The Complete Guide to Perfectly Placed Recessed Lights in Kitchens

When designing your dream kitchen, proper lighting should be one of your top priorities. The right lighting layout can make all the difference in creating a functional, inviting kitchen space. Recessed lighting, also known as can or high-hat lighting, is an extremely popular choice for kitchen illumination.

Strategically placing recessed fixtures throughout your kitchen can provide both ambient lighting for general illumination and task lighting for key zones like countertops and islands.

Determine Ceiling Height for Light Spacing

The first step in planning your kitchen recessed lighting is determining how far apart to space the can lights. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to divide the height of your ceiling in half. This spacing between lights will prevent dark or bright spots.

For example, if you have standard 8 foot ceilings, you'll want to place recessed lights approximately 4 feet apart. Here are some other common ceiling height examples and recommended light spacing:

• 9 foot ceiling - space lights 4.5 feet apart
• 10 foot ceiling - space lights 5 feet apart
• 12 foot ceiling - space lights 6 feet apart

Cathedral or vaulted ceilings may require special consideration. You may need to install additional fixtures to ensure even lighting.

Choose the Right Size and Type of Recessed Lights

When selecting recessed lighting, you'll need to choose the appropriate size and type of lights for your kitchen layout and lighting needs.

For ambient lighting, 4 or 5 inch LED recessed cans are common. They cast a nice general glow. For task lighting over key zones, larger 6 to 9 inch trim sizes are preferred. LED recessed lighting is highly recommended, as LEDs are energy efficient with a long lifespan.

You'll also need to pick between IC and non-IC rated housings. IC-rated fixtures can safely contact insulation, while non-IC models are for uninsulated ceilings.

Key Zones to Illuminate in the Kitchen

When designing your recessed lighting layout, make sure to illuminate all the most important zones where you'll be prepping meals and cooking in your kitchen.

First, focus on lighting the perimeter of the room. Under cabinet fixtures paired with recessed lighting above will illuminate countertop spaces, sinks, and backsplashes beautifully.

Don't forget about kitchen islands! Strategically placing recessed fixtures above islands provides essential task lighting for food prep and dining. For peninsulas, allow for two or three can lights in a row for full coverage.

Make sure to highlight the stove, oven, and other cooking zones with narrow beam spotlights. This focused lighting allows you to see what you're cooking with ease.

Recessed lighting in corners and other potentially dark zones also helps prevent shadows and create a cohesive look.

Create a Balance of Ambient and Task Lighting

The most effective kitchen lighting combines ambient and task lighting to illuminate the entire space.

Ambient lighting comes from wide flood light lamps that cast a soft general glow. Meanwhile, task lighting comes from narrow spotlights directing focused beams ideal for food prep.

A balanced mix of ambient and task recessed lighting is recommended. Too much ambient light leads to a washed out look, while all spotlighting is harsh and uneven.

Strategic Light Placement for Common Kitchen Layouts

While the basics remain the same, you may need to tailor your recessed lighting plan based on your kitchen's particular layout.

For galley kitchens, perimeter lighting with recessed cans spaced over countertops and backsplashes is key. Just be sure to avoid dark zones at the center.

With L-shaped kitchens, illuminate each section of counter space with adequate task lighting. Bridge the two sides together using ambient fills.

For islands, install recessed lighting in a square pattern around the center and perimeter. Illuminate dining, prep, and cooking zones.

Peninsula kitchens benefit from three or more fixtures in a row to light the entire length. Balance with accent lighting above.

With open concept kitchens, be sure to direct enough focus on the actual kitchen space while also lighting adjacent living spaces.

Enhance Lighting With Other Fixtures

While recessed cans should form the core of your kitchen lighting, consider supplementing with other fixture types for a layering effect.

Pendant lights are a great choice over islands and sinks. Under cabinet LED lighting illuminates countertops beautifully. Light rails showcase cabinets with a dash of charm.

With the right lighting layout in your kitchen, you can prepare meals with ease and style. Use this guide as a reference when planning the perfect placement for can lighting. Don't be afraid to mix sizes and lamp types for both ambient fill and task illumination. Soon you'll be enjoying your bright beautiful kitchen!