Recessed lighting Lamps

The three main options for recessed lamps are halogen (and common incandescent), fluorescent and LEDs (Light-Emitting Diode).

Incandescent

Common incandescent lamps require a low initial investment. They are particularly inexpensive and good for both general light and wall washing (in this last case with the use of reflectors). Reflector bulbs – with a reflective element on their back - are very common.

The problem with incandescent lamps is that they have the highest running costs, and are about to be phased out in many countries (starting 2012, in USA) or being banned.

In the long run, fluorescent and LED can be a better option, namely if lights are going to be on for two or more hours per day.

Halogen

Halogen lamps (a special type of incandescent lamps) are more efficient than common incandescent, and only slightly priced.

Halogen bulbs are available in standard sizes (to fit 4, 5, 6 inch fixtures). Low-voltage halogen bulbs are particularly accurate in their beam, and are more energy-efficient. They are mostly used for accent lighting, and require the use of transformers (to get a 12V current from the 120V one) and adequate housings.

Fluorescent and LEDs

Recessed fluorescent lamps also require adequate housings, and have some advantages over incandescent. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent (including halogen) and are very versatile in their current offer.

LED lamps are especially suitable for recessed directional lighting (for accent lighting and task lighting), and last much longer.

Both these types of lights are available on a dimmer switch for higher energy savings, and the main disadvantage is their much higher initial price.

See: LEDs and CFLs

Prices and efficiency

All types of lamps can provide very different types of light (brighter, softer, directional, with a wide glow, etc.). There are now LEDs and CFLs lamps producing very different types of high-quality recessed light (see: Energy Efficient Lighting).

The option is often between initial price and energy efficiency: halogen and common incandescent can produce good results at a cheaper price; LED and CFL last longer and are more energy-efficient.

For those who want to privilege low initial costs, halogen lamps are a first option. They are more efficient than common incandescent, particularly for accent lighting (low voltage MR16 halogen lamp) and outdoors (halogen PAR bulbs).

For those who want to privilege cost-efficiency, LEDs are an excellent choice in recessed lighting. And since they produce very little or no heat, they are more hazard-free. But, on the other hand, they are pricey than CFL and several times more expensive than incandescent.