How Far Away From Cabinets Should You Install Recessed Lighting?

When installing recessed lighting in a kitchen, it's important to consider the spacing between the lights and the cabinets to ensure proper illumination and avoid shadows or glare.

Here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Ceiling Height: The optimal height for recessed lighting in a kitchen is generally between 7 and 8 feet from the floor. This ensures that the light is evenly distributed and covers the entire work area.

2. Distance from Cabinets: The recommended distance between recessed lights and the edges of the cabinets is typically 12 to 18 inches. This spacing helps prevent shadows or glare from the lights reflecting off the cabinet surfaces.

3. Placement above Island or Peninsula: If you have a kitchen island or peninsula, position the recessed lights directly above the center or along the length of the countertop to provide focused task lighting.

4. Spacing between Lights: The distance between each recessed light should be consistent to create a cohesive lighting pattern. For general kitchen lighting, a spacing of 3 to 4 feet between lights is often used.

5. Adjust as Needed: Depending on the layout of your kitchen and the specific areas you want to illuminate, you may need to adjust the spacing of the lights. Consider using a dimmer switch to control the brightness and create a comfortable ambiance.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your recessed lighting is properly positioned to enhance your kitchen's functionality and aesthetics.