One of the easiest ways to add light to any room is by installing one or more recessed light fixtures. Understanding the many options available can help you choose the right fixture for the project.

• Think about how the fixture will be mounted. New construction fixtures mount directly onto a ceiling joist or between two joists. They can be used in situations where the joists are exposed or where the backside of the ceiling is accessible. Remodel fixtures insert up through a hole cut into an existing ceiling. These easily mounted lights come in a wide variety of styles and sizes and work for new construction projects also.

• For insulated ceilings, choose an IC (insulation contact) approved fixture. For fire safety purposes, non-IC fixtures need to be mounted at least three inches from any type of insulation.

• Choose an airtight fixture to eliminate heating and cooling loss around the fixture housing.

• Recessed light fixtures typically come in 4-, 5- and 6-inch diameters. Other sizes are also available. The size of the fixture does not dictate the amount of light it will provide. Choose a size that best suits the overall look desired.

• Recessed lights are often sold as two separate parts, the housing and the trim. The housing is the bulk of the fixture, including the light socket, wiring and mounting hardware. The trim is the part of the fixture that remains visible after installation. Some fixtures come with the trim already installed, but more often than not trim needs to be purchased separately. Choose a trim that matches or accents the décor of the room and that fits the housing.

• When installing more than one light, space the fixtures no less than one half the height of the ceiling apart from each other. For rooms with 8-foot ceilings, fixtures should be mounted 4 feet apart, with 10-foot ceilings they should be 5 feet apart and so on. Spacing from the wall to the fixture should be one half the spacing between each light.

• Pay attention to the type of light bulb the fixture will accept. Some fixtures come with nonreplaceable LED lights installed. When these lights stop working the entire fixture needs to be replaced. Housings with standard light sockets allow for the most versatility in bulb selection.

— Have a home improvement question for Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.