Ultra Thin Recessed Lighting | Transform A Dark Living Space

At one of my renovation projects, there was a living room with a single outlet that was connected to a switch at the front door. This resulted in a very dark living space which was supposed to be one of the most used spaces in the home. We took care of that issue by installing 8 Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Lights and this project truly transformed the space. As this is one of the longer DIY videos on our channel I provided time-stamped chapters below to help you navigate the project.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:14 LED Layout Design
1:52 Marking the Hole Locations
3:30 Cutting Holes in the Ceiling
5:42 Electrical Overview and Reconfiguration
9:13 Junction Box and Switches Wiring
11:52 Wiring LED Recessed Lights
15:58 Finished Project!

Supplies and Tools

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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[fondupot]

Great idea using the marking flags to find your holes to clear out the insulation.

[satwatchers]

Buddy! Awesome video! I’ve been looking for a video like this for weeks. Insulated ceiling to attic with insulation. How to dived the lights. How to junction box and wire the 14/3 to 14/2. So much appreciated !!! Thank you.

[DarrenWS]

Great instructional, easy to follow. You are calm and clear in your narration which helps, not rushing and leaving out details. Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[familyohlwiler]

In a similar situation I've used a Sawzall to cut out the switch box and replaced it with a Carlon old-work box (eg. BH234R). This allows enough access to remove wire staples around the box, makes fishing wires much easier, gives a bigger box to work in and if I'm careful no extra wall repair/painting.

[SophiaAphrodite]

I rewired my mobile home with these in a remodel and you can get a 12 pack for well under $100 for basic versions. I also put in dimmers in a few but they are so easy to install and wire up. You can have brighter lighting, more lighting and at much lower energy cost. I put them in my kitchen, hallway and second bedroom and make a massive difference for a cheap price. Easy install option if you do not have a hole saw. I took a nail and a pencil and connected them with a piece of ground wire with a loop on both ends at the diameter for the hole . Push the nail into the middle and you can now draw a perfect circle to cut out with your jig saw.

[coolubree]

This video was so helpful and accessible! I’m starting a project adding overhead lighting to multiple rooms, and I have more confidence about completing it now! 😃

[shotsoul]

Great video! There is a model exactly like this that has a spot to slide the romex in and then you just pin it with the built in bar. You save money on the connectors and you also save time. Time is money!

[txponyexpress]

This guy is great. He's so chill in demeanor and presentation for every topic.

[tylergalaska]

Thanks for making this! Even though I have experience, it allows me to get everything I need together and have a solid game plan which makes everything easier. Much appreciated.

[billjohnson]

Great video! I have the exact same electrical setup in my 1955 house. I've wanted to add ceiling lights for years to replace the lamp plugged into the switch controlled receptacle. All I need to figure out now it where the power is coming into the porch switch.

[LuxuryOutdoorLiving]

This was one of the best how to vids I've found! Your directions are very comprehensive without overloading the video with the useless rambling that some presenters include. Keep up the great content and I hope your channel becomes very successful!

[raullcalzadilla]

Great video on a great, great product. Thanks. One negative thing is the difficulty I have understanding your words because of the room's echo.

I see you often mark your work area with tape and measuring all the way... I know it might be overkill for the small room and stuff you show on average residential renos but one thing that has changed my life is one of those self leveling (Laser Level 3 X 360). I've used it for commercial space but honestly if I had a side hustle of doing quick electrical residential work I'd be buying one for sure. It's one of those tool that can save a lot of time!

[crapstirrer]

LED lights are amazing. So compact and cheap to run.

[Joe_Dad_Bot]

Great video! Really easy to listen to your style and pace. Very helpful.

[nicolepicomantilla]

You are one of the few people who make this easy to understand. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[paynindiaz]

Great video. I have the same set up and want to add recessed lighting. The only difference is that I have two three-way switches going to the receptacle, so it can be powered from the front door and from the entrance to the living room inside the house. Is there anything in particular I should look out for when doing this?

[Colin-uzlm]

I like the tip of the pink marking flags! great idea.

[cyndra]

Great video! I appreciate how calmly and thoroughly you present all of the information, as well as how neatly you lay out your links, timestamps, etc. BTW, at about the 4 minute mark you reference a link to another video that goes into more detail about cutting the holes near the ceiling joists. It was supposed to be available in the upper corner, but for me it didn't appear. Thanks for a great instructional!

[ncooty]

Another clear, useful video. Thanks for posting.