How Many Recessed Lights In A Kitchen
#1
03-09-08, 09:26 PM
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How Many Recessed Lights In A Kitchen
I am remodelling my kitchen & am considering Recessed Lighting. My kitchen is aprox 12 x 19 rectangle with a bay window at one end & the Stove at the other end with 8ft ceilings. I would like some advise of where & how many lights I should install. I was thinking 4" lights. I have never done this before & I am quite confused. Your help would be greatly appreciated
#2
03-09-08, 09:33 PM
You should provide up to 3 watts of lighting per square foot in a kitchen. Figure the floor area and multiply it by three. Divide the product by the wattage of the bulbs in the recessed lighting (usually around 60 watts) to get the number of cans you need. Lay out your cans in a grid pattern and add or subtract cans to make the pattern complete. If the layout calls for more cans than you calculated you can always reduce the wattage. However, you cannot increase the wattage beyond what the it states onthe fixture. Make sure the fixture type is appropriate for your applicaiton. SOme fixtures are rated to be air tight so hot air does not escape into the attic and others allow constact with insulation.
DavidJ
DavidJ
#3
03-09-08, 11:42 PM
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#4
03-10-08, 08:21 AM
Another thought on locating recessed lights in a kitchen.... Make sure that the row of lights along the counter face is close enough to the wall/upper cabinets so that a person working at the counter does not cast a shadow over their work area. You will be kicking yourself for years if every time you work at the counter you see the shadow of your head on your work area. This can be avoided to a degree with under cabinet lighting but you should place the cans no further than 14 to 20 inches from the cabinent face to avoid shadows.
Also note that a 12 by 19 kitchen should have around 230 watts of lighting. With 60 watt bulbs this would be around 12 fixtures. With an 8 foot ceiling, around 4 feet between fixtures would provide enoung overlap to provide even light at floor level.
DavidJ
Also note that a 12 by 19 kitchen should have around 230 watts of lighting. With 60 watt bulbs this would be around 12 fixtures. With an 8 foot ceiling, around 4 feet between fixtures would provide enoung overlap to provide even light at floor level.
DavidJ
#5
03-10-08, 09:40 AM
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Most 4" recessed that I have seen only take a 50 watt bulb.
I would install 5 or 6" recessed instead. I don't feel enough light comes out of the 4" to adequately light a kitchen. More for accent lightning.
I would install 5 or 6" recessed instead. I don't feel enough light comes out of the 4" to adequately light a kitchen. More for accent lightning.
