Lighting plays a major role in setting the tone inside your home, so choosing the right type can make a big difference in terms of both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Here’s what you need to know about the two most common residential lighting options: Wafer lights Wafer lights (also known as ultra-thin recessed lights) are popular with homeowners who want clean, flush-mounted ceiling lights without the bulk of traditional can lighting. These fixtures are as thin as drywall and fit neatly into ceilings with minimal clearance. Installation is straightforward: Use the provided template to trace a hole, cut it out, connect the power to the included driver box and clip the light into place. One of the biggest advantages of wafer lights is their Kelvin adjustment setting, which allows you to control the color temperature of the light. Higher Kelvin numbers produce a bright, cool light (ideal for task lighting), while lower Kelvin settings create a warm glow that’s great for living rooms and bedrooms. This adjustability means you can fine-tune your lighting without needing to buy different types of bulbs. A-series bulbs Standard screw-in bulbs remain a reliable and versatile option for most home fixtures. When shopping for LED bulbs, it’s important to ensure they’re dimmable if you plan to use a dimmer switch. Equally important is using an LED-compatible dimmer switch, especially when replacing older incandescent lighting. To maintain a consistent look and feel, particularly in multi-bulb installations like recessed cans, make sure every bulb has the same Kelvin rating. Mixed color temperatures in the same room can create uneven lighting and visual discomfort.

2 Residential Lighting Options

By Jay Fowler Owner of Fowler’s Construction Company Diamond Certified Expert Contributor