recessed lights soffit kitchen redo

2 years ago

I have existing recessed lights on the soffit in my kitchen. The contractor is recommending I replace them with modern LED recessed cans. The ceilings are low. I’m trying to cut down the electricians to-do list and our budget. Would it make sense to cover the existing ones up and do recessed lights on the ceiling instead? Or should k still utilize the existing opens for new recessed lights. (The pendant lights are being replaced with flush mount fixtures). I’m trying to bring a lot of light into the space. I feel like the recessed soffit lights are just making the laminate counter shine. But perhaps it’s more due to the dated nature of the existing ones. Not to mention, they aren’t spaced evenly or appropriately.

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Comments (4)

Lyn Nielson
2 years ago
the soffit lights illuminate the work space. Task lighting is everything in a kitchen.

I think lighting the interior of the room is a waste. Brighten the bulbs for a clean light, first.
zealart
2 years ago
The potential problem I see with you taking them out and having them only on the ceiling is that they will be so far from the counter, that your body will create a shadow on the counter ( unless you always put the undercabinet lights on.

I'd likely keep them. Have them on a separate switch from the ceiling ones and have both set on a dimmer.
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nm_prince
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you this is helpful. Lighting design is my least favorite. I either over or under do it
3onthetree
2 years ago
There is no reason to replace the Edison soffit fixtures with intergral LED if you are keeping the exact same locations. You can just put an LED 'bulb' in it.

If you want to improve the lighting, and are not removing the soffit, then it would be much better to remove those soffit lights, patch the holes, and install 3" lights better spaced and more of them into the soffit.

Also, rather than flush mount, I would probably go with recessed lights to replace the pendants. Mostly for the aesthetics of the soffit and variated cabinet layout where the flush mount adds to the complication of the ceiling plane and decorative fixtures might seem somewhat hidden or unbalanced from all the shadows.

Also, a couple recessed lights along the ref line as it looks to have no lighting there.