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How to handle too wide spacing of can lights above table (xpost

nomorebluekitchen

15 years ago

Electrical roughin was completed on my kitchen today. We had a problem with spacing of can lights above the kitchen table area. I wanted a center light fixture with 4 can lights over the table.

We were able to place the center light box exactly where I wanted it, but because of lots of joists in this area I had to space the can lights wider than I wanted. They are 40" (center to center). I'm assuming I'll get a 42" wide table, so the can lights will be sitting right on the outside edges of my table. Here is a photo:

{{!gwi}}

the angle is a little weird so the space actually looks a lot bigger than it is (I think). If we come in to the next joist bay, we end up at about 22" apart which seems too close.

Anyway, the purpose of the can lights is to add task lighting at the table for kids doing homework, DH and I reading the paper, etc.

Does anyone know of a trim option that will help the light cover the table adequately and still provide good task lighting?

I read on another post about using those eyeball lights (directional) and pointing them to the opposite end of the table so that the light washes across the table instead of straight down so the light appears to all come from the main center light. This would help the light cover the whole table, but would the light still be strong enough to be task lighting?

Anita

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Comments (5)

pbrisjar
15 years ago
I was going to suggest those eyeball lights. There are also other directional styles that you can put in there. I don't know what they're called but even HD has several options. I'd just talk to your lighting guy about it.
fullpass
15 years ago
Is there any way they can go with smaller cans to help center? I have 2 different sized cans in my DR and it doesnt really jump out at the eye. My smaller lights are eyeball spots with might be why but. . .

That being said, my eyeball spots are quite strong and even with a dimmer they do cast a pretty specific circle (or oval if washing). It might be because they are the smaller fixtures and a different kind of lightbulb. If this is only task lighting for homework it might not bug you but I think it might end up a little annoying as regular lighting. . .

There is one other type of cover that I know of called a wall washer. Its basically a half circle that snaps in after the light blub and guides the light in one direction. That might also be an option. Is there a lighting forum anywhere that might be of more help?
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Electrical roughin was completed on my kitchen today. We had a problem with spacing of can lights above the kitchen table area. I wanted a center light fixture with 4 can lights over the table. I'd hoped for about a 36" spread (on center) between the can lights. Because of how the joists line up (or rather, don't line up) in the main part and the addition, we had the option of placing the can lights 40" on center or about 21". Under pressure to make a decision, I went with the 40" and am now worried about it. But 21" seemed way too close together... I'm assuming I'll get a 42" wide table, so the can lights will be sitting right on the outside edges of my table. Here is a photo: the angle is a little weird so the space actually looks a lot bigger than it is (I think). Anyway, the purpose of the can lights is to add task lighting at the table for kids doing homework, DH and I reading the paper, etc. Does anyone know of a trim option that will help the light cover the table adequately and still provide good task lighting? I read on another post about using those eyeball lights (directional) and pointing them to the opposite end of the table so that the light washes across the table instead of straight down so the light appears to all come from the main center light. This would help the light cover the whole table, but would the light still be strong enough to be task lighting? Anita
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Buehl
15 years ago
Lighting Forum: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/lighting/

We have a 5-light chandelier in our DR that sheds plenty of light when it's on "full" for homework and other projects. For meals and other uses, it's usually dimmed quite a bit.

Is it possible your chandelier will give you enough light w/o the additional recessed cans?

Here is a link that might be useful: Lighting Forum
grannabelle
15 years ago
i have a similar set up to buehl - six light chandelier over a kitchen table that measures 44" X 80" - there is plenty of light for reading and homework - a dimmer would help you tremendously (brighter bulbs for reading, dimmed down for eating) - and no need for cans...
nomorebluekitchen
Original Author
15 years ago
I should have mentioned that the cans are a DH requirement. He wanted to cram even more of them over the table and was perfectly willing to live without a center fixture over the table. i wanted a center light, so we compromised on this layout.

After stewing over it for 24 hours, I talked about it with my GC and remeasured. Something about it never seemed right to me, and when we remeasured I realized that if we go in one joist space, the lights will be 27" on center which is just fine. (electrician had told me, I think, 21? ) To me, 21" seemed too close but 27 is just fine, esp if I go with a narrower table like a 36:.

The *last* thing I want is to be forced into buying a table that is too big for the space and make my eating area feel cramped again -- the primary motivation for doing the kitchen was to reno that eating area so that it feels generous and comfortable instead of people being shoehorned in.

I was very relieved after making the decision to change it out.

Oh, and the can lights and the center light will be on dimmers. I think everything in my kitchen save the pendants will be on dimmers.

Anita

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