Where should overhead kitchen lighting be pointed

[JoeNorm]

When installing pendant lighting for illuminating countertops/sink area should they be centered on the countertop? If not, what is a good rule for this area?

thanks

 

[480sparky]

For a standard 25" deep c'top, I prefer it to be 8" from the back. This way someone who leans over won't be as likely to have to work in their shadow.

 

[charlie b]

As part of a kitchen remodel last year, the electrician installed LED strips along the very back of the underside of our upper cabinets. They provide plenty of light on the entire counter surface.

 

[sgtsparky]

It depends on the size of the pendant. although as a general rule i center pendants.

 

[480sparky]

Islands are a different story.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I typically place the edge of the trim closest to the upper cabinets lined up with the edge of the counter top. I don't like hot points on the cabinets. Center recessed and pendants over peninsulas and islands unless the customer prefers something else.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Joe are there upper cabinets? If so that is a bad design as the doors will hit them unless they are outside the base cabinet line. If this is an island then I would center them on the island. If the island is 6' then I would have one centered and the others about 2' from center

 

[Coppersmith]

I can't remember seeing pendants being used for countertops. These are almost always recessed cans. I align them centered on the edge of the countertop.

 

[480sparky]

I can't remember seeing pendants being used for countertops. These are almost always recessed cans. I align them centered on the edge of the countertop.

So when someone stands against the edge of the c'top, the light is directly overhead?

 

[Hv&Lv]

As part of a kitchen remodel last year, the electrician installed LED strips along the very back of the underside of our upper cabinets. They provide plenty of light on the entire counter surface.

I did one a couple of years back. I put the under counter lights like you just suggested.
the HO decided to also add the same lights to the front of the top of the overhead cabinets. I had my doubts until I saw them once the kitchen was finished. It makes for an awesome lighting effect!

 

[LarryFine]

So when someone stands against the edge of the c'top, the light is directly overhead?

Yes, half the light on the counter (and into the upper cabinets), half on the floor (and into the drawers).

 

[480sparky]

Yes, half the light on the counter (and into the upper cabinets), half on the floor (and into the drawers).

I thought the OP was referring to areas without upper cabinets.

 

[LarryFine]

I thought the OP was referring to areas without upper cabinets.

Generally, centered, but stepped islands can be treated like two separate islands, like three small pendants over the raised eating area, and two bigger pendants straddling the sink.

 

[480sparky]

Generally, centered, but stepped islands can be treated like two separate islands, like three small pendants over the raised eating area, and two bigger pendants straddling the sink.

OK. Lets go back to the OP.

When installing pendant lighting for illuminating countertops/sink area should they be centered on the countertop? If not, what is a good rule for this area?

thanks

I envisioned this:

 

[LarryFine]

I think we all took "centered" to be referring to the distance from the wall.

 

[480sparky]

I think we all took "centered" to be referring to the distance from the wall.

And that was my response... based on there not being any cabinets above the sink.

 

[LarryFine]

Then I agree with 8", and definitely no more than 12".

 

[romex jockey]

led strips have certainly lent to much lighting innovation ....

~RJ~

 

[Coppersmith]

Is this a residential kitchen? I'm really curious about the padlock on the fridge. Also there seems to be too few countertop receps.

 

[sameguy]

Is this a residential kitchen? I'm really curious about the padlock on the fridge. Also there seems to be too few countertop receps.

Cali. that's a humidor for the reefer.
Agree picture makes it look a bit long on the counter plug.