Calculating lighting

wbjdmd · 10-26-2006, 03:57 PM

I am remodeling my kitchen and need to know how may ceiling light fixtures I need. I want to use a recessed 50 watt Halogen fixture. I intend to add under the counter lighting for task lighting and my range hood will also have task lighting.

mdshunk · 10-26-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbjdmd

I am remodeling my kitchen and need to know how may ceiling light fixtures I need. .

14.

(Do I win the prize?)

wbjdmd · 10-26-2006, 05:54 PM

Let me clarify, Is there a reliable formula to calc. how many or a general rule of thumb to determine how many I need. I appreciate all responses, even sarcastic ones.

dougrus · 10-26-2006, 07:57 PM

As I think MD SHUNK implies, there are too just many variables, both aestetic and practical, to say for certain...As stated in the source below there is downlighting, wall washing, accent lighting, etc...depneds on what you want...if you want an approximate ratio see below...I remember using this as a starting point when I calculated for my living room.

http://www.lightingfacts.com/Recesse...20spacing.html

mdshunk · 10-26-2006, 09:08 PM

You only need one. You may want more. This is totally a design decision, based on your personal tastes and how the room will be laid out.

Please post your proposed kitchen cabinet plan, and we can help you better. Other than that, there are no rules of thumb. Undercabinet lights, a can over each work area of countertop, pendants over penninsula and islands, paddle fan in the middle, rope on top of cabinets and in toe kick area, pucks in glass front cabs... these are all typical in a modern kitchen.

747 · 10-26-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

You only need one. You may want more. This is totally a design decision, based on your personal tastes and how the room will be laid out.

Please post your proposed kitchen cabinet plan, and we can help you better. Other than that, there are no rules of thumb. Undercabinet lights, a can over each work area of countertop, pendants over penninsula and islands, paddle fan in the middle, rope on top of cabinets and in toe kick area, pucks in glass front cabs... these are all typical in a modern kitchen.

Yes the pendants over the penninsula and island. I really like the way monorail looks for that with the pendants hanging off of it. Homeowner be advised that is expensive.

Something like this is a example of what i mean. your wide open with choices.

747 · 10-26-2006, 10:23 PM

Marc you have to admit that is a sharp look. You are also wide open with the fixture selection of pendants to hang off of it.

Sparky Joe · 10-26-2006, 10:28 PM

Lay out lights as you see fit, of course you want them over the sink, probably over the counter space, in the walkways and general areas, and if you have any special areas like an island or bar.

Just remember a kitchen should be bright

mdshunk · 10-26-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky Joe

Just remember a kitchen should be bright

Yes. Matter of fact, you should probably install a carbon arc search light in your kitchen.

NothingsLevel · 10-26-2006, 10:41 PM

Our kitchen has 7 lights. 6 pendants - 3 over the sink/island, one over the stove, one on either side of the stove. 1 recessed, by the fridge.

We very, very rarely have them all on.

Like Sparky Joe said, you want bright. As ours is set up, we have lighting that's both "whole room" and targeted for specific tasks.

crecore · 10-27-2006, 06:49 AM

there are some rules of thumb based on tasks involving lumens and photometrics. Even as a lighting designer these are complicated and ballparkish. If it's a new size space or task I sometimes sanity check with the charts but normally I just rely on past experience. Go to some local real estate open houses and study the kitchens.

In my kitchen (250+ sq ft) I personally have 3 pendants over the bar, 3 recessed lights on either side, 1 recessed light over the sink, Halogen under cabinets and a pendant over the breakfast nook (all seperately switched). works great.

wbjdmd · 10-27-2006, 09:04 AM

I have tried to attach a rough floor plan of my proposed new kitchen remodel. I have 9 foot ceilings and the room is approximately 14' x 14'. Thanks for all the input.

wbjdmd · 10-27-2006, 09:51 PM

Ya'll asked for a picture of the froor plan, where's all the advice. I waiting for the fountain of knowledge to erupt!!!!

NothingsLevel · 10-28-2006, 12:30 AM

Wow, you waited 45 whole minutes for a reply?

If it were my kitchen, I'd put good lighting over the sink & stove, something that's bright and focused, but not hanging so low as to get in the way. Then puck lights or similar under the cabinets, to light the counter & work surfaces really well.

A ceiling fan w/ lights in the center of the kitchen space, maybe shifted a little down & to the right of center (when viewing the floorplan here) to light the whole room and circulate air.

What about lights in that area w/ all the doors over on the far right?

747 · 10-28-2006, 01:15 AM

I also like the puck lights for undercabinet because there simple and cast good light. NOw for the rest of the lightening i have to relinquish to MD or Speedy because of the 9 foot ceilings. I think ceilings that high might need some stronger halogens in them. If your going to have hood over cooktop that will have lightening in it. Can over sink, Not sure how many cans for 14 by 14 md or speedy will definately know. And also how big the halogens should be for 9 feet. This is where i'm not sure.