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Kitchen lighting plan - need help with recessed lighting layout

11 years ago

Hello,

I'm planning a kitchen remodel and I need help with the recessed lighting layout. There will be a pendant light over the sink and there is a 14" SolaTube near the center of the kitchen. I'm planning on installing LED undercabinet lighting under all wall cabinets except for cabinet #13 (next to the fridge).

I'd like some specific recommendations for the recessed lighting layout. The ceiling height will be the standard 8'. I plan to use EcoSmart 6" (2700K) LED downlights with GU24 base (I'm in CA). Here are some notes about the cabinets:

#2 - pantry cabinet
#3 - double wall oven cabinet
#11 - dishwasher
#14 - fridge cabinet
#16 - microwave cabinet
#18 - fan cabinet will have range hood with lights.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Comments (7)

powerpuff
Original Author
11 years ago
I took a stab at the recessed lighting layout. Based on davidtay's suggestions of 35 lumens/sqft in the "LED recessed cans guide for kitchen" thread, I calculated that I'd need 8 cans (rounded up from 7.5), subtracting the light output from the pendant lamp (but not from the range hood lights because I don't know what they would be). The white circles are where I think the cans would go. I'm thinking that I don't need the can above the range hood/cooktop but then I don't know where to put the 8th can...

This post was edited by powerpuff78 on Wed, Feb 20, 13 at 4:08
lascatx
11 years ago
I think you could round down and use 7 by eliminating the one at the range. That's what I did. I use the vent light for cooking. If I had put a can over the vent, the vent itself would be blocking light where I need it most.
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Did you look at http://ledneonlight.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=649&zenid=5cc32bf2248f325bf47d405bbd4bf5a6 The separate upper cabinets should be wired directly instead of attempting to use jumper wires. eg The 33" section could use a 11" + 21", mounting track, 1 jumper wire and 1 wiring compartment. You need to include all the necessary parts to get the total price. - mounting track, wiring compartment, possible jumper wires.
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I think the photo links should be working now. Also, would 4-inch cans be acceptable for this project. I'm not finding much room in the ceiling near my desired locations.
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Your contractor's layout is preferable, though moving the lights closer to the counter tops would be fine - between 24" - 30". If you use lights like the Cree CR4 or CR6, there will be sufficient spillover to augment the light from the pendants over the island in the center of the room. If the pendants provide insufficient light, they can be swapped out/ higher output led lamps may be used. Rationale The counter tops will be better lit with UCL than cans. Even if you do have the ability to put can lights over the counter tops, the distance to the counter top reduces the amount of incident light. There should be sufficient distance from the crown molding around the upper cabinets to the cans so that the trim can be fit and look properly spaced. A more regular pattern is preferable as it isn't like a random pattern of holes in cheese. Eyeball cans are more troublesome in the long run. The final location of the cans will be determined by the layout of the ceiling joists as well as obstructions above the ceiling board. There has been ample discussion on the DIY led recessed lighting guide for kitchens thread on this topic
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Full disclosure... I’m generally not a fan of recessed lights in non task areas. Where were you are planning on putting a sofa in that room? Anyone under the soffit might think they are getting interrogated. Having a couple of switched outlets might achieve the same
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powerpuff
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for your suggestion, lascatx.

Another question: do I align the center of the cans with the edge of the countertop (like in the previous picture) or align the edge of the cans closest to the cabinets with the edge of the countertop (i.e. 3" more away from the walls)? I've never had recessed can lighting before, only fluorescent tubes.
lascatx
11 years ago
I don't know what the rule is on this, but we put our 4" cans with the edge closest to the cabinet over the edge of the counter. That way, they shine right in front of you when you are standing at the counter. A 6" would get pushed back farther if you use the edge. Stand at a counter where you would work comfortably and look up. My thought is that you want the center of the light just in front of you and hitting the counter in front of the upper cabinets. To close and they wash the cabinet more than light your work space and too far back, the center of the light will hit your head rather than toe work area. Make sense?
David
11 years ago
This question has been asked quite a bit. The final position depends on the location of your ceiling joists and the stuff above the ceiling.

You probably have more flexibility with the 6" CR6.

I'd venture a guess that the distance will be 28" to 32" from the wall.

Here is a link that might be useful: LED recessed discussion
powerpuff
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks lascatx and davidtay.

I have read through the linked thread but I'm still confused about the target placement.

davidtay - when you say that "the distance will be 28" to 32" from the wall", do you mean the distance to the center of the can or to the edge of the can?
David
11 years ago
Center of the can

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