Modernize Your Kitchen Lighting with Recessed Can Lights

Outdated, dull lighting can make even the most beautiful kitchen feel uninspired. The good news is that upgrading your kitchen lighting is one of the easiest ways to modernize the space. Recessed can lights, also known as downlights or can fixtures, are an ideal option for contemporary kitchen designs. With advanced LED technology and a variety of placement options, recessed cans offer both fashion and function.

Read on to learn why installing recessed lighting is one of the best investments you can make when renovating your kitchen. We'll cover how to choose the right can lights, design an optimal layout, and install fixtures for a revamped, radiant kitchen.

Choosing Recessed Can Lights for the Kitchen

The versatile, unobtrusive nature of recessed lights makes them a fixture favorite for kitchens. When selecting cans, consider factors like lighting technology, beam spread, smart capabilities, and style.

Types of Can Lights

LED and halogen are the most common options for recessed lighting today:

• LED can lights are the most energy efficient choice, using up to 90% less energy than halogens. They also last longer, around 50,000 hours. LED cans come in a range of color temperatures, from warm 2700K to bright 5000K.
• Halogen cans are less efficient than LED but provide bright, sparkling light. Halogens with an IRC over 90 offer good color rendering. Their 3000K light is flattering for kitchens.

Compare light quality, longevity, and features to choose the best fixture for your needs and budget.

Key Considerations

When selecting recessed lights, consider these specifications:

• Light Color: Choose 2700-3000K for warm, inviting ambiance or 3500-5000K for cooler, energizing light.
• Beam Angle: Narrow spotlights highlight tasks while wide floods provide general lighting.
• Dimming: Dimmable LED and halogen cans allow adjustable brightness.
• Smart Options: Some cans connect to apps or voice control for automation.

Placement Tips

Proper placement creates uniform lighting throughout the kitchen:

• Space cans 2-3 feet apart and at least 6 inches from cabinets for even light distribution.
• Mount overhead cans 6-12 inches below the ceiling for ideal spread.
• Spotlights installed 18-24 inches above task areas like counters or sinks provide targeted illumination.

Style Options

Flush mount cans offer a low profile while baffle trim options add contrast:

• Metal trims like bronze, chrome, or brass accentuate fixtures.
• Clear or frosted lenses softly diffuse light.
• A parabolic aluminum reflector (PAR) directs light. PAR20 is best for targeted lighting.

Designing Your Kitchen Lighting Layout

The right mix of general, task, and accent lighting creates a functional yet stylish kitchen. Plan placement carefully around sinks, islands, cabinets, and other features.

Blending General and Task Lighting

Distribute recessed cans evenly overhead for ambient illumination. Add task lighting where needed:

• Line islands and peninsulas with small spotlights for food prep lighting.
• Install individual can lights or light strips over sinks to assist with cleanup.

Accentuating Architectural Details

Use recessed lighting to spotlight decorative focal points like:

• Glass-front cabinets or open shelving.
• Ornate hoods, backsplashes, or ceiling details.
• Dining nooks, bars, or window seats.

Complementing Other Fixtures

Match recessed lighting with other fixtures:

• Hang pendant lights over islands surrounded with can lights.
• Use wall sconces or track heads to break up rows of recessed spots.

Planning for Ambient Lighting

Create a relaxed mood with diffused general lighting:

• Bounce light off the ceiling and walls with angled cans.
• Install dimmers for whole-room brightness control.

Installation Process for Recessed Cans

Proper installation is key to realizing the benefits of recessed lighting. Here are some tips to ensure your new can lights are wired and mounted correctly.

New Construction vs. Remodeling

Planning makes installing recessed lights easier:

• With new construction, lay out cans on plans before insulation and drywall.
• For remodeling, map locations taking existing wiring and access into account.

Hiring an Electrician

An electrician helps assess feasibility and safety:

• Evaluate the electrical load capacity and wiring needs.
• Ensure your breaker box can support added cans.

Dimmer and Control Installation

Programmable switches allow lighting adjustments:

• Use smart switches for voice or app-based control.
• Multi-zone dimmers enable tuning different fixture groupings.

Cutting Holes and Mounting

Cans mount securely using brackets or housings:

• Housings for new construction mount to brackets nailed between joists.
• Retrofit housings install through existing drywall into ceiling space.

Leave proper clearance between cans and insulation to prevent fire risks.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The right recessed lighting helps reduce energy consumption and costs. Take advantage of energy-optimization features when selecting and installing can fixtures.

Electricity Use Reduction

New LED recessed lights slash energy use significantly:

• LED cans can reduce lighting electricity by 80% compared to halogens.
• This cuts monthly energy bills and long-term environmental impact.

Natural Light Integration

Smart fixtures adjust to available daylight:

• Photocell sensors automatically dim lights when ample natural light is present.
• This prevents wasting electricity illuminating already bright spaces.

Lighting Controls for Optimization

Programmable recessed lights improve efficiency:

• Occupancy sensors turn lights on only when needed.
• Tunable dimming creates custom scenes for different activities.

Rebates and Tax Credits

Financial incentives make energy-wise lighting more affordable:

• Check for rebates from utility companies and manufacturers.
• Federal tax credits apply for installing LED lights.

The brilliance and flexibility of recessed cans enliven tired, outdated kitchens in many ways:

• Showcase decor and surfaces with focused beams.
• Set the mood with dimmable ambient lighting.
• Illuminate tasks comfortably and safely.
• Add modern style with flush, minimalist fixtures.

Thoughtfully placing recessed can lights transforms lackluster kitchen lighting into a radiant focal point. With smart LED cans offering both beauty and efficiency, recessed lighting is an indispensable element in contemporary kitchen design.