I'm planning on putting recessed lights above our counter height kitchen table and was wondering what size lights I should use and how many I should install.

The table is 54"x54" when fully open and 54"x 30" when the leaf is out. I was thinking of putting two lights but would that be enough? Is there a rule of thumb when trying to figure out how many to use? Also, should I use 6" or smaller canisters? The ceiling is 8 foot high. Right now there is one hanging light above the table that I'm removing and replacing with the recessed lights.

We want to have the lights on a dimmer but would like to use flouresent bulbs. Do they make those bulbs for dimmers yet?

Thanks for your help

 

Yes, you can get fluorescents that work with dimmers now, at least in R30 sizes. I haven't found R20's in my area yet. They do take a minute or so to warm up to full brightness but I've been using them, I have 8 of them on dimmers, for about 6 months. No problems.

Anyways, the number of lights depends on the fixture you use. The beam angle also changes depending upon the bulb. The R30 has about a 60 degree angle, depending upon manufacturer. At a height of 5' above the table, you'll have about a 5' wide beam. It won't be uniformly bright however.

So you could possibly even get by with one. I think you're better off with the two though. Remember though, lighting is subjective. What I like may not be what you like.

Hope it helps.