Recessed Lighting Recessed lighting refers to light fixtures that are installed into a ceiling or wall cavity, so that they are flush with the surface. They are also commonly referred to as can lights or pot lights. Recessed lighting can be used for general lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting, and is often used in modern homes and commercial spaces for its sleek, minimalist design. Recessed lighting fixtures typically consist of a housing, trim, and light bulb. The housing is the part that is installed into the ceiling or wall, while the trim is the visible part of the fixture that sits flush with the surface. The light bulb is inserted into the housing, and can be a variety of types, including incandescent, LED, or halogen.