Our kitchen is about 12x15 and we would like recessed lighting installed. Are the lights ALWAYS installed right near the top of the upper cabinets? Q#1. Would a tall guy's head get hot? (6'4" guy with 8' ceiling; assuming we use 65-75w flood bulbs). I bought Kichler xenon undercabinet lighting and was soooo excited about installing these but Q#2. will it be overkill if said recessed lighting is installed near upper cabs? Contractor said we will install about 10 recessed lights total and 5 that are near the cab's. TIA
COMMUNITY FORUM
- Forum >
- Electrical & Lighting >
- recessed AND undercabinet lighting in kitchen?
susanf,
What is your definition of close to the cabinets? Recess cans are generally placed 18-24 inches away from the wall or other objects. This will allow the light to give it's full spread on the floor. If you want to emphasize the cabinets then wall washers should be used and these will be fairly close say about 12-16 inches from the wall or cabinet.
The fixtures may not be rated for 75 watt lights so you may be limited to 60 watt lamps. Even with that, someone of the height you mention will feel some heat if they were to stand for a prolonged period of time directly under the fixture. As far as standing is concerned, when you stand in front of the counter the upper cabinet and your body will cast a shadow on the counter. For this reason the under cabinet lights are not overkill and I would highly recommend them being installed.
Unless there is a visual problem (like macular degeneration) I can't see puting the recessed cans right up against the cabinets. This action is unsightly,installed incorrectly,and will cause other problems such as drying the wood out and possibly fading the finish unevenly on the cabinet doors.
Hope this helps you out.
U.S.M.C. Semper Fi !!!
What is your definition of close to the cabinets? Recess cans are generally placed 18-24 inches away from the wall or other objects. This will allow the light to give it's full spread on the floor. If you want to emphasize the cabinets then wall washers should be used and these will be fairly close say about 12-16 inches from the wall or cabinet.
The fixtures may not be rated for 75 watt lights so you may be limited to 60 watt lamps. Even with that, someone of the height you mention will feel some heat if they were to stand for a prolonged period of time directly under the fixture. As far as standing is concerned, when you stand in front of the counter the upper cabinet and your body will cast a shadow on the counter. For this reason the under cabinet lights are not overkill and I would highly recommend them being installed.
Unless there is a visual problem (like macular degeneration) I can't see puting the recessed cans right up against the cabinets. This action is unsightly,installed incorrectly,and will cause other problems such as drying the wood out and possibly fading the finish unevenly on the cabinet doors.
Hope this helps you out.
U.S.M.C. Semper Fi !!!
