Design Recessed Kitchen Lighting

Recessed lighting.

Recessed lights work particularly well in kitchens, providing diffused light that offers good visibility in all areas. By remaining visibly invisible, the recessed light is also a subtle fixture that can work with any décor style. Because of the flexibility of the types of recessed lighting, individual fixtures can be directed toward specific spots to highlight art, a work station or a seating area. The fixture can add drama to a space and yet remain hidden.

Instructions

Designing Recessed Kitchen Lighting

1. Measure the kitchen and draw the measurements on graph paper. Indicate all solid walls, cabinets, islands and the position of appliances and any sinks. Mark the location of current light switches that operate ceiling lights in the kitchen. Often, recessed lighting will replace other kinds of lighting.

2. Tie string to a pendulum with a pointed end. One person climbs the ladder with the end of the string and holds it until the pendulum is directly over counter top areas where light is required. Usually there will be two, three or more recessed lights following the lines of the eat-in area of the counter top. These are noted first.

3. Use the pendulum to note the location of other kitchen fixtures, like the sink, that require good lighting. With each choice, mark the spot on the plan, converting each foot of space to one-quarter inch on the graph paper. These positions will determine the location of spot lighting requirements in the room.

4. Use the pendulum along the walkways of the room to establish the location of more diffuse lighting. In general, the central ceiling should have just enough recessed lighting to create good visibility and for the lighting fixtures to appear balanced. This is determined by the size of the fixture being used and the required spacing of the fixture based on the ceiling height and distance to the surfaces being lit.

5. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the light fixtures being selected for the kitchen to determine the final spacing. More than one kind of recessed light is commonly used in a room. Some lights are fixed, facing down, while others pivot or direct light in angled directions. Tailor your nonspot choices to work with the light fixture placement choices while still providing general light on their own. Keep in mind that your spotlights will probably be on different switches from your general lighting. Mark the plan with the finished locations and label each spot with the type of fixture being used.

Tags: recessed lighting, being used, fixture being, fixture being used, good visibility, graph paper