Lighting layout for kitchen

10 years ago

So construction is underway for our kitchen remodel (full gut). The contractor has started rough-ins for the recessed cans but I'm concerned that there are too few - he only has 4 planned (shown in yellow). I said I wanted to add 2 more (shown in red). The green pendants shown are seeded glass with edison bulbs - so more decorative than task ltg. Also - they are not putting any above the sink stating that the recessed cans will provide enough light along with the new undercabinet lights. My husband thinks the LEDs should be over the path vs the counters so they illuminate the kitchen more & wants to make sure a light is over the kitchen sink (shown on bottom of plan with window). The cabinets go all the way to the ceiling and there is no cabinet or trim above the sink as it is. (I am including elevation for the sink to clarify).

So - is this enough lighting? The fixture he is using is this: 4" recessed LED (600 lumens, 2700K & dimmable)

Thank you!

Featured Answer

David

10 years ago

The cans could be arranged to be in a more "regular" pattern.

A separate can light on a separate circuit could be placed above the sink.

If the pendants are using E26 A lamps, the output is ~ 800 lumens (ignoring shading) per bulb/ lamp (60W equivalent). Using a higher output lamp (eg - 90W equivalent) may be possible.

Dimming switches - Lutron dimming switches.

The fundamental technology behind dimming switches hasn't changed in over a decade (eg - resistive or forward/ reverse phase).

What has changed - better noise filtering, addition of home automation circuitry (eg - RadioRA2/ Caseta for Lutron) and style (eg -Vierti) and a whole price range of up to $200+ per switch.

With home automation, a physical 3 way circuit is less important since the lighting controls are no longer limited to fixed physical locations. In addition, different circuits can be controlled - on/off/ dimming in concert.

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Comments (6)

David
10 years ago
This long running discussion thread has more details

LED recessed lighting guide
gwyndill
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for pointing me in the right direction! That was very helpful to read through.

I have a question on the 24"-30" placement from the cabinets - wouldn't whether or not you have undercabinet lighting effect that value? I understand that it wouldn't effect the number of fixtures needed, but maybe they could be placed further out? I am looking at my island and concerned that I won't have enough light on my main working surface with just those two decorative pendants. I assumed that the recessed LEDs would help, but with them being so far away - I don't think they will lend much aid. I thought if I centered the cans with the aisles, that would give more of a general illumination & a more "standard" pattern.

Also is there a different 3-way dimming switch that you'd recommend? I noted the ones in the forum but also that the forum is 4 years old & products and technology change. Also - I am not sure if the 3-way factor would change a recommended brand/line.
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gwyndill
Original Author
10 years ago
David - thank you so much for your help. We are talking to the contractor to get the cans in a more even pattern throughout the kitchen and putting a dedicated light over the sink. We haven't purchased the lamps for the pendants - the pendants are on order & come with regular A base lamps (I think 60W) but we know we'll be switching out for the Edison bulbs (possibly even LED ones... we'll see).

I appreciate your help & input on both the fixture layout and the dimming switches!
David
10 years ago
You're welcome.

Using UCL for lighting the countertop will be better than the overhead recessed lighting.
PRO
Inspired LED
10 years ago
We agree with David! Let us know if you would like a free layout and quote for Under Cabinet LED Lighting! FREE DESIGN SERVICES