Update: Very old story; all the links now broken. If you are looking for this lighting, you’ll need to google the companies mentioned.
The recessed lights throughout my 1951 colonial-traditional ranch are all in square housings. I also have two recessed lights on the stairs to the basement that are longer rectangles. From my trips to estate sales, I think that square lighting was much more common than round cans in the postwar era, although round was used.
I have searched high and low for replicas of the squares, and the best that I have found so far are the Halo lights in the drawing above. There are several other makers that have similar designs – but this company seems to have the most choices when it comes to lenses, including the cool “Glass Drop Opal Splay,” which is directionally similar to the lenses in the lights in each of my three bathrooms. I also am showing photos of the Nora lights, with both “albanite” (appears to be what we’d call “frosted”) and “fresnel” (or “pressed glass”) lenses. These are also directionally similar to historic lights, which at minimum were frosted, and often included frosted patterns, or a decorative pressed glass shade kind of ‘dropped down’ from within the housing. In terms of overall dimensions, the 8″ square is right on with the Nora – same as mine.
I do have one key issue relative to authenticity: The visible housing for these are all metal (I presume) painted white. As far as I’ve been able to determine – from extensive, obsessive online searching — nobody has them in chrome, which is absolutely positively preferable. If any readers know otherwise, please share!
In case you want more options: Thomas Lighting also offers an 8″ square with what appears to be a frosted shade. And, Progress Lighting has two choices, in 9.5″ and 11.5″ squares (see very last page of their Recessed housings page). I would check with a lighting authority – but I presume you could buy and cut patterned glass to fit, just be sure of fire safety.
These lights are great in hallways, small bathrooms, mudrooms — anywhere, really, with a low ceiling and compact volume. And, they are absolutely classic above a kitchen sink, tucked into the bottom of the soffit. Watch on your travels into midcentury homes – there are some great ones!
I do caution, however, about using them in a larger space in multiples. There is something about a square that stops your eye, compared to a circle. In my kitchen, for example, round cans were a much better choice – actually providing a nice counterpoint to the square room, square cabinets, square floor tiles…and repeating the round exhaust fan, table, and retractable light.
The “right” choice – comes from “eyeballing” the situation. But a starting rule: Small room, one light, go square. Larger room, multiple lights, go round.
i suppose it depends on the design… mine hinge down from one side, like opening a breadbox…
Hi Janet and Pam:
My lights are on two hinges that pull down. They are old Pry lite Lights. I can find replacements any where. The new stuff is too small and not as powerfull.
I have a 9-inch square recessed ceiling box that takes a 10-inch square cover (with the “torsion” wires). Does anyone know if any 9-inch boxes (housings) are available anywhere? If not, has anyone tried one of the Halo 9 3/8″ square covers on an older 9-inch box like mine?
Thanks!
Check ebay and etsy — there are NOS covers for sale right now….
Pam,
Thanks, I just looked at both sides and didn’t see them. I’m searching using terms like “ceiling light cover” and “recessed lights” with no success. And/or could you please post a link?
Thanks,
John
Hello! I have 8 original/retro/vintage 11×11 Kirlin recessed lights that I am selling. They are from the 1950s (I think) and are still in the box.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/111332961163?nav=SEARCH
Very cool!
Anyone found any more sources for these lights? I have two that I’d like to replace on the ceiling of my front porch; would love to find two of the Fresnel-style diffusers if possible. Mine are 8″x8″.
Thanks!
The other place to stalk: Ebay. They do come up…
It’s interesting that only white fixtures are available now & that chrome was the standard (?). Ours have a copper border & frosted glass.
1952 house with outdoor rectangular recessed fluorescent light fixtures….need to find a replacement or idea. They are approx 18 x 9 inches. Ideas? Help!
hard to say without seeing photos of what you’re talking about / the situation. can you post photos online and then add a link?
I have 8 of the square recessed lights in our 4-car carport. This carport was added in the mid 60s. The covers are missing from the fixtures; therefore our cars are covered with dead bugs and droppings. I think the covers were taken off years ago by prior owner because the lights were going out frequently and it was such a hassel to replace bulbs. We now have the new long lasting LED bulbs in the fixture, but I need 8 covers. I believe you might be calling them diffusers. Where do I just find the glass or plastic diffusers? These lights are 9 3/4″ square inside the trim. Thanks for your help.
Regarding the replacement of canned lighting lens, http://www.behrenbergglass.com was able to help me with replacements for my 10″ circular can ceiling light lens. they provided me with a frosted glass plate which worked perfectly.
Rectangles
Rounds
Squares
Hexagons
Octagons
Ovals
Hearts
Big Bottom Plates
Bowls
Ruffle Wavy Dish
Miscellaneous
3/16″ for Engraving, Etching & Laser Engraving
Hello, did they make you replicas, or did they have what you needed in stock?
I’m looking for one replacement shade for my 1950s recessed lights.