Recessed lighting for kitchen makeover?

14 years ago

I'm planning a complete re-do of my 10 X 10 kitchen. A few people who've come in to take a look and make recommendations have talked up recessed lighting.

I'm a little leery. For one thing, it seems like this might be more about what's fashionable than what's very functional. I really lean to task lighting, such as track lighting, with the lights directed to the areas that need it (fridge, work area, pantry).

What has your experience been with changing the lighting in your kitchen makeover? Do you think recessed lighting would be adequate? Etc etc. Thanks.

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Comments (4)

ginny20
14 years ago
I have recessed LED's (Cree from Home Depot), UCL, and two pendants. This is a very common configuration. Recessed lighting is not the only way to go, however. There is a good case to be made for flush or semi-flush fixtures. There are some good discussions about this - and varying opinions - over on the Lighting Forum. the lighting gurus over there are very helpful.
angie_diy
14 years ago
Certainly, recessed lighting can be used to adequately illuminate areas where tasks are performed. It is actually one of its strengths. (I actually don't like recessed lighting, but my concerns are solely aesthetic.)

The areas that you mention (fridge, work area, pantry) may indeed be best lit by task lighting. However, to me that means a light in the pantry, the light that is in the fridge, and undercabinet lights for countertops.
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debrak_2008
14 years ago
Attached is a link to the american lighting association explaining 3 types of lighting you may want in your kitchen or any room. It descibes it better than I could.

I think GE has good info on lighting on their website also.

For us we will have a central light fixture (actually a fan with a light). Recessed lighting in certain work areas. A separate recessed light over the sink. Dimmable under cabinet lighting and the range hood has a light.

Your task lighting does not have to be recessed.

Here is a link that might be useful: american lighting assoc.
CEFreeman
14 years ago
I think what you'll find is a combination works well.

If you don't want recessed, don't put it in.
It is a clean look, though, without a bunch of junk hanging from the ceiling. You can feature a beautiful fixture somewhere without it being lost.

I have canned, UCL & 1 semi flush over the sink, between the cabinets so it's not prominant. The peninsula dividing the kitchen & dining area has pendants. The dining area has UCL, a chandelier & more canned. In the area that moves into the living room and MBR has a semi flush.

Plus, I have huge sliders.
No lack of light in THIS house! and to think I actually deleted some of the lights...