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Asking for advice on our recessed lighting in kitchen remodel..

16 years ago

Our corridor (galley) kitchen is 15' long and 9' wide with 8' ceilings. We will have 2 parallel banks of creamy white cabinets with with Labrador Antique granite tops and dark hardwood flooring. Appliances and hood are stainless. There is a 4' window over sink base facing north. (Just for info...hubbie not worrying about lighting in the adjoining breakfast room which has vaulted ceiling and 6'x 3.5' windows facing east right now....) Most of the wall cabinets are 12" deep but some are 15."

I guess I have 2 questions: 1. What type of bulbs, or what is best for undercabinet lighting? Brand, etc.

2. What size cans, what size/type of bulbs for the cans, and what is correct placement of the cans? I think I would like to have the cans on a dimmer.

I like the most natural, "prettiest" light available. I don't know how to say it, technically. Some lights, flourescents?, make things look washed out and ugly.

Thanks...

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Comments (3)

lightguy
16 years ago
IMHO, the 'prettiest' light is low voltage halogen. The opening is small (down to 3.5"), but the light is bright and has a very high CRI (color rendering index). It is very energy efficient. I argue that it's just as efficient as a CFL (when taking dimming into account), but too many people have misconceptions about CFLs that I'll never win that argument. And that's not even getting into the environmental impact of the two bulbs.
But, USHIO has come out with an MR16 halogen bulb with an 18,000 hour life span. So just right there it lasts twice as long (in reality, much longer) than standard CFL's. And when you dim the halogen, it extends the life of the bulb and saves energy.

I've used them successfully in ceilings up to about 20'. They're more expensive since each has its own transformer, but the look and quality of light is more than worth it.
clc08
Original Author
16 years ago
Lightguy, are the MR16s recessed? How many of them...how far apart would I space them? I know this is beyond a dumb question, but, do they hum or make any noise?

I'd rather spend more money up front and have wonderful lighting....heck, I'll scrimp somewhere else if I have to...thanks.....
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Thanks everyone! Yes, I definitely placed them too close to the countertops -- I realized that after I uploaded the schematic. I also realized afterwards that if I place them along each countertop I will in fact a bit of symmetry. I did plan to have the sink light on a separate switch which seems fine if it doesn't quite line up with the row of countertop lights along that run. Last dilemma is whether or not I need to light the fridge. I don't think so. It's a French door built in Thermador with its own light. Ditto the range which has a two light hood. I assume you measure 28-30" from wall to center of the can? All the advice is much appreciated!! My electrician and contractor are excellent but don't sweat these details quite as much as I do. First kitchen remodel for me and I have no idea when I will get to do it again
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chulaman
16 years ago
The best option I founf for under cabinet lighting is low voltage LED lights..They do not get hot and burn out all of the time like halogen or xenon and they have better color rendering than flourescent. They are also dimmable, if you get the right ones.

See below for what I used.

Here is a link that might be useful: Albeo lighting

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