Looking to brighten up large rooms, tall ceilings, or open commercial areas? 8 inch recessed ceiling lights are your perfect choice. These large fixtures offer wide coverage, fewer installations, and a modern, professional look that elevates any space.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover the best 8 inch recessed lighting fixtures, top 8 inch canless recessed lights, and retrofit options available today, all with in-depth product descriptions, prosand cons , and buying tips to help you make the best decision.
Why Choose 8 Inch Recessed Ceiling Lights?
8 inch recessed lights are ideal when you need powerful, evenly distributed illumination. Compared to smaller sizes, they:
- Cover larger areas with fewer lights.
- Create uniform brightness with fewer shadows.
- Fit perfectly in spaces with high or vaulted ceilings.
- Offer modern designs like round or square trims.
They’re a favorite for living rooms, offices, and large kitchens, especially when paired with a clean white ceiling finish.
Installation tips and spacing
- Layout
Start with a spacing multiplier of 1.0 to 1.2 times the mounting height in feet, then adjust with a dimmer. For large rooms, 8 inch fixtures let you use fewer holes with better uniformity. - Cut clean, seal clean
After cutting, vacuum the cavity and seal air gaps before you set the clips. Airtight fixtures help comfort and efficiency. - Finish the ceiling to match the light
If you are repainting, see our guides to the best ceiling paint and best ceiling paint color, they help you pair CCT with finish for zero-glare ceilings.
Try: For cracked substrates or nicotine staining, compare best ceiling paint to cover cracks and best ceiling paint to overcome nicotine.
Top 6 Best 8 Inch Recessed Ceiling Lights (2025 Edition)
Let’s look at the top-rated models based on brightness, quality, and design. Each option includes a detailed description, pros and cons.
1. Halo HLB8 Thin Canless LED Downlight
The Halo HLB8 is a professional-grade fixture known for its excellent brightness, high build quality, and simple installation. It’s a top pick for both homeowners and contractors.
Product Description:
Type: Canless wafer, IC & airtight
Brightness: 1500–2000 lumens
Color Temperature: Selectable (2700K–5000K)
Dimming: 0–10V dimming support
Installation: Easy below-ceiling mount with J-box
Pros ✅
- Excellent light spread for tall ceilings
- IC rated, safe for direct contact with insulation
- Adjustable color tone for warm or daylight look
- Consistent color accuracy
Cons ❌
- Slightly more expensive than basic options
- Requires compatible dimmer switch
Perfect For: Living rooms, offices, and high ceilings where a single fixture needs to cover a large area.
2. Amico 8 Inch Ultra-Thin 5CCT Canless Light
The Amico Ultra-Thin kit is the best deal if you’re lighting several rooms. Its ultra-slim body fits easily in tight ceilings.
Product Description:
Type: Canless wafer
Brightness: 1100 lumens per light
Color Temperature: 5 selectable tones
Special Feature: Optional night light mode
Installation: Clip-in design with J-box
Pros ✅
- Affordable multipack pricing
- 5 adjustable color modes
- Night light mode for bedrooms and hallways
- Simple and fast installation
Cons ❌
- Plastic trim instead of metal
- Not as bright as premium Halo models
Perfect For: Apartments, basements, and multi-room renovations
3. LUXRITE 8 Inch LED Disk Retrofit Light
Already have old ceiling cans? The LUXRITE retrofit instantly upgrades them to efficient LED lighting — no drywall repair needed.
Product Description:
Type: Retrofit disk
Brightness: 2000 lumens
Color Temperature: 5CCT adjustable
Dimming: Compatible with standard dimmers
Installation: Fits 6–8 inch cans or J-box
Pros ✅
- Simple plug-and-twist retrofit
- High brightness for large spaces
- Smooth dimming performance
- Works with existing housings
Cons ❌
- Trim slightly protrudes from ceiling
- Not ideal for very low ceilings
Perfect For: Remodeling projects or quick LED upgrades
4. Halo LCR8 Surface-Mount Retrofit Module
If you want durable, wet-rated lighting, Halo’s LCR8 is unbeatable. It’s perfect for moisture-heavy spaces.
Product Description:
Type: Surface-mount retrofit
Brightness: 2000+ lumens
Color Temperature: Adjustable
Rating: Wet-location rated
Design: Clean, flush-mounted look
Pros ✅
- Excellent for bathrooms, porches, and kitchens
- Long lifespan with premium build quality
- Hides ceiling flaws with wide trim
Cons ❌
- Higher price than standard models
- Requires careful mounting alignment
Perfect For: Bathrooms, laundry areas, or outdoor patios
5. Maxxima 8 Inch Square Canless LED Downlight
The Maxxima square recessed light is perfect for modern interiors. Its geometric shape gives a clean architectural touch.
Product Description:
Type: Square canless LED
Brightness: 1400 lumens
Color Temperature: 5CCT selectable
Installation: Includes junction box
Finish: Sleek matte white
Pros ✅
- Unique square look for modern decor
- Easy installation, no housing required
- Uniform light with no flicker
Cons ❌
- Limited color trim options
- Slightly lower lumen output
Perfect For: Contemporary kitchens, offices, and art studios
6. ASD 8 Inch Square Recessed Light
For affordable modern lighting, ASD offers strong performance at a low price, great for mass installations.
Product Description:
Type: Square canless light
Brightness: 1200 lumens
Color Temperature: 5CCT adjustable
Installation: Simple spring clips
Pros ✅
- Inexpensive and reliable
- Great for commercial use
- Adjustable color options
Cons ❌
- Average trim quality
- Moderate brightness
Perfect For: Offices, garages, and budget remodels
How to Choose the Right Type of 8 Inch Recessed Lighting
When deciding between canless and retrofit lights:
- New construction: Choose canless wafer designs for clean installs.
- Remodels: Use retrofit kits to save money and time.
- Commercial or tall spaces: Go for high-lumen fixtures with 0–10V dimming.
- Bathrooms & kitchens: Always pick damp-rated models like Halo LCR8.
Also, match your lighting color with your ceiling tone, warm light (2700K–3000K) pairs beautifully with matte white paints. You can find suitable options in best white ceiling paint.
FAQs, 8 inch recessed ceiling lights
Are 8 inch recessed lights too big for a bedroom?
Not if your ceiling is high or the room is large. Use a dimmer and warm CCT, then space fixtures farther apart to avoid over-lighting.
Round versus square, which is better?
Round trims feel classic and hide small cutout errors more easily, square trims read modern and align nicely with cabinetry lines, see Maxxima 8 inch square or ASD 8 inch square examples.
Can I retrofit without replacing the can?
Yes, disk retrofits like LUXRITE 8 inch mount to a J-box or many 6 inch cans and still present an 8 inch face for a larger visual footprint.
What about bathrooms or covered outdoor ceilings?
Choose fixtures with damp or wet-location ratings, Halo LCR8 is a strong wet-rated option. Pair with mildew-resistant paint if you are repainting, see our guide to the best paint for steamy bathroom ceiling.
Related resources to finish your project
- Planning to repaint after installing lights, start with best way to paint a ceiling, then choose a best ceiling paint roller and a sturdy best ladder for painting.
- Fighting stains or moisture, compare best paint to cover water stains on ceiling and best paint for bathroom ceiling to prevent mold.
- Want a deeper lighting overview next, check our piece on best smart recessed ceiling lights and the primer on modern recessed ceiling lights.
Final Thoughts
If you want a lighting upgrade that blends performance, style, and efficiency, 8 inch recessed lighting fixtures are an excellent investment.
- Best Overall: Halo HLB8
- Best Value: Amico Ultra-Thin
- Best Retrofit: LUXRITE Disk
- Best for Moisture Areas: Halo LCR8
- Best Modern Design: Maxxima Square
- Best Budget: ASD Square
With proper spacing, color selection, and paint pairing, these lights can completely transform your home or workspace.
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