How Many Recessed Lights Do I Need? [A Quick Guide]

It’s a question that has crossed the minds of many homeowners at one time or another – how many recessed lights do I need?

The answer, unfortunately, is not always so straightforward. There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine the right number of recessed lights for your home, from the size and layout of each room to the level of ambient light you’re hoping to achieve.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key factors to keep in mind when determining how many recessed lights to install in your home. By the end, you should have a better idea of what will work best for your specific space.

Let’s get started!

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Size and layout of the room

One of the most important factors to consider when trying to figure out how many recessed lights to install is the size and layout of the room. A large room with a high ceiling, for example, will require more recessed lights than a smaller room with a low ceiling.

Note: If you’re wondering how to light a bedroom with a low, slanted ceiling, read our sister site’s excellent guide.

The number of windows in the room is also important to consider, as rooms with more natural light will require fewer recessed lights than those with less natural light.

Generally, a good rule of thumb is to install a single recessed light for every 4 square feet of floor space.

So, if you have a 16 square feet room, you will need four recessed lights. But as we’ve seen, there are a number of factors that can affect this number.

Kitchen: 1 recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space
Living room: 1-2 recessed lights for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space (TIP: we have a whole article explaining how to place recessed lights in your living room here).
Bedroom: 1-2 recessed lights for every 25 square feet of living space
Bathroom: 1 sizeable recessed light will be enough
Hallway: 1-2 recessed lights every 8 feet along the length

The placement of furniture and other obstacles in the room can also play a role in determining how many recessed lights are needed.

If there are a lot of obstacles in the room, such as furniture or cabinets, you may need to install more recessed lights to ensure that the entire space is evenly lit.

Ambient light level

Another important factor to consider when determining how many recessed lights to install is the ambient light level you’re hoping to achieve.

If you want a bright, well-lit space, you’ll need to install more recessed lights than if you’re aiming for a softer, more ambient light.

Think about the mood you want to create in the space and how much light you’ll need to achieve that.

If you’re not sure what kind of light level you’re aiming for, it can be helpful to talk to a lighting specialist or an electrician. They can help you figure out how many recessed lights you’ll need to achieve the look you’re going for.

The type of bulbs you use

The type of light bulbs you use in your recessed lights can also affect how many you’ll need to install.

If you’re using high-powered bulbs, such as halogen or LED bulbs, you’ll need fewer recessed lights than if you’re using lower-powered bulbs, such as incandescent bulbs.

This is because, as you’d expect, high-powered bulbs give off more light than lower-powered bulbs. So, if you’re using high-powered bulbs, you won’t need as many to achieve the same level of light as you would with the lower-powered options.

The bottom line

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many recessed lights to install in your home. The answer will depend on a number of factors, from the size and layout of the room to the level of ambient light you’re hoping to achieve.

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a lighting specialist or an electrician. They can help you figure out how many recessed lights you need to achieve the look you’re going for.

VIEW OUR CAVELIGHTS RECOMMENDED RECESSED LIGHTS HERE.

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