Your Guide to Recessed Lighting in a Kitchen

Are you thinking about updating your kitchen? If so, one of the most important aspects you’ll need to think about is the lighting. Needless to say, lighting can completely change how your kitchen looks and feels.

One option that many people like is recessed lighting. It’s a great way to light up your kitchen space without bulky fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Recessed lighting is a fantastic choice if you’re trying to achieve a clean, uncluttered look similar to natural light.

Whether you plan to stay in your home for years or just want to add some value to it, recessed lighting can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll help you plan, install, and make the most of recessed lighting in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

What is Kitchen Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting is a type of lighting fixture that’s installed directly into the ceiling. Instead of hanging down, the light is tucked into the ceiling, so it gives you bright, even lighting without taking up much space. Sometimes, people call it “can lighting” or “downlighting” because of its shape and how it points downward.

Each recessed light has three main parts. First, there’s the housing, which is hidden in the ceiling and holds the bulb. Then, there’s the trim, which is the part you actually see. The trim affects how the light looks and spreads. Finally, there’s the light bulb. LED bulbs are usually the best choice because they last a long time and use less energy.

There are different types of recessed lighting. It just depends on your kitchen’s needs. If the lights will be near insulation, you’ll want IC-rated fixtures to prevent any safety hazards. If not, non-IC rated fixtures will work, but they need some space around them.

Choosing the Right Bulbs and Trims

The bulbs you pick make more of a difference than you might think. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and don’t need to be replaced that often. They come in different brightness levels and colors, which means you can customize the light to match your kitchen’s style.

The type of trim you choose also affects how the light spreads around the room. Baffle trims are good for reducing glare, which makes the light softer. Reflector trims work well if you need more light in certain areas, like over the countertops where you do most of your cooking.

There are also adjustable trims, which allow you to focus the light in one direction. Adjustable trims are especially great for highlighting specific areas, like a prep space or even a decorative part of the kitchen.

How to Plan Your Recessed Lighting Layout

When you’re setting up recessed lighting, it’s important to think about both how the lights look and how they work. You want to make sure the lights are placed in the correct spots. This will make your kitchen functional while also creating a pleasant atmosphere. Here are some steps you can follow:

Step 1: Measure your kitchen

Start by taking measurements of your kitchen. Pay attention to the size of the room and how high the ceiling is. These details will help you figure out how many lights you need and where to place them.

Step 2: Create lighting zones

Divide your kitchen into different zones based on what you do in each area. For example, over your countertops, you’ll need task lighting because this is where you do most of your cooking. You can also have general lighting to brighten up the whole room and accent lighting to highlight cabinets or a backsplash if you like.

Step 3: Figure out how many lights you’ll need

A good rule of thumb is to install one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of kitchen space. Of course, the number of lights can vary depending on the wattage of the bulbs and how bright you want the room to be. Make sure to space them out evenly to avoid dark spots or shadows.

Step 4: Pick the right fixtures

If your lights will be near insulation, you should go with IC-rated fixtures to be on the safe side. For areas where you want the ability to move the light, we’d recommend installing adjustable or gimbal fixtures.

Step 5: Place the lights

Your lights should be spread evenly across the room, usually 2 to 3 feet away from the walls. Be careful to position them so they don’t cast shadows while you’re working at the counter or stove.

Step 6: Add dimmers and separate controls

To make your lighting more flexible, install dimmer switches. Dimmers let you adjust the brightness depending on what you’re doing (bright for cooking, for example). It’s also helpful to have separate controls for different areas in the kitchen, so you can turn on the lights you need without lighting up the entire kitchen.

How to Install Kitchen Recessed Lighting

If you’re comfortable with some basic DIY electrical work, installing recessed lighting isn’t too difficult. However, if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s always a good idea to call a professional.

Turn off the power

Before starting, make sure the electricity to the kitchen is off. This is the most important safety step. You’ll also need to check for any wiring or pipes in the ceiling that might get in the way.

Plan and mark your layout

Using your lighting plan, mark where each light will go. Make sure the lights are spaced evenly and will give enough light to important areas.

Cut the holes

Most recessed light kits come with a template. Use this to mark the correct size for the hole. Then, use a saw to cut out spaces in the ceiling.

Install the housing

Follow the instructions to secure the housing in the ceiling. Make sure everything is lined up properly and flush with the ceiling.

Wire the lights

Run electrical cables from the power source to the first light. Connect the wires by matching the colors and securing them with wire nuts. Then, connect the lights in a series.

Install bulbs and trim

Once everything is wired up, screw in the bulbs and snap on the recessed lighting trim. Make sure you choose bulbs that match the wattage and type recommended for your lighting fixtures.

Test the lights

Turn the power back on and test the lights. If any bulbs flicker or make a buzzing sound, there could be a wiring issue that needs fixing.

Creating the Right Atmosphere with Lighting

The great thing about recessed lighting is that you can use it to set the mood in your kitchen. Task lighting can be bright and direct (perfect for when you’re cooking). Ambient lighting tends to be softer and more evenly spread (this is ideal for when you’re eating or hanging out).

You can also use accent lighting to highlight artwork, brick walls, or upper cabinets. By adding dimmer switches, you’ll have even more control. You can change the mood lighting depending on the time of day or activity, and make your kitchen feel cozy, bright, or anything in between.

Conclusion

Recessed lighting is a stylish, modern way to light up your kitchen. If you take the time to plan your lighting layout and pick the right fixtures, bulbs, and trims, you’ll be able to create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional.

If you’re interested in adding recessed lighting to your kitchen and need help, Contact Us today! As always, McManus Kitchen & Bath is here to help you design your dream home.