Kitchen Lighting Q & A

Contractor Brent Weller and Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Dimma host a social media Q & A session on kitchen lighting in this House & Home video:

What are the top three things I should consider when shopping for new lighting for my kitchen renovation? You should have different levels of lighting – task lighting for workspaces, overhead lighting for general illumination, and ambient lighting for atmosphere.

Is there any attractive choices for under cabinet lighting that cannot be hidden as there is no valence? Top recommendations include LED tape light (a super thin peel-and-strip solution), LED strip light, and a stainless steel linking LED bar.

Should I have recessed/pot lights in the kitchen? If so, how far apart should they be spaced? Recessed/pot lights provide downward directed lighting and enhance visibility. They should neither be spaced too far apart as you will not get enough light, nor spaced too close together as they will look too busy. Four- to six-foot spacing is recommended.

What is your opinion on dimmers? Dimmers provide a faint glow at night and can be used throughout your home. It is easy to add dimmers, but you need to be careful in choosing which dimmer to use which each light. Consult an electrician or home hardware expert for help before purchasing anything.

How many inches should a pendant light be above a prep island? This is a matter of personal preference, and you may want to experiment a bit before installing. A generally good height is 36 inches.