What Size Recessed Lights for Kitchen Is Standard?

Recessed lights, commonly known as “Can lights” or “Downlights” ensure better visual comfort and give a more appealing look to your kitchen. It also helps you to accomplish the tasks in the kitchen with more ease.

But to achieve that, you must choose the right size or type of recessed lights. 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch are the most popular Recessed light sizes for home use.

Now the question is what size recessed lights for kitchen is ideal? Continue reading to discover everything you need to know to ensure a brighter and more comfortable kitchen atmosphere!

What Size Recessed Lights for Kitchen Is Standard

What Size Recessed Lights For Kitchen is Common or Standard?

The common sizes of recessed lights available for kitchen lighting are 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. But 6-inch size recessed lights are the most used in residential settings. However, there are several viewpoints on what size lights to use in a kitchen.

Some experts suggest using 4-inch or 5-inch recessed lights for the kitchen’s overhead countertop lighting and give the ultimate clean look that most people desire. On the other hand, others recommend using 6-inch recessed lights for general illumination.

Therefore, before you decide on choosing one of those sizes, check out the pros and cons of each popular recessed light size for a heads-up to choose the right one:

4-inch Recessed Lights for kitchens:

Pros:	Cons:
Considered more modern than 6-inch lights due to their compact size. Mostly they have more beam angle options.More focused light due to the smaller size.Gives a better variety when attempting to brighten a kitchen workspace. Better for smaller spaces such as cupboards, pantries, or small open kitchen spaces.	May not provide as much light illumination as a 6-inch light would. Won’t be enough for larger spaces.The small size may limit the range of the bulb’s beam pattern.May require more lights to fully light an area due to smaller size fixtures.

5-inch Recessed Lights for Kitchens:

Pros:	Cons:
Provide sufficient lighting for most kitchen spaces. Use lower-wattage bulbs. That’s why more energy-efficient than larger recessed lightsSit flush with the kitchen ceiling to deliver a contemporary and clean look to the kitchen.	Installing these lights can be complicated and may require professional installation.Larger recessed lights may provide more light output. The height of 5-inch recessed lights can affect ceiling height.The output quality may also vary.

6-inch Recessed Lights for Kitchens:

Pros:	Cons:
Deliver a considerable amount of light but aren’t as discreet as the smaller recessed options. They have higher light output to cover a wider area.The unobtrusive and directed light you get from the 6-inch recessed fixtures is perfect for kitchens.	Can be less suitable for accent lighting. More Expensive.

What Size Recessed Lights Should I Choose for My Kitchen?

Generally, a 4-inch or 6-inch recessed lighting fits into most standard kitchen setups. A standard kitchen will also require a minimum of (700 to 1200) Lumens per light and (2700 to 3000K) color temperature for better lighting.

However, there are no hard and fast rules for determining the size of recessed lighting in a kitchen. The size of the recessed lights depends upon the personal preference of the user and the layout of the kitchen.

Here are some factors that will help you decide which size will fit right into your kitchen and fulfill your desire:

Determine the size of your kitchen space, ceiling height, and how much light is needed. The size of the recessed lights is also affected by the layout and placement of the lights.
These lights are ideal for kitchen countertops and island bars. But they can also be used for the general lighting in open floor plan areas. So, decide where you want to place or install the lights before choosing the light size.
The type of bulbs or LEDs will also affect the size of the housing required. Halogen recessed lighting provides a lot of illumination, while LED recessed lighting is more energy-efficient and has a longer lifespan. So, decide whether you want Halogen or LED lights as well as what recessed housing is needed for your kitchen.
If it is a brand-new kitchen space or you have recently renovated the whole kitchen, you might have non-IC housing for the lighting. So, check and verify the housing option for your kitchen.
The aperture size of the trim is also important when choosing between different sizes of recessed lights, which denotes how wide or narrow the light will be. Note that a 3 or 4-inch trim size will be perfect for a standard kitchen.
Choose between different types of trims such as Baffle, Multiple, or Open for your kitchen recessed lighting setup.
Decide the gap between each light to determine the right quantity of recessed lights for your kitchen. (ideally, you should ensure 2 inches to 3 inches gap between each lighting)
When selecting recessed lighting for your kitchen, it is recommended to first consult with a qualified electrician to ensure that you are clear about what you need and there won’t be any installation errors.

What Size Recessed Lights For Kitchen – FAQs

How many recessed lights do I need for my (10 X 10) kitchen?

The general rule of thumb for installing recessed lights is to use 1 light for every (4 to 6) square feet of ceiling space to ensure equal overall illumination. If you follow the same general rule, then you will need approx. 16 to 25 lights (measuring 100 square feet) in total for your 10×10 kitchen.

How many recessed lights do I need for my (12 X 12) kitchen?

If you want to follow the 1 light per 4 to 6 square feet ceiling gap rule, you will need 4 to 6 lights for your (12×12) kitchen. Otherwise, you can use a minimum of 3 lights to a maximum of nine lights to illuminate a 12×12 space.

However, the exact number of lights also depends on the height of your kitchen ceiling, the layout of the kitchen, and your preference.

How far apart should I place 6-inch recessed lights in my kitchen?

The recommended spacing for 6-inch recessed lights in the kitchen is about 3 to 4 feet apart, with about 4 to 6 lights per 100 square feet.

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