Standard recessed lights, especially those installed in soffits or around the perimeter of a room, tend to light up walls, floors, cabinet fronts, and the top of your head--places where light isn't really needed.
Most recessed light manufacturers produce a basic "can" fixture that can be fitted with a variety of trims ranging from the basic baffled cylinder to adjustable eyeballs and wall washers. These last two versions in particular allow you to direct light where it’s needed--to the inside of cabinets or specific areas of the countertop. The cost to swap out a trim is usually less than $20 per fixture and the job takes only a few minutes.
Most recessed light "cans" can accommodate a wide array of trims. Eyeball trims can be adjusted up to 30 degrees to cast light into deep cabinets. Light from wall washer trims can illuminate cabinets, highlight artwork, and reflect to provide general lighting.
Make sure your new trims are produced by the same company that manufactured the recessed can housing and that the trim is compatible with that specific "can." Look inside the can for the manufacturer's name and the model number.
From Family Handyman magazine. Subscribe to this and other publications here.
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