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Is it possible to recess light in a beam?

12 years ago

I am renovating my kitchen. The obtrusive beam hanging in the kitchen will be recessed into the ceiling, however, this impacts the lighting. My sink will be moved down about 6 inches. The recessed light will need to be moved over. I would like to center it between the other two lights, but the recessed beam may be in the way. Thanks for your help.

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Comments (4)

roadbike
12 years ago
Need more information. You say the beam will be recessed into the ceiling. Is the ceiling coming down or the beam going up? Is what is shown in the picture a wood beam, a decorative wood box or a wood box surrounding a metal beam. If it's the latter you will be limited by how far above the ceiling the beam ends up.
Lori Ryan
Original Author
12 years ago
The beam will be going up into the ceiling. We took a peek inside from what we can tell from a two inch hole is the beam is wood and not metal and it is not decorative but holding up my sons bedroom.
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@Mark Bischak -- yeah, that makes sense. I'm playing with layout tools now. How does the pic look in terms of having it not centered completely? That is approx 42" from the wall on each side (width is 18 ft). I do have them evenly spaced length wise, 5 feet apart in between beams. I don't know if that is too noticeable. I'm thinking I'll tell the electrician to keep the lights 5 feet apart and 42" from the wall. I don't know how precise they will be though. @wdccruise -- i don't think my tract builder would let me leave extra cable up there. I could theoretically place fewer cans and that way I can space the others after beams are placed. I'm not sure if the retrofit cans would look different though.
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I've sat in numerous restaurants that have installed downlights over their tables. That style of lighting is very harsh as it creates shadows on diners' faces -- and everything on the table -- accentuates every facial imperfection, and is just annoying. I think a chandelier is better because it hangs lower, and the light is less directional or can be more easily directed at the tabletop. -- amateur
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brickeyee
12 years ago
It is likely to be a major task to cut into that beam enough to fit a can light.

It would likely be far easier to move the other lights slightly to get an even spacing.

Or you could just remove them and put a better fixture up for area lighting.
roadbike
12 years ago
Then you don't want to make a hole in the beam big enough to fit a can and allow for proper ventilation. Rearranging the other recessed lights or going to pendants and flush mounts are your best choices.

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