Recessed Kitchen Lighting...Advice Needed

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I removed the fluorescent light box from our kitchen ceiling to replace with recessed lighting. It is a fairly small kitchen. I could use some advice.

A. What size cans should I install: 4", 5", or 6"?

B. How many?

C. Best locations?

The 2 existing cans over the bar/counter will be replaced with 2 pendant fixtures.

I already have 6 puck-style under-cabinet lights for task lighting, but I thought I would still want to put some recessed cans directly above the front edge of the countertops.

The ceiling is 10' , though it does have a sloped section on one side. I won't have attic access above the slope, so probably will not be able to place any cans on the slope itself. Joists are 2X6, with white blown-in insulation.

The trim kits I planned to choose are either this 4" (585 lumens)", if I go with 4" cans, or this 5" or 6" (685 lumens)" if I go with 5" or 6" cans. Or maybe I should go with a standard trim and a PAR amp?

The attached photos/drawings show the layout and dimensions.

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Comment (1)

Gary
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Here is the layout I’m considering. The actual photo below shows the kitchen with mockups I taped to the ceiling in the locations I THINK are appropriate.

I really want to go with 4” recessed cans if possible. With this plan I would be using (5) 4” cans. I’m just not sure that 4” is a good idea with a 10’ ceiling. Thoughts? Anyone?

I had originally thought I would need additional recessed lights in the center of the kitchen, but much of what I’ve read online seems to follow the idea that the recessed lights around the perimeter (front edge of countertop, in front of fridge and pantry) will provide all the ambient light that’s needed in the center of the kitchen. IE: it seems the current trend is to light up elements in the kitchen and not the kitchen floor. With our kitchen size/layout, do
you believe this would be true?

Assuming I do go with 4” recessed, I think I will go with the Halo 4” LED retrofits (625 lumens) or the EcoSmart (600 lumens). But again I’m not sure that’s a good idea with a 10’ ceiling? And are there better options of 4” LEDs for my situation?

Halo RL4

EcoSmart 4" Integrated LED Recessed Trim

Thanks.

Gary
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