What Size Recessed Lighting is Best for Your Kitchen?

This recessed lighting guide provides insight on the different types of recessed lighting, what size recessed lighting is best for your kitchen and more.

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Introduction

Making the decision to add recessed lighting to your kitchen is an easy one. It’s versatile, looks great, and most importantly – it adds much-needed light to your cooking space. But what size recessed lighting is best for your kitchen?

The size of your recessed lights will depend on the size of your kitchen, the height of your ceilings, and the amount of light you want to add to the space. In general, larger kitchens will need larger recessed lights, and taller ceilings will need taller lights. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your recessed lights are the perfect size for your space.

First, take measurements of your kitchen from all four corners. This will give you an accurate idea of the size of your space and will help you determine how many recessed lights you’ll need. Second, take into account the height of your ceilings. If you have high ceilings, you may want to consider taller recessed lights so that they don’t get lost in the height of the room. Finally, think about how much light you want to add to the space. If you’re looking for a bright, well-lit kitchen, you’ll need more recessed lights than if you’re just looking for accent lighting.

Once you’ve taken these factors into consideration, it’s time to start shopping for your new recessed lights! There are a few different types of recessed lights available on the market today, so be sure to do some research before making your final purchase.

The Three Types of Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting, also called can lights, is a type of lighting that is installed into a hole in the ceiling. They are popular because they provide good task lighting and are very versatile. Recessed lighting comes in three different types: standard, low-voltage, and line-voltage.

Type One: Low-Profile Lighting

Low-profile lighting is perfect for small kitchens with limited space. These lights sit close to the ceiling and provide a focused light that is perfect for task lighting. Low-profile lights are available in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size is four inches.

##Type Two: Mid-Profile Lighting
Mid-profile lighting is a great option for larger kitchens with more space. These lights sit further away from the ceiling and provide a more diffused light that is perfect for general lighting. Mid-profile lights are available in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size is six inches.

##Type Three: High-Profile Lighting
High-profile lighting is the best option for very large kitchens with high ceilings. These lights sit far away from the ceiling and provide a very diffused light that is perfect for ambient lighting. High-profile lights are available in a variety of sizes, but the most popular size is eight inches.

Type Two: Shallow Lighting

Shallow lighting, also known as type two recessed lighting, is much more specialized than either general or accent lighting. These fixtures are designed to be installed in areas where clearance is an issue, such as in soffits or over cabinets. Shallow lighting uses a range of 50-100 watts, and the bulbs are available in various kelvin temperatures.

Type Three: Deep Lighting

As you might imagine, deep lighting refers to lights that are recessed a few inches further into the ceiling than standard lights. This is most often done in rooms with high ceilings, where a little extra light is needed to offset the height of the room. Deep lighting can also be used in kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms to create a dramatic effect.

How to Choose the Right Size Recessed Lighting for Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, so you want to make sure it has the perfect lighting. Recessed lighting is a popular choice for kitchens, but you need to make sure you choose the right size for your space. In this article, we’ll help you choose the right size recessed lighting for your kitchen.

Step One: Determine the Wattage of the Bulbs You’ll Be Using

In order to determine the right size recessed lighting for your kitchen, you’ll need to start by determining the wattage of the bulbs you’ll be using. Depending on the type of recessed lighting you’re installing, you’ll likely be using either 40-watt or 60-watt bulbs.

40-watt bulbs are typically used in 4″ recessed lights, while 60-watt bulbs are typically used in 5″ or 6″ recessed lights. If you’re unsure of the wattage of the bulbs you’ll be using, consult with a lighting specialist or the manufacturer of your recessed lighting fixtures.

Step Two: Determine the Height of the Ceiling in Your Kitchen

Now that you have determined the distance between your recessed lights, you need to determine the height of your ceiling in order to choose the right size recessed light. The height of your ceiling will dictate how wide of a beam angle you need in order to achieve the desired light output.

The average kitchen ceiling height is 8 feet, but this can vary depending on the size and layout of your kitchen. If you have a high ceilings, you will need a wider beam angle in order to achieve the same light output as a lower ceiling. Conversely, if you have a low ceiling, you will need a narrower beam angle.

Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right size recessed light for your ceiling height:
-8 Foot Ceilings: 4 inch or 6 inch recessed lights with a medium (50-degree) beam angle
-9 Foot Ceilings: 5 inch or 6 inch recessed lights with a wide (65-degree) beam angle
-10+ Foot Ceilings: 6 inch recessed lights with a very wide (80-degree) beam angle

Step Three: Choose the Type of Lighting Based on the Height of Your Ceiling

Now that you know how much recessed lighting you need and the trim style you want, it’s time to choose the right size recessed lighting for your kitchen. The size of your recessed lighting is determined by the height of your ceiling. If you have a standard 8-foot ceiling, you’ll need 4-inch recessed lighting. For 9-foot ceilings, you’ll need 5- or 6-inch recessed lighting. And for 10-foot ceilings, you’ll need 6-inch recessed lighting.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the best recessed lighting for your kitchen is the size that will best provide the light you need in the space you have. There are many factors to consider when choosing recessed lighting, but size is an important one. Be sure to measure your space and choose a size that will work well for you.