Small kitchen/low ceiling lighting suggestions?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We have a 1980's Cape Code home with a small kitchen that we have done some changes to (new flooring, painted the cabinets, and the tile backsplash which we did a few years ago. Eventually we are planning on replacing the counter tops with marble or recycle glass. However, I am DONE with the light. It's a typical "boob light" and I feel like it is so dated and ugly. Does anyone have any lighting recommendations? There is a recessed light also over the sink and we put stick on LED's under the cabinets but for this ceiling light I am stumped. I had someone recommend the Halo disk lights, but I'm not sure the light output on that one fixture will be enough-- another thought I had was to use track lighting to mimic pendants but I'm not sure if that would look dumb or not. I would consider my style to be transitional-contemporary-traditional. Please help!

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PRO

The Bowman Group

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I would add four 6" can lights... it is going to require some holes in the sheetrock but it would give you a chance to remove the popcorn ceiling while your doing it. if you wanted to go with a simple answer the disk light is not a bad one. Here is one that is 22" in diameter and would provide way more light than you have now.

WAC Lighting Planets 22" LED Flush Mount in Brushed Nickel · More Info

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Comments (18)

PRO
Debbi Washburn
6 years ago
Just had a customer put in this light from Lithonia ( purchased at Home Depot )

He said they are great! He put 6 in a 9 x 11 kitchen - 8ft high ceiling and has to use the dimmer - they are so bright!
Andie thanked Debbi Washburn
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Andie
Original Author
6 years ago
in this particular kitchen, would one be sufficient?
Andie
Original Author
6 years ago
The Bowman Group- the kitchen is on the first floor, under another room, so I'm not sure how canned lights can be installed?
colonel115
6 years ago
Go look for a pretty flush mount or semi flush mount fixture. With the newer style LED bulbs you should get plenty of light from one fixture.
PRO
The Bowman Group
6 years ago
andie325, the light debbi is suggesting is for a recessed can. There is about 12" of space between the ceiling and subfloor for the electrical plumbing and HVAC to run thru. The task would be cutting the holes and getting shallow recessed cans then just running the electrical thru your joist (the framing between the floors) if you house is from the 2000 era or newer you wont even need to drill holes. I have attached an image of the lights I am talking about as well as what it looks like above that ceiling. You would need to use an electrician for the install but they do it all the time and it works great and looks so much better (IMO) than one light in what is supposed to be the lightest room in the house. Hope this helps.

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auntthelma
6 years ago
We had a very low ceiling in our previous kitchen. We didn't want to tear out the entire ceiling to put in can lights.

So we used track lights. Easy(ish) to install using the existing light fixture hookup.
Andie thanked auntthelma
acm
6 years ago
There are lots of great flushmounts out there that can light a kitchen and not evoke the Contractor Boob. Shouldn't be a crisis to swap it out, and no drywall surgery needed. If you get something that takes standard bulbs, you can just use LED equivelents to get the brightness and color of light you want.

Here are a few possibilities to get you started. I don't think I'd do pendants in this space, but if you need actual task lighting, rather than just ambient, a track might work out.

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Andie
Original Author
6 years ago
I was considering track lighting in there for task lighting-- but the current flush mount puts out a good bit of light with LED bulbs in it... we were considering one of those flat flush mount LED things... but I'd like something with more character if possible.
everdebz
6 years ago
Rod might be a foot long - how long upper bump is? this is $400, but I'll show it.
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everdebz
6 years ago
Houzzers placed over sink, in a den. Stainless steel in a mirror surface reflect the light. Two arc black shades hang from the fixture.

Too fancy?
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Good reviews.

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everdebz
6 years ago
2 opalescent lights / shade is transparent enough that you can see through it / chromed iron is textured. The lamp base looks like a sleek chromed iron dish. W 13.78" H 9.84"
- Lamp Socket E26 / Wattage per Bulb: 40W
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ParrotUncle
everdebz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
A bit softer finish - is like your tile? 60 watts Candelabra. W 16.25" / H 12"

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everdebz
6 years ago
Are knobs ORBronze, or black?
PRO
Debbi Washburn
6 years ago
Actually the light I had posted is a new style of LED light - it does not require any large recessed lighting can so it is much easier to install - you just need room for the small junction box and to have the ability to snake lines through the ceiling.

If you don't want to do that - the flush mounts everyone is posting for you are great!!! You could do one of those in the center and then add the recessed in the soffit above the sink....
PRO
Beth H. :
6 years ago
scrape the popcorn and install the 4", retro fit LED recessed lights. Costco sells them for a great price. that's all you need. IF you want cheap and easy, then do a flush mount light like they've shown you, above.

as for the countertop, when you do get your new one, forgo the 4" piece up the back. bring the tile down to the countertop for a cleaner look.
PRO
Angelica Angeli ❤ Interior Design Journalist
6 years ago
Just put in a flush mount or semi flush mount light and you'll be good.
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