Mixing 4" and 6" recessed lights

last year

last modified: last year

I'm looking to add recessed lights to a great room in an open concept space where the kitchen/dining area will already have 6" recessed lights from the builder. From most of the posts here, it seems like the majority favor 4" over 6". My question is, since half of this open space already has 6" recessed lights, would it look a bit off to have 4" in the other half? This space has 9' ceilings, if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance!

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Mugen Power
Original Author

last year

I ended up going with 6". I originally thought that it would make the space look too cluttered, but now that my place is ready and I finally see it in person, I definitely don't think that's the case. I know it's sacrilege on here to use 6" lights, but my OCD would drive me crazy seeing the 2 different sizes since my space isn't that big. I have absolutely no regrets with my choice.

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Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Anything can be changed and IMO 6" are old school and not attractive or needed so I certainly would not add more . All the bulbs should be LED 4000K in that kitchen and DR for sure and I like them everywhere and how will your chandelier in the DR be hung I do not like pot lights in DRs except for over the buffet so I would need more info
Mugen Power
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
This is a new build and 6" are specified by the builder at those locations in orange with no option to change. Sure, maybe I can get it done afterwards but I'm not keen on pouring money into it when I haven't even moved in yet! Anything I want to add besides those, I have the choice between 4" and 6". To answer you question, no chandelier in the dining room but I'm planning on adding pendants over the island.
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Lyn Nielson
last year
no chandelier in the dining room sounds odd, Do you use candles?
Mugen Power
Original Author
last year
@Lyn Nielson, the snark in your comment is obvious, but again, the recessed lights in orange are already set in stone by the builder and I'll be relying on those. Yes, I've read discussions around what the recessed lighting "should" be used for, but I'm also really not a big fan of light fixtures in a small space like that (in person, it feels more like a nook). Sure, I can have them add a J-box there for the future I'm not really feeling strongly about it right now and am more focused on my original question about the great room. :)
Lyn Nielson
last year
No snark, I too only have recessed lights in my dining room.

I always use candles for dinner, my guests usually think I am being too dramatic... I love candles.

I am not able to add a chandeliere fixture... a wood sloped ceiling.

I would think in a new build out, even having an option to hang a fixture or cover the outlet for possible future use would be a great idea. I sorry I offended you @Mugen Power
Mugen Power
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
No worries, @Lyn Nielson, my fault for misinterpreting. I've been reading a lot of threads here with a lot of strong opinions and "rules" being thrown around so I was preparing for that. :)

Yes, I do have the option to add a J-box with a blank over it for a light fixture and that's what I'm doing for the pendants over the island. The other thing that put me off to adding a chandelier in the dining area is because it's also relatively close to where the pendants would be. So, as much as I'm not a fan of a chandelier in a small area, I feel like it'll feel even busier with yet another thing dangling from the ceiling in a relatively close space. That's what I'm trying to avoid by considering 4" cans in the great room, but am wondering if it'll be a little off since the rest of lights will be 6".
Amy
last year
I’m curious… What did you end up going with?
chispa
last year
Some people in the forums hate recessed lights, whatever size they may be! I like recessed lights, but also have wall washers for art and chandeliers/pendants. All on dimmers. I like having the flexibility to light everything up or use just a few dimmed fixtures. I did a mix of 4" and 6" recessed lights depending on the function and ceilings height, which are 10 - 12 ft in my house.