4 Best Places to Install Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are light fixtures that are placed in a hollow opening. Essentially, the lights are hidden instead of sticking out of the ceiling. A recessed light can create a certain mood in a room so knowing where to install it is important. It can also provide a more streamlined look in a room.

1. Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the best places to install recessed lights. There are several places in the kitchen where you can place the lights. One of the most common is under the upper kitchen cabinets. This location of the recessed lights provides directional light focusing on the items or equipment placed under the cabinet. Instead of using the main kitchen lights, recessed lights allow you to get lighting on the kitchen countertops.

Aside from placing the recessed lights under the upper kitchen cabinet, recessed lights are also often placed on top of kitchen islands. Just like the kitchen cabinet lights, placing the lights on top of the kitchen island is more practical and more energy-efficient. Aside from it being energy-efficient, it also creates a mood in the room making the kitchen island the focal point of the space.

2. Dining Area

The dining area is another popular location where you can install recessed lights. Often times, you will find recessed lights on the 4 corners of a dining room aside from the main light fixture. Placing recessed lights in the dining room creates a romantic and a cozy atmosphere. You can also use the recessed lights for directional lighting focusing on some parts of the dining room. You can direct the recessed light to a large painting or sculpture in the dining room. You can even place the light fixtures by the wine bar if you want to make it your focal point. If you do plan to use recessed lights to focus on certain objects, it should be installed at least 12 to 18 inches away and in front of the object.

3. The Library

Another great place to install recessed lights is in the library or a reading area. Instead of using a variety of lamps in your reading nook, use recessed light instead since it provides more light and prevents eye strain. However, it is important to remember that recessed lights in this room should be placed strategically overhead to prevent your shoulders and head from creating any shadows or from blocking the recessed light.

4. Bathroom

Installing recessed lights in your bathroom can serve many purposes. Just like in the other locations, it can create a certain mood to a room. Placing it on top of the bathtub or Jacuzzi will create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. At the same time, recessed lighting will also provide strategic lighting giving light only on places you want like on top of the sink or over the bathroom counters. Since most bathrooms are relatively smaller than the rest of the rooms, it is advisable to place recessed lights on the perimeter of the bathroom to push out the walls, creating an illusion of a larger space.