Comments on: Retro lighting: Square recessed can lights – reproductions

By: Pam Kueber

Pam Kueber — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:38:57 +0000

Josie, as this site focuses on new-retro-style-product recommendations and design/aesthetics rather than DIY or fix-it advice, I always recommend consultation with qualified experts for questions like these. Hope it goes well!

By: Josie

Josie — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:42:26 +0000

Hi! We moved into a home about a year ago and the lighting in all the bedrooms is this square recessed lighting. I really don’t like it because it does not give off much light, like it was said above.
My question is can I replace them with a modern light, like one you can find at your local hardware store?

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:49:40 +0000

I have 2 square recessed can lights that have no trims. There is another that has the trim and it measures 10 2/8 in sq. The holes in the ceiling measure 9 3/8. I’ve seen some 9 3/8 trims on the internet. I have no idea if they will fit though (confused by measurements. is it the hole size in ceiling or the exterior of the trim?). I like the square recessed lights and don’t want to change them. How do I figure out what trim size will fit? Do they still make them in my size? (If I measured right). Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

By: kint

kint — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:53:40 +0000

Ok, I figured it out.. the old housing is 9 3/4.. oops.

By: kint

kint — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:39:29 +0000

I have a square recessed light cover that I want to replace as well – I bought a 9 3/8 cover from Home Depot, and I’m not sure how to put it on! The opening is about 8 5/8. I’ve tried every way I can think of – do the covers require additional hardware to install?

By: Mid Mod Pam

Mid Mod Pam — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:32:42 +0000

Denny and Barb – No selling please on the main site. You can list your item for sale on the Forum. Thank you!

By: 50sPam

50sPam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:44:44 +0000

Hi MaryJo – Sorry, I have no good answer to your question. I do not know that these were designed to throw off a light. And, I’d be careful about overloading them with wattage. In my house, my plan is to: Find more square recessed lights like the ones I have and install more. I have a hallway with just one light, and it’s not enough – so I will add two more. At some point.

One thought, though – maybe nix the frosted glass and see if a reeded, fluted or mottled CLEAR glass gives you more light? With this solution, at least you’d keep the square recess. And it likely wouldn’t be a big investment.

I also had one in each bathroom (centered) supplementing vanity lights. I kept all as is – but added a shower/tub fan with a light as well — the bathrooms also needed ventilation. Now, if you are in the bathrooms and all three sets of lights are on – it’s like a Hollywood stage set.

By: MaryJo

MaryJo — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:36:09 +0000

Hello! I have original square lights in my home–brass with dropped frosted glass inserts. They do not give off a lot of light, and was thinking of changing them out for something modern (GASP!!), but after visiting this site, I realize what a treasure I have in my wonderful home! MY QUESTION IS THIS: How can I still use these lights and make the light brighter?

Thanks!

By: Sumac Sue

Sumac Sue — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:51:52 +0000

Oops, my light isn’t square — it’s 6.5″ by 9.5.” The inside of the fixture is white, so, I am figuring the outside covering was white too. It has two sets of wires coming down that must have held the covering on.

By: cadman

cadman — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:52:21 +0000

In copper no less! Here’s the 6″ Fresnel for traditional recessed lighting.

http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/eleshtrwifrl1.html