How Far Should Recessed Lights Be from Cabinets?

Recessed lighting is probably the most versatile type of lighting. It is hard to think of a room where it would not fit. Kitchen, bathroom, hallway, closet, study, living room, bedroom, utility room – any room you can think of can benefit from recessed lighting. The logical question is how far should recessed lights be from cabinets?

Because it is so versatile, the lights layout can be very different and have specifics for each particular room. For instance, in a kitchen or in a walk-in closet cabinets can go all the way up to the ceiling. That raises a question about the distance between the cabinets and the lights. There are other aspects that need to be regarded and we are going to discuss them in this article. So if you plan on integrating recessed lights into your kitchen, bathroom or closet design, keep reading to find out a lot of useful information.

What is LED Recessed Lighting?

First of all, let us look into the terminology. Any type of light fixture that is installed above the ceiling so that it becomes invisible except for the part that actually emits light, is called recessed light. A fixture consists of a housing (where all the wiring and the lights are) and a trim – a visible part that is responsible for the aesthetics of the application. What kind of light bulbs go in recessed lights? Most new generation recessed lights use LED technology. It is the safest and most energy efficient lighting solution.

Recessed lights can be classified by trim type, by housing type, by size, by application and so on. It is the trim type that defines the direction of light, the rate of dispersion, intensity of glare and other important aspects. By choosing the right trim you can create certain visual effects and avoid undesirable ones.

This trim classification will help you choose the best-recessed lighting for each particular project.

Different Types of Recessed Lights

Kitchen Lighting Design Rules of Thumb

Kitchen is one of the rooms where bright and crisp light feels the most in place. Therefore, recessed lighting should be arranged in such a way as to provide that effect.

Here are some basic guidelines on how to achieve the right ambience in a kitchen.

1. Brightness. Pick something between 700 and 1200 Lumens. The total level of illumination should be no less than 500 Lumens per square meter.
2. Color temperature. Lean towards cooler temperatures, around 3000K.
3. Light size. The optimal size for an average kitchen is 3-4 inches in diameter. If you have a large kitchen with tall ceilings, you can choose 5 inch or 6 inch recessed lights.
4. Best types of trims are baffle, reflector and open trim.

How far apart should recessed lights be placed in a kitchen?

The simplest way to calculate the distance is to take half of the ceiling height. To get a better estimation, you can use a special recessed lighting spacing calculator. Such calculations will suggest recessed lighting distance from the walls and between individual lights. More advanced calculators take into account additional parameters, such as beam angle, light size and brightness. They provide the number of lights you will need for the room and then you can figure out the optimal distance by yourself.

Taking cabinets into consideration

When calculating the distance than needs to be put between walls and recessed lights, we should remember about overhead cabinets. So before cutting holes for recessed lights you should consider the following:

1. How deep are upper kitchen cabinets? They do not necessarily need to be installed prior to recessed lighting, but at least you need to know their exact depth.
2. To find a perfect placement for recessed lights in front of the upper cabinets, think about the edge of the counters. In such a way the countertop will be well illuminated.
3. The average distance between cabinets and recessed lights is 12-18 inches. However, if you plan to install a ceiling fan in the kitchen, you might need to adjust that distance to allow for at least a 9 inches between the lights and the blades.
4. Avoid putting recessed light over refrigerator. That will create an undesirable illuminating effect.

How Far Should Recessed Lights Be from Wall?

When it comes to achieving that perfect ambient glow in your living spaces, recessed lighting can be a game-changer. But have you ever wondered just how far those sleek, sunken luminaires should be from your walls? Well, wonder no more!

Like a carefully choreographed dance, placement of recessed lights is a delicate balance of art and science. Position them too close to wall, and you risk creating unflattering shadows and hotspots. Too far away, and your walls might as well be in the dark ages.

Illuminating Perfect Distance: Recessed Lighting Secrets Unveiled

But fear not, lighting aficionados! We’ve got the scoop on the golden rules of recessed lighting placement. From calculating the ideal distance based on ceiling height to factoring in the beam angle and desired ambiance, we’ll guide you through the process like a seasoned lighting designer.

Imagine walking into a room that’s perfectly illuminated, with a warm, inviting glow that accentuates your carefully curated decor. That’s power of recessed lighting done right – a subtle yet transformative touch that elevates your living spaces to new heights of comfort and sophistication.

So, whether you’re embarking on a new home renovation project or simply seeking to enhance your existing abode, get ready to unlock secrets of recessed lighting placement. Your walls (and your guests) will thank you!

Recessed Lights in a Closet

Recessed lighting is best type of lighting for walk-in closet. It is flexible, adjustable, creates uniform illumination and does not steal the space. Since closets usually have rather limited space, best closet lighting should be vibrant, but at the same time not too blinding. You will need smaller can lights for a closet than for a kitchen. But when it comes to light spacing, the same recommendations apply.

Conclusion and  Recommendations

Recessed lighting is a versatile solution for all kinds of lighting projects. If properly installed, it can create a perfect ambiance in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, guest room and anywhere else you may choose. Even if you have tall cabinets, you can still make it work, just make sure to follow some basic recommendations.