When it comes to choosing between indoor and outdoor recessed LED lights, the decision goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about safety, functionality, durability, and making sure the lighting suits the environment where it will be installed. The right choice enhances your space and prevents future maintenance headaches, as well as costly electrical issues.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose wisely based on location, ratings, materials, and your lighting goals.
Step 1: Identify the Installation Location
Start by asking: Where will the recessed light be installed?
- Indoor spaces include: living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms, offices
- Outdoor spaces include: patios, soffits, porch ceilings, garages, overhangs, and even garden walkways (when using recessed ground lights)
If there’s any chance the light fixture will be exposed to moisture, humidity, or outdoor air, it must be rated appropriately.
Step 2: Understand Location Ratings (Dry, Damp, Wet)
Check the UL or ETL listing and location rating. This is the fastest way to determine whether a fixture is indoor- or outdoor-appropriate:
- Dry Rated: For indoor use only in completely dry areas
- Damp Rated: Safe for indoor areas like bathrooms or outdoor spaces protected from direct water (e.g., covered patios)
- Wet Rated: Built to withstand direct exposure to rain, snow, and water spray (e.g., soffits, open porches, shower ceilings)
If in doubt, always overrate the fixture—a wet-rated light can safely be used indoors or in damp areas.
Step 3: Consider Weather Resistance and IP Ratings
For outdoor lights or moisture-prone indoor areas (like showers), check the IP rating (Ingress Protection):
- IP20–IP44: Indoor-only or mildly damp areas
- IP65+: Required for outdoor or wet environments
- IP67 or IP68: Suitable for fully exposed or ground-level installations
IP-rated fixtures protect internal components from dust, insects, and water intrusion, which can otherwise cause failures or safety issues.
Step 4: Choose the Right Beam Angle and Lumen Output
Ask yourself what the light needs to do:
- Accent or task lighting indoors → Choose narrow beam angles (30°–60°) with lower lumens (600–900 lm)
- General ambient lighting → Go for medium beam angles (60°–80°) and moderate brightness
- Security or outdoor coverage lighting → Opt for wide beam angles (90°–120°) with high lumens (1000–1500+ lm)
Higher lumen output is crucial for outdoor areas to ensure visibility and safety.
Step 5: Match the Aesthetic and Trim Type
Choose a trim style that complements your space:
- Indoor trims: Baffle, gimbal, wall-wash, or decorative trims
- Outdoor trims: Sealed flat trims, waterproof baffles, or gasketed lenses
For bathrooms or kitchens, consider damp-rated trims with sleek, wipeable finishes.
Step 6: Check Energy Efficiency and Compatibility
Ensure your recessed LED lights:
- Are Energy Star certified
- Are dimmable, if needed
- Are compatible with your existing housing can or junction box
- Offer a long lifespan (25,000–50,000 hours)
- Are compatible with motion sensors or timers (especially outdoors)
Also, consider whether you want smart lighting features, such as app control or voice integration.
Step 7: Budget for Quality, Not Just Price
Outdoor-rated LED fixtures tend to cost a bit more—but that’s for good reason. You’re paying for:
- Weatherproofing
- Stronger materials
- Longer-lasting components
- Lower maintenance
Buying a wet-rated downlight from a reliable brand like Philips, Lithonia Lighting, or Cree is a smart investment—especially for high-risk zones.
Step 8: Buy from Trusted Retailers
Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and specialized lighting shops let you filter options by location use, IP rating, wattage, and trim type. You can also read real user reviews and often return products if they don’t meet your needs.
Quick Decision Checklist
Here’s a one-glance checklist to help you decide: