COST GUIDES
Recessed lighting cost: 2026 UK price guide
Updated 07/26
Fast Facts
Typical cost: Around £200 for a typical room with six recessed lights
Biggest pricing factor: The number of lights being installed and whether an existing circuit can be used
Compliance: New circuit work may be notifiable under Part P of the building regulations and should be carried out by a qualified electrician
Recessed lighting is a popular choice if you're looking for a clean, modern finish without bulky ceiling fittings.
Whether you're updating a kitchen, renovating a living room or refreshing an entire home, it creates even lighting while keeping the ceiling uncluttered.
The overall cost depends on how many lights you're installing, how accessible the ceiling is and whether your electrician can connect to an existing circuit.
This guide explains typical recessed lighting installation costs, what affects the price and how to budget for your project.
Average recessed lighting costs
Most recessed lighting installations are priced per fitting, although electricians will often provide a fixed quote if you're having several lights installed at the same time.
| Cost provided item | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recessed lighting cost per fitting | £40 | £80 | £60 |
| Recessed lighting - average cost for full room (approx 6 lights) | £100 | £300 | £200 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
These prices assume a straightforward installation using an existing lighting circuit. If additional electrical work is needed, your quotation will usually be higher.
Get a quote for recessed lighting
The easiest way to understand what your project is likely to cost is to compare a selection of quotes from qualified electricians working in your area.
If you've already thought about the number of lights you'd like and which rooms you're updating, you'll receive more accurate quotations.
Find qualified electricians working in your area
Types of recessed lighting
Not all recessed lights are the same, and the fittings you choose can affect the overall cost.
Standard recessed lights
Standard recessed lights are the most common option and are usually the most affordable to install. They provide even, general lighting and suit most living spaces.
Adjustable recessed lights
Adjustable recessed lights allow you to angle the beam towards artwork, worktops or feature walls. They usually cost more than standard recessed lights because the fittings themselves are more complex.
Fire-rated recessed lights
Fire-rated recessed lights are designed to help maintain the fire resistance of ceilings between floors. Where they're required, they usually cost more than standard fittings.
Smart recessed lights
Smart recessed lighting allows you to control brightness, schedules and, in some cases, colour from your phone or voice assistant.
People often use the terms recessed lights, downlights and spotlights interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Recessed lights are fitted into the ceiling so they sit flush with the surface. Most recessed lights direct light downwards, which is why they're often called downlights. Spotlights, meanwhile, can be either recessed or surface mounted and usually have adjustable heads so you can direct the beam where it's needed.
Installing recessed lighting in kitchens
Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms for recessed lighting because they provide bright, even light across worktops and preparation areas. The overall cost will depend on the size of your kitchen and how many fittings you need. Larger kitchens or open-plan spaces usually require more lights, which increases both material and labour costs. Many people also combine recessed ceiling lights with under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights over an island to create different layers of light. These are usually priced separately, so it's worth checking exactly what's included in your quotation.
If you're planning a new kitchen, it's often cheaper to install recessed lighting before the ceiling is plastered or during a wider renovation, rather than retrofitting it later.
Recessed lighting in bathrooms
Bathrooms often need fewer recessed lights than kitchens, but there are additional safety requirements that can affect the installation. Any fittings installed inside the recognised bathroom zones must have the correct IP rating to protect against moisture, and the electrical work must comply with Part P of the building regulations. Your electrician will advise which fittings are suitable for each area.
Bathroom recessed lights usually need to be IP rated. Using the correct fitting from the start avoids having to replace lights later if they don't meet the required standard.
What affects the cost of recessed lighting?
The price isn't just determined by the fittings themselves. A few practical factors can make a big difference to your final quote.
The main cost factors include:
The number of lights being installed
The type of ceiling (plasterboard ceilings are straightforward to cut into. Concrete, lath and plaster, or timber panel ceilings take longer and may need specialist tools)
Access above the ceiling
Whether an existing circuit can be used
Whether dimmer switches are being fitted
The room you're installing them in (bathrooms have additional requirements)
Bathroom recessed lighting must meet IP rating requirements (typically IP65 for zones directly above or around a bath or shower), and the work must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This adds time and slightly raises the cost.
Replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer typically costs £80–£100. If you're considering this as part of your project, see our guide to the cost of replacing a light switch.
Many homeowners are surprised that ceiling access can affect the quote just as much as the fittings themselves. A loft above the room usually makes cable runs much easier than a fully enclosed ceiling void.
Additional costs of recessed lighting
Most installations are straightforward, but it's worth checking whether your quotation includes everything you need.
Some of the possible extra costs can include:
Making good around the ceiling after installation
Upgrading older electrical fittings where required
Fire-rated fittings if they're needed
Certification for notifiable electrical work
Disposal of old light fittings
Smart bulbs or smart lighting controls
Asking what's included before work starts makes it much easier to compare quotations fairly.
LEDs are now the most common choice for recessed lighting. It's energy-efficient and the bulbs last a long time, so running costs stay low. It costs more upfront than traditional bulbs, but usually works out cheaper over the life of the fixture. See what LED lights cost to run for the numbers.
Electrician hourly rates
If you're only having one or two recessed lights installed, your electrician may charge an hourly rate rather than a fixed project price.
Typical electrician labour rates are around £45–£60 per hour, although larger installations are usually quoted as a complete job.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Recessed lighting cost calculator
The quickest way to estimate your budget is to think about:
How many recessed lights you'd like installed
The type of fittings you've chosen
Whether an existing lighting circuit can be used
Whether you're also replacing switches or adding smart controls
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. For an accurate quote, compare a selection of quotes from qualified electricians working in your area.
Find qualified electricians working in your area
Should I install recessed lighting myself?
Installing recessed lighting isn't usually a DIY job.
Each fitting needs to be positioned carefully, wired correctly and installed safely within the ceiling. Your electrician will also make sure the correct fittings are used for the room, particularly in bathrooms or where fire-rated fittings are required.
If new circuits or significant alterations are needed, the work may also need to comply with Part P building regulations.
While replacing a bulb is straightforward, installing the fittings themselves is usually best left to a qualified electrician.
Recessed lighting cost checklist
Before requesting quotes:
Find a qualified electrician for recessed lighting
Finding a qualified electrician through Checkatrade is straightforward.
When requesting quotes, it helps to include:
Which rooms you'd like the recessed lights installed in
Approximately how many fittings you'd like
Whether you're replacing existing lights or creating a completely new layout
Whether you'd like dimmer switches or smart lighting controls
Whether your ceilings are easily accessible from above
Comparing a selection of quotes from qualified electricians working in your area is the easiest way to understand what's included and choose the right installer for your project.
Find a qualified electrician near you
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
Giggawatt Electrical Contractors ltd
10.00
(44 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLED LightingElectric Range CookersEnergy Efficient LightingElectrical Heater RepairE5 Electrics
10.00
(145 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLED LightingEmergency LightingEnergy Efficient LightingElectrical Installation Condition Report - Safety Checks - EICRCGB Electrical
9.96
(153 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLED LightingEmergency Electrician ServiceElectrical ContractorsElectric RadiatorsLondon Live Electrical
10.00
(18 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLED LightingElectrical ContractorsHouse RewiringSmoke AlarmsDS Lavender Limited
10.00
(149 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLED LightingHouse RewiringElectric Gate WiringElectric ShowersD.E.C Electrical
10.00
(85 reviews)Services & skills
ElectricianLED LightingElectrical ContractorsFuseboard / Consumer Unit InstallationGarden Lighting
Frequently asked questions
A typical room of six recessed lights costs around £200 on an existing circuit, or £100 to £300 depending on ceiling type and access. Per fitting, expect to pay £40 to £80 supply and install.
Not compared to other lighting options. Recessed lighting typically costs £40 to £80 per fitting, in line with most standard ceiling lights. The main cost driver is how many lights you need, not the fitting type itself.
Most electricians charge either a fixed price per light (from around £40) or a day rate if you're having several rooms done. A single like-for-like fitting swap takes 30 to 60 minutes, while a full room installation with cable runs takes three to five hours. See our electrician cost guide for current day rates.
The main downsides are the upfront cost of cutting into the ceiling, and the fact that moving a fitting later means patching and repainting. They can also feel less cosy than other light sources if you don't mix in warmer bulbs.
As a rough guide, plan for one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space, then adjust based on how bright you want the room. A kitchen needs brighter, closer-spaced lighting than a bedroom.
You can replace a like-for-like fitting on an existing circuit yourself. Any work involving new cable runs, new circuits, or bathroom zones must be carried out by, or notified through, a qualified electrician. Electrical work in England and Wales is notifiable under Part P of the building regulations.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job