Stop Squinting! How to Size Recessed Lights to Brighten Your Kitchen

Do you squint to see what you're chopping in the dim corners of your kitchen? Or does the glare from overhead fixtures make you see spots as you cook? Proper lighting is key to making your kitchen both beautiful and functional.

The right sized recessed can lights can provide the focused task lighting needed for kitchen work zones. No more eyestrain trying to prep meals or clean up in the dark.

Determine Your Kitchen Lighting Goals

First, consider what you want your new lighting design to accomplish. Do you mainly need task lighting over key work areas like islands and countertops? Or are you looking for bright ambient fill lighting throughout the whole kitchen? Many kitchen lighting plans incorporate a combination of focused task lighting and general ambient illumination.

Take note of where you spend most of your time in the kitchen and what you use each area for. Identifying your main work zones will determine where you need the most light directed.

Assess Your Current Kitchen Lighting Situation

Take stock of any existing light fixtures in your kitchen. Note where they are placed and if there are any especially dark spots in the kitchen. This will help you identify which areas should be top priority for adding can lights.

Also measure the overall size of your kitchen and take note of the ceiling height. Larger kitchens with high ceilings will require brighter and more powerful recessed lighting.

Calculate Recommended Lumens for Your Kitchen

Lumens indicate the total light output from a light source, or bulb. Most lighting experts recommend planning for a minimum of 50 lumens per square foot of space. For a 10x10 kitchen, that would mean at least 500 lumens. More for higher ceilings.

Take the room's size, ceiling height, and finishes like reflective backsplashes into account. Darker finishes absorb more light. Add extra lumens in spaces with darker walls, floors or countertops.

Choose Appropriate Can Light Sizes

4", 5" and 6” diameter cans are the most common recessed fixtures used in kitchens. 4” fits best between 16” center joists but provides a more narrow beam spread. 5” allows more light output with a wider beam angle. 6” works well for higher ceilings.

Optimal spacing between cans depends on factors like ceiling height and beam angle. Wider flood beams allow cans to be spaced further apart. Narrow spot beams require tighter spacing for uniform lighting.

Narrow Your Beam Angle Selection

The beam angle affects the spread of light coming from the can. Standard angles for kitchen task lighting are 25-45 degrees. This provides focused illumination for working. Wider 60-90 degree flood beams are better for ambient fill lighting.

Using a mix of beam spreads creates visual interest. You can highlight specific zones with narrow spot lights and fill in with wider flood beams.

Pick Light Color Temperature

Choose lights with warm, neutral or cool color temperatures. Warm tones in the 2700K-3000K range give off a soft yellowish glow. Cooler colors like 4000K to 5000K provide a brighter white light.

Most kitchens use a neutral white in the 3000K-4000K range. But you can mix it up with accent colors for visual contrast.

Plan Recessed Lighting Layout

Strategically placing recessed lighting throughout your kitchen is key. Focus narrow beam cans over counters, islands and cooking areas where you need optimal task lighting. Supplement with wider flood beams for ambient fill.

Follow basic kitchen lighting plans as a guide. Space cans evenly in a grid pattern or align over cabinetry. Allow for at least 4-6 cans in a 10x10 kitchen.

Choosing dimmable recessed lights gives you flexibility. As kitchen tasks and activities change throughout the day and night, you can adjust the lighting in the space.

Make sure lighting circuits are wired properly for dimming. Use dimmer compatible bulbs like LEDs. The result is customizable lighting.

Proper recessed lighting can make all the difference in your kitchen. Take these key factors into account when selecting can lights to ensure your kitchen is brightly lit from ceiling to countertop.