Open, baffle, reflector??? Which trim for kitchen recessed lights?
Sharon Loudon
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (20)
Related Discussions
recessed can task lights in kitchen: white or black trim kit?
Comments (5)dallasbill The original concept for recessed lighting was to get rid of surface mounted fixtures for a minimalist look. Two types of trims were most common for round recessed fixtures. One type was just an open ring and a reflector lamp was installed with its surface flush with the ceiling and trim. This gave a wide distribution of light with lots of glare because the lamp itself was highly visible. The other type of trim, a baffle, was intended to recess the lamp up deeper into the housing and the baffle trim concealed the now exposed interior of the housing. Tucking the lamp up higher cuts off view of the lamp and greatly reduces glare when observing from across the room. These first baffles were a non glossy black to cut down on reflected light since that was the goal of the design. At some point years later someone decided they didn't like black holes in the ceiling when the lights were off and white baffles were created. To light a room with less glare, recessed fixtures are placed at specific distances apart so the cones of light from the reflector type lamps overlap a bit for general lighting. For task and accent lighting the beams of light from individual fixtures may not need to overlap. The formula on how to lay this out is based on the light distribution of the trim and lamp used. Lamps are available with various beam spreads and wattages. Light reflected off of a trim when using a recessed reflector type lamp, creating glare, is not desirable nor useful when the lighting is properly installed. Lack of glare in a well lit room gives an inviting and comfortable feeling to the space. The walls and furnishings reflecting light to your eye no longer have to compete with the much brighter source of light. If a lighting designer wants to call attention to a piece of art, for instance, they may put three times more lumens on it than other nearby objects and your eye will go to it. We don't want anyone to look at recessed ceiling fixtures but you can't ignore glare. People don't tend to understand why some places look so much more inviting than others and lighting plays a big part. People tend to choose well lit rooms with mid range furnishings over poorly lit spaces with higher end furnishings yet not be able to explain why....See MoreRecessed lighting trim for kitchen?
Comments (1)You can spend quite a bit on the alzak trim or you could use a Cree CR6 which comes with white trim attached. The alzak trim will not affect the light color if you use BR 30 lights (parabolic reflector lights)....See MoreRecessed- Baffle or directional trim??
Comments (2)Picking recessed lighting and trim is soo much fun (not!) It is my understanding that baffle trim and directional trim are two very different things. Baffle trim is used for generally lighting purpose and directional trim is used for accent lighting. Directional trim can be either a gimble type or an eyeball type. The difference is in the way they rotate and the degree of the angle the can be adjusted. I have a recessed light in my dinette area that has a gimble trim and is used to light a large piece of artwork on the wall. In my great room, I have two 4 inch cans that have eyeball trim which shine on my fireplace/mantle. Besides baffle trims there are also reflector trims. Baffle trims reduce glare but also reduce light output. Reflector trims give off more light but there might be more glare. Reflector trims are also called specular or the trade name Alzak. Reflector trims come in different finishes such as wheat haze, satin nickel, clear and others. I initially bought wheat haze for my kitchen but it made the light too warm colored for my kitchen and I exchanged them for satin nickel. It made a big difference in my kitchen. Ceiling height, room size and number of cans are all factors to be considered Here is a brief explanation I found for trims: Q) When should a baffle trim be used? A) Baffle trims, or stepped baffle trims, have concentric circular grooves inside the cone that surrounds the lamp. Use a baffle trim when you want to minimize glare coming from the light fixture. Q) When should a reflector trim be used? A) Reflector trims have smooth, shiny cones surrounding the lamp to reflect the light. Use it when you want to maximize the amount of light coming from the recessed fixtures. Q) What is the purpose of an adjustable trim? A) It allows the lamp inside the recessed fixture to be aimed at something like a sculpture or a wall hanging and, thereby, provide good accent lighting. Adjustable trims can rotate, revolve, and/or swivel. They can also provide good task lighting; for example, as a "reading light" over your bed. After you figure out the trim you can move on to the fun of picking out the correct bulbs for your recessed lights. They come in different color temperatures (2,700K, 3,000K etc.), different lumens and different color rendering (CRI) regardless of whether they are incandescent, CFL, halogen or LED. Good luck in your quest for the perfect lighting Here is a link that might be useful: Recessed lighting trim...See MoreWhich recessed lighting option looks better?
Comments (14)Our room is about 8x10, but it’s a mystery - we currently have two WAC light bars (2000 lumens each) and 4 Lithonia retrofits at 800 or 900 lumens each all 3000K and 90+ CRI and on dimmers, so it should be more than enough, but the light in there is just bad, so bad that I don’t even like being in there. My hope is that raising the ceiling (fingers crossed that works), doing a different layout of recessed lighting and moving the light bars from above the mirrors to vertical on the sides will help. The ceilings are about 7.5 ft and there’s something about the light hitting the top of your head from such a short distance that is all sorts of wrong....See MoreSharon Loudon
6 years ago
prairiemom61
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
The bulb itself is about 4 1/2" across. The top pic makes it seem shadowy but the kitchen is very well lit with eight cans.
Sharon Loudon thanked prairiemom61Sharon Loudon
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
DIY2Much2Do
6 years agoWe used integrated LED lights which combine a shallow baffle trim and the light into one unit. We also choose 3000K for all fixtures, including under cabinet LED strips, and are very happy with the color temperature.
Sharon Loudon thanked DIY2Much2DoSharon Loudon
6 years agoDIY2Much2Do
6 years agoThe lighting spread is totally fine. It's more like a flood than a spot. There are no sharp spots of light. It works as overall illumination. I used a combination of these Lithonia 3" and Lithonia 4" fixtures. The main work counter "L" has five 3" fixtures about 30" on center, located above the front edge of the counters. In the perimeter walking aisle in the kitchen (not shown) and adjacent living spaces, we used the 4" fixtures.
Sharon Loudon thanked DIY2Much2DoSharon Loudon
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agorantontoo
6 years agoSharon Loudon
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agorantontoo
6 years agoSharon Loudon
6 years agoSharon Loudon
6 years ago
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGNOpen vs. Closed Kitchens — Which Style Works Best for You?
Get the kitchen layout that's right for you with this advice from 3 experts
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNPatterned Tile Showcases an Open Kitchen’s New Minibar
A couple’s kitchen update puts the focus on entertaining by inviting guests in for a drink
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: A Cottage Kitchen Opens Up
A Maryland remodel balances modern needs and architectural integrity in a kitchen designed for gatherings
Full Story
HOUZZ TV LIVEBright, White and Open Kitchen for a Michigan Family
Watch and read how a design-build couple knocked down walls and added fresh style to create a light and airy great room
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: Bright and Open in 142 Square Feet
A designer removes a wall for better flow and adds a peninsula, countertops, cabinets and natural light
Full Story
LIGHTINGRecessed Lighting 101
Looking to brighten a drab, dim space? Recessed lighting may be your answer. Here's what you need to know
Full Story
UNIVERSAL DESIGNHow to Light a Kitchen for Older Eyes and Better Beauty
Include the right kinds of light in your kitchen's universal design plan to make it more workable and visually pleasing for all
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Islands: Pendant Lights Done Right
How many, how big, and how high? Tips for choosing kitchen pendant lights
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING10 Ways to Open a Kitchen to the Outdoors
Have your cooking and your nice weather too, with a kitchen setup that embraces indoor-outdoor flow
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: Creamy White, Wood and Brass in an Open Plan
A design-build firm helps a Minnesota couple create a roomy L-shaped kitchen with off-white cabinets and a walnut island
Full StorySponsored
Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths
DIY2Much2Do