Baffle- what is it?

Baffle refers to the trim typically found on recessed lighting fixtures. These are the most common trims used in residential homes. It is usually designed with concentric ridges in the interior to reduce glare as the light shines downward, while the inside surface is ribbed to trap and shape the light. 

ceiling downlight baffle showing a recessed LED

What about other types of trim? We’ve compiled a list for you below! Not all of our products come with every option of the below trim styles, and some are listed here to assist you with design ideas, but if you’re looking for a specific type, feel free to give us a call and we can advise you on which product you’re looking for.


Reflector Trims are similar to baffle trims except they have a smooth surface inside.

downlight reflector baffle and trim piece


Open Trims are low profile and economical. They fit tight around the lamp which sits flush with the ceiling.

open trim low profile ceiling downlight baffle

 Eyeball Trims allow you to control the direction of the light. Their range of motion is typically 30° tilt and 359° rotation.

eyeball baffle allows tilt for ceiling downlights

Gimbal Trims are similar to eyeballs except they pivot within the housing so they protrude less from the ceiling. Their range of motion is the same as the eyeball but at full range the trim may cut off part of the beam of a wide angle lamp.

gimbal trims allow full 360 degree rotation of the downlight trim

Surface Adjustable Trims (also known as “elbow” or “scoop” trims) offer a maximum range of motion at 70° tilt and 359° rotation.

 surface adjustable downlights can only be adjusted by 70 degrees and aren't recessed as much

Slot Aperture Trims are ideal for concealing the light source in the ceiling. Their range of motion is 35° tilt and 179° rotation.

slot aperture downlights conceal the light source and act like a spot light

Pinhole Trims provide a tight punch of light from a concealed source. The aperture fits snug around the lamp which is recessed above the surface.

pinhole trims offer a punch of light straight down but offer no tilt. fully waterproof

Lensed Trims have a plastic or glass lens that covers the lamp and are most often used in wet locations.

lensed trims offer a covered waterproof element to the ceiling downlight

Wall Wash Trims have an eyelid which eliminates the “scallop” design typically created when a light is aimed directly at a wall.

wall wash trims have an eyelid which prevents the scallop shape shown onto the wall

Decorative Trims are available in many shapes and finishes and are usually constructed from a combination of metal and glass.

decorative downlight trims are trims that accentuate the downlight