How high are the ceilings? I would say that for 8' ceilings, yes 4" cans are the current standard. Do they offer the 6" ones you used last time in 4"? If so I would just go with those as you know you like them?

We needed new construction housings, and opted for the Halo H995icat LED housing and will use the compatible retrofit LED trim kits. We're still a couple of months away from moving back in, so unfortunately I can't give you a real life review. Home Depot sells them (online only) for a good price - housings were around $15/each and then another $25-30 for the trim kits depending on CRI rating and temperature.

Use of 6" recessed lighting for residences went out of favor with architects and lighting designers more than 20 years ago but builders and electricians seem to still use them. I find them unpleasant unless the ceiling is at least 10 ft high.

One of the primary advantages of recessed lighting is the ability to reduce the visibility of the light source and to adjust the lamp to light walls and art work. This is not possible with integral LED fixtures. I recommend buying from an electrical supply house and getting their advice about how to best use adjustable/wall washer and pin spot fixtures.

Thanks JDS. I'm really just looking for general lighting in the kitchen, not pin spots or wall washers. My budget is tight for this remodel and I'm hoping to keep the cost for these lights to under $50 each. As I said, I have the 6" LED recessed lights in my current kitchen and have no problem with the way they look or function. I just don't want to use 6" cans if that is going to look dated. I gather from all of the comments that will be the case. I just wonder if the 4" lights will give adequate light without much closer spacing and if the CREE lights are still the best in terms of value/dimming functionality, etc.

When we reworked the lighting in our kitchen 9'6" ceilings and den 8' ceilings and lighting a few years ago, I didn't want 6" but was afraid 4" would be too little light so we went with 5" and have been very happy with them. We will be using 5" in the new build kitchen and a few other areas (9' and 10') ceilings.

We have 9 foot ceilings and went with 6" lights.

It's simple enough to read and compare the lighting levels and spreads available through the use of various lamps and fixtures. It's important to remember the basics: "down lights" throw the light down from wherever they are placed in the ceiling. Most usually that means counter tops and floors are well illuminated, but that the overall ambient lighting may or may not be what is desired.

A couple years ago for a kitchen renovation I looked into replacing recessed light trim. It was quite interesting to see that there was more to select from in 6" and was usually priced less than similar 4" and 5" offerings. Unless you are a slave to fashion, I would still consider 6" sizes.

IMO you are approaching lighting design in an unnecessarily restrictive manner. For kitchen lighting you should not start with arbitrary limitations like fashion, popularity and unit costs. Start with a drawing plan and ceiling height and ask what others would do. And keep an open mind about fixtures types and where to buy them.

In response to JDS and to clarify, I am talking about general lighting here in the kitchen, and I don't think there is much in the way of other options besides recessed. If there are other options, please tell me what they are. This will be a very casual, traditional space if that matters.

I know my ceiling height and the recommended spacing of various size/lumens. wondering about brands and wondering how others view the somewhat dated 6 inch cans. I have them in my main home kitchen and like them. I think the 4" would require too many lights and look like swiss cheese, but maybe that's because I'm not used to them.

I have also noticed that there seem to be few choices in the 5 inch middle of the road size and prices are higher. if not for those factors I would probably land there.
yes it would be nice not to worry about cost, but that's our reality and this will be mostly a DIY remodel. No lighting designers or consultants. That's why I come here!

We have 4" new construction LEDs pretty sure they are Halo. Sorry don't recall pricing.

You should not use the same spacing rules for LED fixtures as for incandescent reflector fixtures especially with an 8 ft ceiling height.

R and PAR lamps have reflectors that spread the light so the beam is wider and softer at the perimeter of the light cone. LED lamps don't use reflectors so they throw a straight light beam and shadows are even sharper and harsher than direct sunlight.

To light a kitchen sink, one LED fixture overhead would make it difficult to see what you were doing. Two LED lamps spaced 6 ft apart would put the sink too much in shadow. The best solution is to put two LED fixtures 3 or 4 ft apart above the sink. With this spacing two LED fixtures would put out as much as 2500 lumens equivalent to a 200 watt incandescent spot light which would only be appropriate for a ceiling height of 12 ft or a commercial kitchen. Two 4" LED fixtures would provide 1000 lumens equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent spot light.

If you shop around you will find that LED lamps and integrated fixtures are often more expensive at Home Depot.

A single pendant fixture would force you to work at the sink in your own shadow. You should always use two fixtures there.

I avoid HD for lighting equipment and use a local electrical supply house that I trust. I once bought track lighting for my office and it all turned odd shades of gray and stopped working within a year. Its not a bargain if you have to buy it twice. The electrical fixtures from the professional outlet are now 30 years old. In general, if the price is low you're getting lower quality. Professional outlets can't afford to do that.

A school house light is an enclosed glass fixture so it can't have an LED lamp unless it is specifically designed as an integral sealed LED fixture.

LEDs will overheat in an enclosure although there are manufacturers that say their lamps can be used in an enclosure. That is odd since it is the fixture manufacturer that determines what can be used a fixture.

But be aware that LEDs are directional and must be designed differently for a downlight or multidirectional light fixture.

Frankly I don't see why a schoolhouse light would be appropriate over a kitchen sink. It is designed to light an entire classroom from the center of it. And if there is a window at the sink the fixture might hang down in front of it.

I can't think of a more appropriate location for a pair of recessed downlights than over a kitchen sink. You will appreciate a strong light in that location more as you get older.

Thanks JDS. That is something to think about for sure. I really wanted something with a bit of farmhouse type character in there and not just all recessed lights. I think I saw a schoolhouse light one in a pic on Houzz and liked the look but that doesn't mean its appropriate for that spot! I know there are some industrial/farmhouse style lights that come out of the wall on an arm and point down, which I like except for the idea of having to keep the metal shade dust free! As for the window, its really ugly - a fairly wide double hung with cheap pop out grills that I will probably ditch. It has no style, so having something block part of the top section didn't seem like such a bad idea! Actually I was thinking of adding a roman shade that would block the top section and soften the window anyway. I will definitely think more about options for over the sink. Appreciate your input!

Great comments from JDS. Kitchen lighting is the most important in a home and deserves extra attention and budget. It's rare for a kitchen with 6" cans that I thought met the guidelines of good lighting design. OP seems familiar with it but other readers should check out David's LED recessed kitchen lighting thread.

Best article I've read on the subject was this Fine Homebuilding kitchens illuminated, and sorry it's restricted but might be worth the price of admission if you plan on using your kitchen much.

If you are installing recessed cans with an unconditioned attic above, it's wise to build insulated enclosure around them or buy a tenmat like product, even if they are ICAT cans.

Springtime - Can you explain what you meant by "It's rare for a kitchen with 6" cans that I thought met the guidelines of good lighting design"? It would be more helpful if we all knew why you say that...is it they type of lighting, the spacing, etc?

I do remember David from when I did my last kitchen, and learned mostof what I know from him! But his threads are dated now and I was looking for current product/brand recommendations. I know LED lights have been evolving - and prices coming down - very quickly. But I will go back and read his threads again just as a refresher, as well as the one from Fine Homebuilding. Thanks for the links!

Wondering what anyone thinks about this light for over the sink? Its 15 inches wide, 1211 lumens, LED and dimmable. I have 46" between the cabinets on either side of the sink, so I think this would be a good size.

Progress Lighting P5053-0930K9 Brushed Nickel - Build.com · More Info