Kitchen Recessed Lighting: Planning the Perfect Illumination

Whether you’re trying out an old family recipe, reading the newspaper or simply helping your kids finish their schoolwork — a well-lit kitchen brings out the best in you. And, this is exactly what we’ll talk about here — kitchen recessed lighting and the best way to plan it. Trust us, these can lights will put you in a great mood every time you enter your cooking area.

Since a kitchen is a multi-functional space — with you juggling a variety of tasks here — it goes without saying that it needs good lighting. Because admit it, an underlit kitchen is a mood-killer!

You require good task lighting (for specific purposes like food preparation and cooking), accent lighting (for visual interest), and general ambient lighting to create the right mood by enhancing the overall aesthetic.

And, here’s a super tip: Recessed lights aka pot lights offer task lighting, decorative lighting, or shower lighting — all in one!

That said, lighting your kitchen recessed lighting before installation is crucial. Most lighting experts recommend considering several factors, including which type of recessed light to buy, the appropriate size and placement, whether you need an IC (Insulation Compatible) or AT (Air Tight) fixture, and which areas of the kitchen you wish to highlight. You’ll also want to decide if you prefer a pool of light or a focused spot and how to arrange the wiring for your new recessed lights.

For a good kitchen lighting plan, you should layer your lighting. For example, you can combine recessed lights with decorative pendant lights, table lamps, wall-mounted sconces, or even candles. And, you’ll want mood lighting and dimmers to help highlight your kitchen cabinets, priceless China collection, and counter spaces. All of these will go a long way in making your kitchen feel balanced and inviting.

Kitchen recessed lighting plan

Want to create a great kitchen recessed lighting design? Begin by drawing out a rough map of your kitchen and plan where you want to place the recessed lights — leaving the areas where you already have ceiling lights or range lights. Remember that your new recessed lighting should complement your existing fixtures.

Keep in mind that using too many recessed lights may leave areas of your kitchen dark or a little too bright. Not to forget, give you a sky-rocketing electricity bill. To determine the right placement of your recessed lights, a good rule of thumb is to divide the height of the ceiling by two. For example, if your kitchen ceiling is 8 feet, you should space your recessed lights 4 feet apart.

The best type of recessed kitchen lighting

LED lights are among the best choices for recessed lighting. These energy-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce costs over time. LEDs operate at cooler temperatures than traditional bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.

For best lighting results in your kitchen, place 4-inch and 5-inch LED fixtures for good overhead countertop lighting, 6-inch fixtures for general lighting, and 7- to 9-inch fixtures for a wider wash of light.

Choosing housing and lights

You’ll have to decide which type of recessed housing your lights will need. If there’s insulation above the kitchen ceiling, you can choose IC-rated housings. It works well in contact with the existing ceiling insulation. But, if it’s a brand new kitchen space in new construction, you should use non-IC housings.

You can mix wide-angle lights for ambient lighting with narrow-beam lights for focussed lighting over your counters, stove, and sink.

Areas to place your kitchen recessed lights

Kitchen recessed lighting offers a minimalist, clean look. It can be used throughout the space, including over kitchen countertops and island bars. It’s especially great for general lighting in open floor plan areas. You can also use these pot lights to highlight your stovetops. Or, use them as cabinet lights.

How far apart should recessed lights be placed?

Measure your kitchen to determine how many light fixtures you’ll need. Experts advise using one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. Such an arrangement gives off an even, overall illumination.

Another common lighting layout is to place the kitchen recessed lights around the perimeter of the room. That way, they will be aimed at the countertop edges — effectively illuminating counter work areas and the kitchen sink.

Adding a dimmer

Dimmers allow you to adjust the kitchen’s ambiance while saving energy and extending bulb lifespan. Consider installing separate dimmers for different zones, such as counters, under-cabinet lighting, the island, and the pantry.

It’s a good idea to use separate dimmer switches for different zones of your kitchen. For example, a separate one for the counter areas, undercabinet lighting, the kitchen island, and pantry. It’ll give you a wide range of lighting options — as and when required. You can always place the rest of the non-recessed lighting on dimmers as well.

Kitchen recessed lighting cost

The average cost of installing recessed lights comes to $360. Keep in mind that installing the lights would involve paying about $200 to $250 to an electrician. The wiring of lights into the ceiling would cost you $70 to $140 per light. And, if the professional needs to move around any obstacles such as heating ducts, joists or other wires — it could mean an additional $200 per light.

Last words

Your kitchen is perhaps the most important room in your home. It’s here that you mull over things over a hot cuppa in your “me time”, before beginning a whole new day.

No matter how great the kitchen design is, if it has bad lighting, it’ll prevent you from doing anything productive here. Recessed lights — when used strategically — can easily remedy that. We hope this article will help you with the placing of your kitchen recessed lighting — at the right places and in the right numbers!

How to Plan Your Kitchen Recessed Lighting was last modified: July 22nd, 2025 by Ramona Sinha

Written by Ramona Sinha. September 23, 2020

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.