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How Far Apart Should Recessed Lights Be?

New York City is home to one of the country’s most competitive real estate markets. Building owners must make their properties shine in the literal and figurative sense. Recessed lighting done right can enhance your units, highlighting their spaciousness and illuminating their modern design while capitalizing on current trends. Still, the desired effect often dictates how far apart recessed lights should be. Discover the general rule of recessed light spacing and the factors that might affect it.

Determining How Far Apart Recessed Lights Should Be

Ceiling Height and Illumination

Regarding illumination and light projection, recessed lighting differs from traditional pendant lights or chandeliers. Recessed installation casts light downwards in a cone-shaped beam. The angle of the cone varies depending on the bulb and trim used.

If you consider a typical cone shape, it is easy to understand how ceiling height can affect the placement of recessed lights. In general, the higher the ceiling height, the wider the base of the cone, and the shorter the height, the narrower the base of the cone.

Because of the conical shape of the produced light and to create a balance in the room, electricians use a standard calculation for spacing recessed lights: (ceiling height) divided by 2 = the distance between each light. For example, how far apart should recessed lights be when the ceiling height is 8 feet? The answer is 4 feet.

Typically, by following this general formula, the conical light shapes produced by the recessed fixtures overlap, providing seamless light coverage. Still, the simple formula is only a jumping-off point because many other factors can affect the distance needed between recessed lights.

Room Purpose and Task Lighting

For general ambient lighting, the standard formula of dividing the ceiling height in half works well; it ensures even light distribution and provides balance in the space. That said, some rooms, especially kitchens and workspaces, can benefit from closer, targeted spacing. For example, you may want more focused light over countertops, vanities, or desks, creating and defining brighter areas in the room.

Recessed lighting may work as accent lighting, highlighting artwork and architectural features. Often, these installations use directional recessed fixtures to narrow the beams, which are different from those providing overall room light.

Room colors can also affect the placement of lights. Darker colors can absorb more light, so you may want more recessed fixtures closer together in a darker space or repaint the room a lighter color.

You can also use recessed lighting arrangements to make a space feel larger, but how far apart should recessed lights be to create the illusion? The actual distance depends on the size of the room and other factors, which is why an electrician from Bolt Electric is essential. Not only can they ensure a safe installation, they can use several design tricks to improve the feeling of space and comfort in a small apartment.

By installing recessed lights away from walls and reducing the spacing in the center of the room, an electrician can help guide the eyes away from the room’s border and focus them on the center. The tighter cluster of lighting in the center of the room can help make the space feel larger, more inviting, and comfortable.

Regulations and Building Codes

In NYC, a licensed electrician must complete all electrical work, including recessed lighting installations. By working with a professional, you reduce your risks of fines and fire hazards.

When installing recessed lights, it is important to purchase lights that are compatible with your space. Typically, recessed fixtures come as either insulation-contact rated or non-insulation-contact rated. IC-rated fixtures do not need clearance from insulation, whereas non-IC-rated fixtures do, typically 3 inches on all sides.

Consult the NYC Department of Buildings website or code-specific publications regarding how far apart recessed lights should be from other systems and structural elements. However, it is likely more manageable and less time-consuming to ask an electrician.

Typically, you want to keep recessed housing away from flammable items and other critical systems, like joists and HVAC systems. Bolt Electric can help you assess your property and units to determine the best layout of recessed lights in compliance with city and state regulations, and our team can help you avoid the pitfalls and risks of DIY installs and repairs.

Understanding Common Problems With Spacing

Too Far Apart

When measuring how far apart recessed lights should be, you want to make sure you are accounting for the spread or shape of the light in your fixtures. Too many people overestimate the light spread, spacing their recessed housings too far apart from each other.

Significant gaps between fixtures may cause uneven pools of light and shadowy areas in the room. The result of spacing recessed lights too far apart is a dimly lit room that feels cramped and cave-like. With dim lighting, an area possesses a gloomy atmosphere, feels uninviting, and presents safety concerns.

Too Close Together

If the installation results in recessed lights that are too close together, you will have a bright room, but that doesn’t always equate to a better room. Overlapping pools of light can create areas of excessive brightness and glare. More fixtures than necessary also waste energy and can accentuate imperfections. While upgrading to LED bulbs can limit energy waste, it doesn’t eliminate the other issues associated with too close installations.

Personal Preference

Your lighting preferences likely play a role in the spacing of recessed lights, but as a property owner, remember you are not designing the space for yourself. An apartment’s design should speak to most people; therefore, it is best to consult a lighting professional to determine proper and sufficient lighting. He or she will consider the room’s use, potential design, and desired brightness for given tasks.

Using a Professional To Determine How Far Apart Recessed Lights Should Be

Work With Bolt Electric To Install Recessed Lighting

Figuring out how far apart recessed lights should be is not a straightforward calculation; it depends on several factors, including building codes and room layout and purpose. Bolt Electric is a trusted service in NYC with a track record of successful projects. Our team comprises licensed electricians, and we are happy to help you with your recessed lighting project. Call us at (212) 734-5000 to schedule a lighting consultation.