
What is the Best Lighting for a kitchen ceiling?
Top 10 Best Lights for Kitchen Ceiling
- Airand 5000K - Our choice
- TOBUSA Farmhouse - Modern
- Opoway Semi Flush - Stylish
- Drosbey 36W - Bright
- AntLux 4FT 60W - High quality
- AntLux 4ft 50W - Good price
- TOBUSA 2-Pack Industrial - Easy to install
- ZITRADES Rustic Flush - Good design
- FaithSail 2FT - Famous brand
- Mirrea Rustic - Luxury
How to replace kitchen ceiling lights?
Skill Level: Intermediate | STANLEY Pro Project Guides
- Remove the Old Fixture. Confirm that the power is off by turning the wall switch off and on. ...
- Detach the Wires. Use a bent piece of coat hanger to hang the fixture from the box in order to support it. ...
- Detach the Strap. ...
- Strip the Wires. ...
- Connect with Wire Nuts. ...
- Secure the Connections. ...
- Install the Fixture. ...
- Install the Bulbs and Globe. ...
How to best light your kitchen?
Understand different types of lighting
- Natural light: This is literally the sun. ...
- Ambient light: This generally comes from an overhead light and covers most of the kitchen, thus setting the overall tone for the room.
- Task lighting: This is used for illuminating workspaces so you can see what you’re cooking, mixing, or chopping.
How far should recessed lights be from the kitchen cabinet?
The average distance between cabinets and recessed lights is 12-18 inches. However, if you plan to install a ceiling fan in the kitchen, you might need to adjust that distance to allow for at least a 9 inches between the lights and the blades. Avoid putting recessed light over refrigerator.

What is the difference between a can light and a recessed light?
Recessed lights, also known as downlights or can lights, are a type of lighting fixture installed into the ceiling or wall. They are designed to sit flush with the surface for a sleek and polished finish. The housing and electrical wiring components are hidden, and the bulb appears to glow from within the opening.
Where should recessed lights be placed in a kitchen?
Aimed at the countertop edges, the lights will illuminate counter work areas or the sink, and avoid creating shadows by people standing at the counters working. Place your recessed downlights 12″ apart from each other and 12″ to 18″ away from any cabinets to illuminate counter areas.
What size can lights for kitchen?
Generally, the larger the diameter of your fixture, the wider the wash of light it will provide. For kitchens, 4 and 5-inch is an ideal size for providing light above countertops with enough output for food prep and cleanup.
What type of lighting is best for a kitchen?
ambient lightingSo, what type of lighting is best for your kitchen? As a rule of thumb, you must have general or ambient lighting in the centre of the kitchen. Do this by installing recessed kitchen ceiling lights or flush mounts. Additionally, if you have an island or a breakfast counter, consider pendant lighting.
How many recessed lights do I need for a 12x12 room?
If you use 40-watt bulbs for your 12 x 12 room, then 144 square feet x 1.5 / 60 watts = 5.4 bulbs. You may choose to use 5 or 6 bulbs depending on the lumens rating of the bulb used. Lumens refer to the measure of the total amount of visible light from the bulb or lamp.
How many recessed lights can you put on one switch?
The main limitation on the number of recessed lights that a single switch can control is the rating of the circuit breaker controlling the circuit. Each incandescent or halogen 60-watt bulb draws around 1/2 amp, and therefore, standard lighting with a 15amp breaker can manage 30 lights.
Are LED lights good for kitchens?
LED lights are suitable for kitchens due to the above reasons. Moreover, the brightness of LED lights makes it easier and safer to use kitchen tools that can sometimes be dangerous or need more focus, and their different shapes and design make it space-efficient for dense areas like kitchens.
What size recessed light for 8ft ceiling?
4-inchIn an 8-foot ceiling, a 4-inch fixture can work well to provide kitchen countertop lighting. A 6-inch downlight at that height will illuminate your breakfast table nicely. In a 10-foot ceiling, you might want 4-inch fixtures for area lighting, since the light will spread out more.
What is the most common size for recessed lighting?
six-inchIf you're interested in installing recessed lighting, you'll discover that the two most common choices are four-inch and six-inch fixtures.
Is cool white or warm white better for kitchen?
While cool white look great in modern kitchens and where the brighter the better, warm white works much better where you are looking for softer light. It's particularly well suited to lounges, living rooms and traditional kitchen, like country styles, where the white light contrasts too much with the rest of the room.
How many recessed lights do I need in kitchen?
Install one recessed light for every four to six square feet of ceiling space. Though recessed lights may look small, together they provide strong, consistent light coverage across a whole room.
How bright should a kitchen ceiling light be?
Kitchen: 3,000 to 4,000 lumens.
How far from Wall should recessed lights be in kitchen?
between 1.5 and 3 feetKeep your fixtures between 1.5 and 3 feet away from the wall. Space fixtures equidistant from each other. Place adjustable trim away from the wall.
How many recessed lights do I need in my kitchen?
Install one recessed light for every four to six square feet of ceiling space. Though recessed lights may look small, together they provide strong, consistent light coverage across a whole room.
How far away from kitchen cabinets should recessed lighting be?
The recommended standard how far should recessed lights be from cabinets is 24 inches apart horizontally and then lighting fixtures are spaced 18-24 inches away vertically from the same center line as the horizontal row.
How do you space downlights in a kitchen?
Try to avoid creating any shadows. Then space your downlights evenly across the room for a balanced look. As a rule of thumb, we suggest you divide your ceiling height by 2 to give you the space required between each downlight. For example if your ceiling is 8 foot high, then position your lights 4 feet apart.
Kitchen ceiling lighting ideas
It’s worth considering kitchen lighting ideas that are recessed and surface, as well as pendants and chandeliers.
1. Clear view
How to choose kitchen lighting – especially if you're looking to make a subtle impact? Pendant lights should be your go-to as kitchen ceiling lighting but if you want to allow a view through the room, follow the lead of this design from Karen B Wolf Interiors and use a design with glass shades.
2. Let kitchen ceiling lights fulfill different functions
Kitchen ceiling lights can do more than provide a room’s background lighting. ‘The LED recessed downlights provide a variety of lighting options from ambient and task lighting or a combination of the two,’ explains Craig Matson, managing director at Roundhouse, of this kitchen.
3. Use kitchen lighting to accentuate a high ceiling
Embrace kitchen lighting trends by choosing fittings for added drama. In a room with a high ceiling, consider kitchen ceiling lighting ideas that draw attention to the room’s grand proportions.
4. Mix it up
Knowing how to plan kitchen lighting properly is vital – particularly if you are choosing a more intricate design, as above.
5. Choose a statement feature
Go bold and beautiful with a statement ceiling light in the kitchen. Kitchen island lighting ideas that are decorative as well as functional should always be considered for a room that’s designed for entertaining in addition to being a cooking space.
6. Repeat the lines of cabinetry
Looking for small kitchen lighting ideas? Subtle efficiency is key – and one way you can achieve this is to complement cabinetry with sleek modern lines with a kitchen ceiling light with the same aesthetic.
Why are kitchen lights less than recommended?
Most kitchens offer far less than these recommended levels, partly because of where the task lighting is located, but more often due to use of the wrong lamp in the fixture. Most bulb packaging lists lumens, which is a measure of bulb capacity; foot-candles measure the actual amount of light the bulb delivers. That isn’t listed on the packaging, but you can look up the values on manufacturer websites.
What is layered lighting in a kitchen?
Properly layered kitchen lighting includes not only recessed can and undercabinet task lighting, but some decorative pendants or a chandelier as well.
How far out should I place ceiling cans?
For years I’ve advocated placing ceiling cans 24 to 26 inches out from the wall, which puts the center of the beam right over the edge of the countertop. Yes, it creates scallops of light on the upper cabinets, but if you’re making such a serious investment in cabinets, I think it’s nice to be able to see them.
Where should I locate can lights?
I prefer to locate can lights closer to the upper cabinets, where they deliver three or four times as many foot-candles to the work surface. That’s not a guess—I’ve measured it both ways.
Does old school lighting work?
It turns out that old-school lighting theory doesn’t work so well in practice. Here are some more effective kitchen lighting solutions
Should overhead lights hit upper cabinets?
The reasoning here is that the overhead light should not hit the upper cabinets (horrors!), but should neatly fall just below them, where it joins with the undercabinet lighting to bathe the counter with a workable number of foot-candles (fc).
What is the Best Lighting for a Kitchen Ceiling?
Before we jump into the product recommendations we have in store, let’s go over popular types of kitchen lights so you are familiar with some of the categories that are on the market.
What is track lighting?
Track lights: A track lighting system features lights along a track. It is fast and easy to install track lighting since the wiring for all the lights runs through the track.
How many square feet does a Drosbey 36W light fixture illuminate?
The Drosbey 36W LED Ceiling Light Fixture is a flush mount ceiling light that can illuminate around 100-150 square feet. Have a compact galley-style kitchen? Just one of these flush mount light fixtures may offer you all the bright light you need. For a larger kitchen, you might consider getting several.
Why is lighting important in a kitchen?
Lighting is a critical element to the comfort and function level of any kitchen. A good kitchen lighting pla n should include the placement of a variety of lighting sources and types. For example, you need lighting to accomplish specific tasks, such as food preparation and cooking.
How far apart should recessed lights be from the counter?
Place your recessed downlights 12″ apart from each other and 12″ to 18″ away from any cabinets to illuminate counter areas.
Do recessed lights illuminate the kitchen?
Doing so provides even, overall illumination. This is an important rule to keep in mind when you are going to rely exclusively on recessed ceiling lights to illuminate your kitchen. Another common layout is to place lights around the perimeter of the room.
What is the most important part of recessed lighting?from lightingtutor.com
Planning the layout for your recessed lighting project is likely the most important part of the process. I am a huge fan of planning and measuring multiple times. I usually spend as much time planning as I do with the installation. It works well for me and something I recommend for you too.
What are canned lights and why are they so popular?from 21oak.com
Recessed lights are bulbs that are installed into the ceiling’s material inside of “can”-shaped enclosures. As opposed to large chandeliers or flashy fixtures, these lights are unassuming, don’t clutter up the room, and effectively illuminate the space below. They’re also particularly useful where bright lights are welcome, like over kitchen and bathroom counters or above work desks.
How to hold a fixture while attaching wires?from lightingtutor.com
So, prepare the fixture by opening the compartment and exposing its wires so all you need to do is push the first wire in tight and it will hold the weight of the fixture. Then, push in the other wires and move onto the next fixture. Do not push the fixture into the ceiling until all of your wire connections are finished.
How much does it cost to install recessed lights?from lightingtutor.com
How much does it cost to install recessed lighting?#N#If you do the installation yourself, then your cost will be materials which on average will be about $35 per fixture including the wiring. If you have to hire an electrician, then you are likely to spend at least $150 per fixture.
Can you fish wires from one recessed light can to the next?from lightingtutor.com
If so, this will make it much easier to run your wires and your installation will go much quicker. If you cannot access the ceiling from your attic, then you will need to fish wires from one recessed lighting can to the next. This will likely be the most difficult part of the installation.
Can you fish wires from the ceiling?from lightingtutor.com
If you cannot access the ceiling from your attic, then you will need to fish wires from one recessed lighting can to the next. This will likely be the most difficult part of the installation. You already know where your studs are so plan to run your wires parallel to the ceiling joists for the least amount of obstruction.
Is recessed lighting a DIY project?from lightingtutor.com
Installing recessed lighting is a DIY project that most homeowners can do. The planning process is extremely important, and the tools needed for the installation are very basic. Most of the installation is a construction project versus electrical. I will take you how to install recessed lighting which sometimes can be referred to as cans, ...
What is the best light for a kitchen?
In this category, the Lithonia Lighting Futra 2-Light Brushed Nickel Fluorescent Ceiling Light is a good buy, as its 52-inch design will reduce the need for multiple lights in your kitchen.
How long are under counter lights?
These hardwired under-counter lights are 24 inches long, but there are several other lengths available, from 9 inches up to 36 inches. The simple design comes in white or bronze and has a curved frosted lens to provide even light distribution. Don’t worry about buying extra bulbs because this fixture’s LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours!
What is a 7 light drum chandelier?
For a more glamorous kitchen light, the Cana 7-Light Drum Chandelier will make a bold statement without overwhelming the room. This highly-rated chandelier is more expensive than many other lighting options, but its sleek design will bring instant elegance to your home.
What is a track light?
Another popular kitchen light style is track lighting, which typically features multiple fixtures that you can angle in different directions. The Lithonia Lighting Pepper Mill Track Lighting Fixture is a highly functional option for your kitchen, allowing you to light hard-to-reach areas with its multi-directional heads.
Can you use under cabinet lights above kitchen counters?
If you have cabinets above your kitchen counters, you can add extra task lighting with the help of some under-cabinet lights. The Commercial Electric 24-Inch LED White Direct Wire Under Cabinet Lights allow you to easily illuminate your counters with extra light so you can see what you’re doing while cooking.
Does a T8 light fixture have a diffuser?
This tube light fixture two 32-watt T8 straight tube bulbs, which are not included, and it has a white acrylic diffuser with brushed-nickel end caps. The simple silver design will look right at home in a modern kitchen, but unfortunately, it does not work with dimmer switches.
Can you use recessed lights in a ceiling?
Recessed lights are installed into an opening in the ceiling so they don’t stick out at all. For barely there recessed kitchen lights, you should consider the Philips Hue White Ambiance Dimmable LED Smart Retrofit Recessed Downlight. Once installed (in your existing 5- or 6-inch recessed cans) and connected to your Amazon Alexa or Google Nest, you can choose from more than 50,000 shades of white light and dim them to your liking.
What is the best lighting for a kitchen?
When it comes to general illumination in a kitchen there is no better choice than recessed lighting . Due to the installation specifics, recessed lighting design and layout must be planned in advance. Once it is there, it will be very hard to make alterations, so do not ignore the preparation process. It is not easy to find best-recessed lighting, but not too hard at the same time. Always prefer products of reputable companies that specialize in interior lighting. It is also a good idea to book professional installation services. Make sure to connect the lights to a dimmer switch. That way you will have more flexible illumination and an opportunity to save on electricity.
What size recessed lights for small kitchen should I choose?
Recessed lights sizes range from 3 to 6 inches. The smallest size is perfect for under-cabinet lighting, while 4-inch lights can work well on a ceiling of a small kitchen. Preferable size also depends on the purpose. If it is general illumination, then you should choose larger diameters. Task lighting will be more directional if you use multiple small lights.
How to measure recessed lighting size?
Recessed lights are available in various sizes. The choice depends on the layout, ceiling height, size of the kitchen and your personal style preferences. However, it is important to understand the size of light correctly. When speaking about recessed lights, we usually think about their visible part. But that is not how we measure them. The size that is indicated in product specification is the diameter of the inside of a housing. You should understand that the rim adds a couple of inches to that number. So keep that in mind when doing the calculations.
What is the best way to illuminate a kitchen?
Recessed lighting is and will be one of the best ways to illuminate a kitchen. It can be used independently or in combination with other types of light. As long as you plan out the layout in advance and choose the right size of lights, the result will please your eye each time you walk into the kitchen.
How far apart should recessed lights be in a kitchen?
For instance, if your kitchen has a 10-foot ceiling, the lights should be 5 feet apart. Of course, these are just the rough numbers.
How to set the mood in a kitchen?
To set the right mood in a kitchen, the light should be quite bright and crisp, but not overly stimulating. When cooking, you need to see all the ingredients clearly and in their true colors, so the light should be neutral white. Ideally, there should be multiple sources of light, which you could use according to your needs. For instance, overhead lights for general illumination, combined with task lights over the cooking area and accent lights in the dining area. If you are wondering how to light a room with no overhead lighting, here is an idea. You can use wall lights, accent lights, and chandeliers together with tube lights and recessed task lights in a cooking zone.
Why do people use recessed lights?
They can serve as the main source of light or as an ambiance lighting. Very often people use them to accentuate particular parts of the interior and for space zoning. For recessed lights to perform their function to the fullest, they need to be installed properly.
