kitchen recess lighting layout

kitchen recess lighting layout

Whenever you are using your kitchen you always want to have adequate lighting. It makes the room look and function better. Since you frequently are wielding a sharp implement in the kitchen. good lighting also makes the space a little safer.

As is true throughout many older homes, the lighting for an entire room frequently comes from a single light fixture. Sometimes a kitchen may also have a light over the stove, but that is not much help when it comes to food prep.

As you are considering how to brighten up your kitchen, you want to look at several different lighting options. Track lighting is the easiest option to install, and there are some, newer selections available that are really nice looking.

Track lighting is an easy transition from a single light source to adding even lighting throughout a space. You can even use track lighting to provide task lighting without having to make a single change to your electrical wiring.

There are a few things, however, that you want to consider before deciding on a new track lighting system for your kitchen.

Three Choices

With track lighting there are three standard system types that are available: They are Halo, Juno and Lightolier. Each one uses a different style track and only uses light fixtures to fit that type of track. Track fixtures are labeled H, J or L, so it is really easy to identify which fixtures go with which track. So as you are selecting your track lighting for your kitchen, keep in mind that once you choose a system you will only be able to use fixtures that are compatible with that system.

With this in mind, then it may be a good idea to choose your fixtures first and then back your way into the track system that you goes with those fixtures.

Design Your Layout

Next, decide where you want your lights to be. You will want good lighting over your sink and prep counter as well as your refrigerator and stove. If you have an eat-in kitchen, you will want some good light in this area as well.

Choose Your Fixtures

Now that you have decided on the configuration of your lighting, you will want to select your fixtures. You can choose from low voltage or line voltage. The low voltage lamps come with a base that converts the 120-volt current to 12 volt. Line voltage pulls the current straight off of the track. Generally line voltage is the most energy efficient choice.

Consider Your Bulbs

When you choose inline fixtures you will want to use CFL light bulbs. You may also want to try the newer LED light bulbs. If you want to spot certain areas with light, you can try the CFL flood lamps. These choices are not as hot as incandescent or halogen light bulbs. Rather than use a spotlight, you can also just install several light fixtures in close proximity to each other to brighten the area.

If you know how to install electrical fixtures then you can install the tracks yourself, otherwise it might be a good idea to hire an experienced electrician to do the installation for you.

Flexible Lighting

If you have vaulted ceilings in your kitchen, you may still be able to use track lighting to light your space. You can find kits that let you suspend your lighting from the ceiling, giving you not only great lighting but adding a little drama to the space as well.

While there are other choices when you are updating the lighting in your kitchen, track lighting is one of the most cost effective and easy solutions to this problem.

LEDme Button Light by WAC Lighting $53.91 Part of WAC Lighting's premium line of LED lighting. Available in several finishes, the LEDme Button Light includes three 1 watt LED lamps (3000K) with a total output of 180 lumens. Requires an LEDme Driver (sold separately). This unobtrusive LED light has a potential life of 30,0000 hours. Thermally efficient, this undercabinet puck light can be used to light heat sensitive perishables as well as UV sensitive items. Ideal for kitchen counters and cabinets, curio cabinets, etageres and more. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting LEDme Button Light is available with the following: Details:Beam spread glass shadeDie-cast aluminum housing for recess mountSteel housing for surface mountRequires an LEDme Driver (sold separately: see Related Items below)UL ListedOptions:Finish: Black, Brushed Nickel, Chrome, Copper Bronze (shown), Dark Bronze, or White.Lighting: Three 1 Watt 120 Volt LED lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height .75 In., Width 2.25 In.

LR4 Reflector/Trim by Cree Lighting $17 The Cree Lighting LR4 Reflector/Trim is made from anodized aluminum, and includes an exterior White painted trim flange (or ring) and an interior reflector that is available in 5 colors. Fits the Cree LR4 4" Light Engine. Order the Deep Recess option to fit a Deep Recess LR 4" Light Engine. Order the Moderate Recess option to fit a Moderate Recess LR4 4" Light Engine. Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications. The Cree Lighting LR4 Reflector/Trim is available with the following: Details: Anodized aluminum body Exterior White painted trim flange (or ring) with interior reflector available in 5 colors Moderate or deep recess options UL Listed for damp locations Options: Recess Depth: Deep, or Moderate. Interior Reflector Color: Black, Pewter, Standard Anodized Aluminum, Wheat, or White Paint.Shipping: This item usually ships within 3-5 days. Dimensions: Trim: Overall Diameter 6.5 In., Inner Diameter 4.5 In.

Isolating Connectors by Tech Lighting $25.6 This pair of Tech Lighting Isolating Connectors joins sections of Monorail and isolates power feeds from each other. Useful for runs using more than 300 watts or in runs over 30 feet where two power feeds are required to avoid voltage drop. All dual-feed canopies and surface transformers are shipped with isolating connectors; this set supplements those if layout requires it. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Isolating Connectors is available with the following: Details:Set of twoMetal baseETL ListedShipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Item: Length 1.1 In., Width .3 In.

LR4 4 Recessed Light Engine by Cree Lighting $119 The Cree Lighting LR4 4" Recessed Light Engine features proprietary "TrueWhite" LED technology, which is able to maintain color consistency over time and with temperature fluctuations. This Light Engine has two recess options: deep and moderate. For a more focused light, choose the Deep Recess option. For a more diffused light, select the Moderate Recess option. Also, this light engine has two color temperature choices: 2700K or 3500K. The 2700K is a warm light that is ideal for residences; the 3500K is a cooler white light that is an excellent choice for commercial use. IC Rated and suitable for use in insulated and non-insulated ceilings. LED light is designed to last 50,000 hours and maintain at least 70% of initial lumen output. When selecting the Cree LR4 Reflector/Trim to accompany the LR4 Light Engine, order the Deep Recess LR4 Reflector/Trim option to fit the Deep Recess LR 4" Light Engine. Order the Moderate Recess LR4 Reflector/Trim option to fit a Moderate Recess LR4 4" Light Engine. Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications. The Cree Lighting LR4 4" Recessed Light Engine is available with the following: Details: LED Light engine with retention mechanism, available in two color temperatures: 2700K (warmer) or 3500K (cooler)CRI = 94 (2700K) or 91 (3500K)Designed to last 50,000 hours and maintain at least 70% of initial lumen outputDimmable to 20%UL Listed for damp locationsEnergy EfficientOptions: Color Temp: 2700K (shown), or 3500K. Recess Depth: Deep (shown), or Moderate.Lighting: Deep option utilizes 11.1 Watt 120 Volt LED lamps (approximate 540 delivered lumens) (included). Moderate option utilizes 10.5 Watt 120 Volt LED lamps (approximate 540 delivered lumens) (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3-5 days. Dimensions: Deep Recess Light Engine: Height 7 In., Diameter 6 In. Moderate Recess Light Engine: Diameter 6 In., Height 5.25 In.

Hell's Kitchen $19.99 Hell's Kitchen

Paradise Bowl by Maxim Lighting $2250 The Maxim Lighting Paradise Bowl illustrates phenomenal beauty in its cultured layout while shining lusciously to create a heavenly feel in your interiors. The Paradise Bowl features Crystaline glass bowl and Plated Silver finish. Maxim Lighting, headquartered in California, offers high-quality lighting fixtures in a variety of designs, finishes, and glass styles that complement contemporary and transitional interiors. The Maxim Lighting Paradise Bowl is available with the following: Included Features:Crystaline glass bowl.Plated Silver finish.Bent, beveled crystal pairs.Ceiling canopy.72 In. of chain.UL Listed.Lighting: Four 100 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 32 In., Height 40 In. Suspension: Overall Length Adjustable from 40 In. to 112 In.

CalPak Recess Backpack - White Temptation $31.99 CalPak-18" Utility Backpack

LR6 Surface Mount Cylinder by Cree Lighting $54.4 The Cree Lighting LR6 Surface Mount Cylinder is a surface mounted housing designed to accommodate the L6 6" recessed LED downlight (GU24 socket only) when it's not possible to recess in the ceiling. The housing attaches directly to a standard 4" electrical junction box. Features a spun aluminum housing and textured white polyester powder paint. Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications. The Cree Lighting LR6 Surface Mount Cylinder is available with the following: Details:Spun aluminum housing with textured White polyester powder paintAttaches directly to standard 4" electrical junction boxesNot designed for pendant or cord mountingUL Listed for damp locationsEnergy EfficientShipping: This item usually ships within 3-5 days. Dimensions: Housing: Diameter 7.63 In., Height 6.88 In.

Vesta Pendant by ELK Lighting $90 The ELK Lighting Vesta Pendant is a simple fixture that offers bright, warm lighting for the kitchen island or dining area. The glass shades are smooth and monochromatic and work with a number of design schemes. A Polished Nickel finish completes the soft contemporary look. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The ELK Lighting Vesta Pendant is available with the following: Details:Glass shadeMetal supportsSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopy72" clear cordUL ListedOptions:Shade: Cardinal Red, Royal Blue, Tobacco, or White.Lighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 48 hours. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 12 In., Width 5 In. Hanging Length: Overall Length Adjustable to 84 In. Cord: Length 72 In.

Capri Pendant by Elk Lighting $153 This cone of light stands out from the rest with its pearlescent mosaic shade. The Elk Lighting Capri Pendant offers downward lighting with a warm glow, giving spaces a natural, earthy feel with a sense of elegance. Complement with the Capri Semi-Flushmount in the kitchen or dining area. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The Elk Lighting Capri Pendant is available with the following: Details:Flared Mosaic glass shadeMetal supportsSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopy72" Clear cordUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 48 hours. Dimensions: Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 83 In., Height 11 In., Width 6 In. Cord: Length 72 In.

How do I layout the recessed lighting in my kitchen?

I have 8 ft. ceilings. My upper cabinets are 12″ deep and 11″ from the ceiling. My base cabinets are 24″ deep. I also have a upper cabinet in the corner at an angle (45 degrees?). The space in my kitchen is 10.5 feet by 11.5 feet.

I was reading the standard distance to have your recessed lighting 26″ away from the wall — and the distance between each housing should be 1/2 of your ceiling height (4 ft in my case).

I was planning on only having 5 can lights in my kitchen. 1 in each corner and 1 in the center. Will this give me enough light? Should I be worried about the lights casting shadows on my cabinets since they don’t touch the ceiling? Some guidance here would be helpful.
my husband is an electrician, but he’s never done the actual layout of the housings, just hooked up the electrical. Thanks, jerk
I forgot to add, there is already a light fixture above my sink. We are planning a pendant light there.

Eww, nothing worse than florescent lights in a ‘kitch’ kithcen….don’t listen to the above answer. Incandescent bulbs in recessed cans, can be dramatic, especially in ‘special’ places in your home. Can lights are directed downward, but the distribution can be adjusted by the type of bulb you use. They are wonderful!

121 sf is a really small space, and your layout seems perfectly fine! You may want to lay out your lights in a pattern that will be most effective for functional purposes: perhaps instead of the lights at the 4 corners, center a light above the sink, and another near a counter you know you will be doing a lot of food preparation. The other lights should be spaced throughout to give you enough even luminosity in the rest of the kitchen. But as i mentioned before, 5 lights sounds good for the space you have! It is better to have more recessed cans than too little, after you are finished, and you find it is too bright, you can use lower wattage bulbs, or unscrew 1 or 2 lights…if you installed too little fixtures, that can’t be adjusted…higher watage bulbs will create a cave like appearance.