Spacing for Kitchen Recessed Lighting

Lighting Purpose

• The use for the recessed lighting within the kitchen helps determine the spacing. If you want the recessed lights for task lighting, space the fixtures no more than 3 or 4 feet apart. This eliminates dark spots between the illumination from each fixture. If you want the lighting to simply enhance other fixtures for greater general lighting, spread the spacing out to 6 to 12 feet around the room. In some cases, you might vary spacing with wider spaced general lights and close fixtures over an island for task lighting.

Work Areas

• If task lighting is your main purpose, identify the primary work areas where you will need the fixtures. Recessed lighting works particularly well for islands or peninsulas on your countertop where there is no upper cabinet to block the stream of light. Recessed lighting won't reach the perimeter countertops with cabinets above because either the cabinets or your body will block the light to create shadows.

Sketch

• After identifying the purpose and main work areas, draw the kitchen to scale to help you determine the exact spacing and layout. Draw in all of the work areas and components of the kitchen, including cabinets, islands and appliances. Mark the locations where you're considering the recessed light fixtures based on what is underneath and the amount of light you need. The closer together the fixtures, the more intense the light when it hits the work surface because the pools of light overlap for fewer dark spots.

Tips

• Test your recessed lighting plan by placing sticky notes or pieces of painter's tape on the ceiling at the proposed locations. The markers give you a visual of how the lighting will look, based on the space you chose. Consult with an experienced, licensed electrician if you aren't sure where to place the lights and whether the circuit can handle them. A lighting store should also be able to help you figure out the recessed lighting spacing and layout if you provide a sketch of the room.