools (minimal dust)
- Wiring — New wiring run from the panel or existing junction to each light location
- Housing installation — Remodel clips secure each housing in the drywall
- Trim and bulb — LED modules installed, aimed if adjustable
- Switch and dimmer — New switches or dimmers installed and tested
- Cleanup — We leave your home clean; all debris removed
A typical 6-light kitchen installation takes 4-6 hours. Larger projects may take a full day or two.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong spacing — lights too close together create hot spots; too far apart leave dark zones
- Wrong size — oversized lights in small rooms look commercial; undersized lights in large rooms look inadequate
- No dimmer — recessed lights without dimmers are either too bright or stuck at one level; always install dimmers
- Mismatched color temperature — mixing 2700K and 4000K lights in the same room creates an inconsistent look
- Non-IC housings in insulated ceilings — code violation and fire risk
- DIY in older homes — Glenview and Northbrook homes may have unexpected wiring, plaster ceilings, or structural obstacles that require professional handling
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for recessed lighting installation?
In most Chicago-area municipalities including Glenview and Northbrook, an electrical permit is required for new circuit work. If you’re adding lights to an existing circuit, permit requirements vary. MMDS handles all permitting as part of the project.
Can I install recessed lights in a plaster ceiling?
Yes, but it requires more care than drywall. Plaster is harder and more brittle, so we use specialized cutting techniques to prevent cracking. The retrofit housings we use are designed to work with both plaster and drywall.
How many recessed lights do I need?
A good rule of thumb: divide the room’s square footage by 12-16 for 6″ lights, or by 8-12 for 4″ lights. So a 200 sq ft living room needs approximately 12-16 lights at 4″ or about 12 lights at 6″. We refine this based on ceiling height, room function, and your preferences during the consultation.
Can I add recessed lights without attic access?
Absolutely. Remodel housings are designed specifically for this. We cut a small hole in the ceiling, fish wire from the nearest power source, and clip the housing in from below. No attic access needed.
What’s the difference between 4-inch and 6-inch recessed lights?
4-inch lights are more subtle and work well in bathrooms, hallways, and as accent lighting. 6-inch lights provide wider, more even illumination and are standard for kitchens, living rooms, and basements. We often use a combination in whole-home projects.
Light Up Your Glenview or Northbrook Home
Recessed lighting transforms the look and feel of every room — and with today’s LED technology, it’s more energy-efficient and affordable than ever. Whether you want to brighten a dark kitchen, finish your basement, or upgrade your entire home, MMDS delivers professional installation with clean results.
📞 Call us at (847) 221-6280 or request a free estimate online.
MMDS serves Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, and all North Shore communities with expert electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services.