Track lighting in kitchen

13 years ago

I'd like to replace the track lighting in my kitchen. I'd love to use at least 1drop lighting, maybe on the far left over the sink. Should i go recessed, more track?

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PRO

Ironwood Builders

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Hailey, depending on ceiling height and lamping (halogen, CFL or LED) we advise 3' - 5' apart and centered above the 25" +/- line of the counter tops for task lighting. Locating joists and laying out a general lighting grid off what is possible comes next. For a 12'X 12' kitchen this means 6-8 recessed lights. We do a lot of pendants over peninsulas and islands for task and decorative lighting and as I said before, one or two over the sink. We haven't yet found a good remodel version of the recessed light in LED, so if you go that way, you will have more drywall repair as the frame of the housing must go from joist to joist. The drivers for LED's are quite heavy and the remodel cans just clip into the drywall. We almost never do 6" cans anymore. I do recommend the LED. Energy savings and zero lifetime bulb replacement will see cost break even in 5-7 years maximum. Select a "warm" LED at 3000 kelvin or lower for the best look.

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Comments (7)

Ed
13 years ago
Hi Hailey, for our remodel, I switched to recessed, too. :) Please post photos of your progress. :)
PRO
ReMax - Lisa
13 years ago
I would definitely get rid of all the track lighting. Looks too busy. Go with some recessed and a gorgeous pendant light over the sink. No pot hangers either. Will look much more modern.
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PRO
Ironwood Builders
13 years ago
There are remodel versions of recessed lights that will cause less damage to the existing ceiling, although as I would recommend a fair amount more locations, some damage is inevitable. I agree about hanging a feature pendent over the sink for good task lighting and for good looks. Disagree about the pot rack....your cabinets don't look modern from what I can see. Keep it...but get some spray paint and make the chains match the rack!
Hailey Chang
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the helpful tips. It's true the cabinets are traditional so keeping the pot holder sounds good. How many recessed lights would you suggest? We have another light source in the dining area off the kitchen to the left.
User
13 years ago
I don't like the pot rack but don't mind the track lighting. Just remember, if you do recessed lights, install LED light FIXTURES (not just bulbs) and be prepared for a drywall repair bill. In my area, they are about $55/hour. Then you need to paint.
User
13 years ago
To be clear, the pot rack with the track lights does not look right together at all. I really depends in our budget what the right choice is. But considering that LED lights will also conserve energy in the long run, and they definitely will look better than track lights, I would spend the money and change your lighting. Where I live, installation of recessed lights is $75-$200/light. There is a big range of LED cans to choose from. Basic LEDs are not expensive and will do the trick. Just need to pick 4inch - 6inch. I like them smaller.