How Many Recessed Lights Do You Need? Layout Tips From Our Lighting Electricians
Recessed lighting is the most requested upgrade on our lighting installation calendar, and the most common question is simply how many lights a room needs. Here is how our electricians plan a layout.
The one-per-25-square-feet rule
For general lighting, plan on roughly one 4-inch or 6-inch LED fixture per 25 square feet. A 12 by 15 foot living room (180 square feet) works well with six to eight lights. Kitchens and task areas go denser.
Spacing from walls and each other
Divide ceiling height by two to get the distance between lights. For an 8-foot ceiling, space fixtures about 4 feet apart and 2 feet from walls. Keep lights off the center line of islands and tables where pendants may go.
Choose the right color temperature
2700K is warm and cozy for bedrooms and living rooms. 3000K is a clean, neutral choice for kitchens and baths. 4000K reads as cool and works in garages and workshops.
Always add a dimmer
Dimming lets one layout serve cooking, dining and movie night. Our switch and dimmer installation service pairs each fixture with a compatible dimmer to avoid flicker.
Slim LED wafers: no attic required
Modern slim LED fixtures install from below with a small junction box, so we can add recessed lighting installation in rooms with no attic access and in insulated ceilings.
Layer with other lighting
Recessed lights are the base layer. Pendants, under-cabinet strips and outdoor lighting installation for patios complete the picture.
Ready to design a layout? Call (888) 592-6466 and we will sketch a plan for your room.