Our ceiling is SW Pure White, which is an off white. When the cans first went in I remember thinking they were whiter, and I wished that I had matched the ceiling color to the cans. But that was literally the last time I noticed or thought of them until seeing your post today, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Find a white that blends in nicely with the cans, I agree with your designer friend. An off white will make the cans look very clean, and the ceiling having a dirty, look.

I've always just used "ceiling white" paint unless I was doing a true color. One can't go wrong and it is always bright and light. It's less expensive as well.

I chose to paint our new build ceilings the same as the wall color to highlight the molding, satin SW Patience. I worried about the cans sticking out against the color, too!

Our current spec house has flat SW Snowbound as the ceilings and semigloss crown. The can trim is a brighter white than the paint but it's hardly noticeable with the lights on or off because of the shadows or the light coming from the cans. In our new build (no power yet), you can see them, but I don't mind. As soon as they get turned on, they'll blend in.

Current spec home, two of the the four cans in living 'on' and hall light 'off' (and smoke detector):

Trim semigloss Snowbound, ceiling flat Snowbound, walls satin Kilim Beige, south facing windows

New build:

Walls and ceiling satin Patience, North East facing windows with porch

I always paint the ceiling s a color, and the white cans have never bothered me, or anyone else as far as I know.

My ceilings are SW Navajo. I like the way the white cans have contrast with the ceiling.

We paint the rim/trim of the can lights to match the ceiling.

What kind of designer doesn't know that recessed lighting trim can be painted?

@Sammy you'd be surprised. People are hesitant to mess with a factory finish - it is kind of scary because you don't want to mess it up.

@Lori A. Sawaya Sorry probably dumb question. So if I did paint ceilings SW Alabaster would I paint the cans before or after install? I also want you to know I have read many of your posts and they have helped me with my color selections and so appreciate your help.

Thanks.

Not a dumb question. The lights are usually already installed before the painter gets there. They just hit the trim/rim with a brush.

My ceilings are Alabaster and I had the same concern, but it's not something I notice now that we're in the house.

We recently painted all the living areas Alabaster in our home and did regular white ceiling paint on the ceilings. The crisp white ceiling does make the yellow tones in Alabaster more obvious during daylight. Just keep that in mind. Alabaster needs a warmer white on the ceilings. I would just paint it Alabaster though. Can't go wrong there. Like mentioned before, you can always paint the cans if they bother you.

I’ve used BM White Dove on ceilings with can lights and never noticed the trim standing out.

I always paint the trim on. my can lights to match the ceiling...but then again, I also paint my HVAC air returns too. I can't stand to see those items jumping out at me.

Hi! What color are your walls?

Crushed Ice Main Areas. Sea Salt Bedrooms & Bathrooms.

I forgot to order brown trim for my recessed lights in the stained Cypress ceiling of the outdoor lanai/porch. Some day I'll get motivated, get the ladder, the brown paint we used on our trim and cover up the white. Probably won't be any day soon!