When planning your dream kitchen, lighting is one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements.
Can lights in a kitchen—also known as recessed lights—offer a sleek, modern solution for general, task, and accent lighting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to design the can light layout in your kitchen, step-by-step, with tips that apply whether you’re a homeowner, interior designer, or enthusiastic DIY renovator.
Can Light Placement in Kitchen Zones – Quick Reference Table
| Kitchen Area | Recommended Distance | Light Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sink | 30–36″ from wall | 6 inch | Task Lighting |
| Counters | 12–18″ from upper cabinets | 4–6 inch | Task Lighting |
| Island | 2–3 lights, evenly spaced | 6 inch | Task + Ambient Lighting |
| Perimeter | 4–6 feet between lights | 6 inch | General/Ambient Lighting |
| Corners | Avoid placing lights | N/A | Prevent wasted light beams |
Can Light Spacing & Quantity Guide by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size | Ceiling Height | # of 6″ Can Lights Needed | Spacing Between Lights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10×10 ft) | 8–9 ft | 4–6 | ~4 ft apart |
| Medium (12×12 ft) | 8–9 ft | 6–8 | 4.5–5 ft apart |
| Large (15×15 ft) | 9+ ft | 8–12 | 5–6 ft apart |
Can Lights for Kitchen Ceilings
Can lights (aka recessed or canned lights) are flush-mounted fixtures that tuck into the ceiling, providing a clean, minimalistic look.
They’re especially ideal for kitchen ceilings where space, ventilation, and lighting balance are critical.
If you’re remodeling or building from scratch, ensure your ceiling structure allows for these fixtures.
For homeowners with 9ft ceilings, opt for deeper can housings that distribute light more evenly.
👉 Amazon Pick: TORCHSTAR 6 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Light – Great for shallow ceilings and comes with junction boxes.
Layout for Kitchen Can Light Fixtures
A good layout means placing your can lights strategically based on the kitchen’s layout, cabinetry, island, sink, and appliances.
For example:
- Around kitchen perimeter for ambient lighting
- Over workstations for task lighting (sink, counter, stove)
- Between cabinets and island for focused coverage
Design your can lighting layout before installation to avoid shadowy zones and overlaps.
📌Related Read: How To Brighten Your Kitchen With Under Cabinet Lighting?
Can Light Placement in Kitchen
The golden rule for can light placement in kitchens is to ensure even illumination.
Start by creating a grid.
Typically, lights are spaced 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on ceiling height and light beam angle.
Pro Tip: For a 10×10 kitchen, four to six 6-inch can lights spaced 4 feet apart usually suffice.
Typical Can Light Above Sink
One of the most common areas for task lighting is the kitchen sink.
A typical can light above the sink should be centered, about 30 to 36 inches from the wall, depending on your counter depth.
👉 Amazon Pick: Sunco 6-Inch Dimmable LED Can Light – Ideal for sinks, fully dimmable, and energy-efficient.
Where Should Can Lights Go in a Kitchen?
Your can lights should go:
- Around the perimeter of the kitchen
- Over task zones like counters, island, and sink
- Avoiding directly above shiny surfaces (causes glare)
- Not too close to cabinet tops (creates shadows)
Check your ceiling type and joist direction before finalizing placements.
Best Can Lights for Kitchen
Not all can lights are made equal. Look for:
- IC-rated lights (for insulated ceilings)
- Airtight housings (energy efficiency)
- Dimmable, daylight-spectrum LED trims
👉 Amazon Pick: Halo Recessed LED Downlight Kit – Trusted brand, perfect for kitchen installations.
Can Lights Needed for a Medium Kitchen
For a medium-sized kitchen (approx. 12×12 ft), you’ll need 6 to 8 can lights to achieve balanced lighting.
Use 6-inch can lights for broader coverage and calculate based on this spacing rule:
Spacing = Ceiling Height ÷ 2
(For 8ft ceilings: lights spaced ~4 ft apart)
Proper Placement for Canned Lights in Kitchen
Proper placement avoids “hotspots” or “dark zones.” Here’s a quick layout guide:
| Area | Distance from Cabinets | Light Size | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sink | 30–36″ from wall | 6 inch | Task |
| Counters | 12–18″ from upper cabinets | 4–6 inch | Task |
| Island | Centered, 2–3 lights | 6 inch | Task + Ambient |
Kitchen Layout for Canless LED Lights
If you’re going for a minimalist look, consider canless LED lights.
These ultra-thin lights sit flush and don’t require a traditional can housing.
👉 Amazon Pick: Ensenior 6 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Lights – Great for tight spaces, no can required.
Can Lighting in Kitchen Layout
Think of your kitchen in zones—each with specific lighting needs.
Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting using recessed lights with adjustable trims.
Proper Spacing for 6 Inch Can Lights in Kitchen
Spacing matters just as much as placement. The general rule for 6 inch can lights in kitchen is:
Spacing = Ceiling Height ÷ 2
- For 8-foot ceilings, space lights 4 feet apart
- For 9-foot ceilings, space them 4.5 feet apart
Place lights 12–18 inches away from the upper cabinets to reduce shadows.
TIP: Use a laser distance measurer or painter’s tape to grid out your ceiling before cutting holes.
Distance from Edge of Counter to Recessed Lighting
Getting the distance from the edge of the counter to recessed lighting right prevents annoying shadows while cooking or prepping.
- Aim for 12 to 18 inches from the edge of the counter to the center of your can light.
- Keep it aligned with the front edge of your countertop to light up your workspace directly.
How Far Should Recessed Lights Be from Upper Cabinets?
Placing your recessed lights too close to upper cabinets causes harsh shadows. A safe distance is:
- 12 to 18 inches from the face of the upper cabinets
- Or roughly 24 to 30 inches from the back wall, if the cabinets are standard depth
This ensures a soft wash of light down your backsplash and counters.
How to Install Can Lights in Kitchen Ceiling?
Installing recessed lights involves several steps:
- Mark your layout: Use chalk lines to grid your kitchen ceiling.
- Cut holes: Use a hole saw or drywall saw.
- Run electrical wiring to your designated switch.
- Insert the housing (new construction or remodel type).
- Connect wires and push into the ceiling.
- Add trim and bulbs.
👉 Tool Suggestion on Amazon:
KATA Hole Saw Set – Perfect for cutting clean holes for can lights.
If you’re unsure, hiring a licensed electrician is safer.
How Many Recessed Lights in Kitchen?
Use this formula to estimate:
Room Length × Room Width × 1.5 ÷ Light Wattage = Total Watts Needed
Then divide by the wattage per light to get the number of fixtures.
Quick Guide:
- Small Kitchen (10×10 ft): 4–6 lights
- Medium Kitchen (12×12 ft): 6–8 lights
- Large Kitchen (15×15 ft+): 8–12 lights
Kitchen Recessed Lighting Plan
A good lighting plan includes:
- Grid of recessed lights spaced 4–5 feet apart
- Separate circuit for task areas (sink, stove, island)
- Dimmers for ambient lighting control
- Integration with under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights over islands
👉 Dimmable Smart Switch on Amazon:
Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Dimmer – Control your can lights via phone or Alexa.
How to Wire Kitchen Recessed Lighting?
Basic wiring involves:
- Pulling power from an existing ceiling fixture or circuit
- Running wire to each can light in a daisy chain
- Connecting to a dedicated wall switch
- Ensuring all grounds and neutrals are properly joined
⚠️ Always turn off the power at the breaker and follow NEC electrical codes.
Where to Put Recessed Lighting in Kitchen?
To summarize:
| Area | Light Placement |
|---|---|
| Sink | One light centered, 30–36″ from wall |
| Island | Evenly spaced, 2–3 lights depending on length |
| Counters | 12–18″ from cabinet face |
| Corners | Avoid placing lights in corners—causes wasted beams |
Kitchen Lighting Layout with Recessed Lights
Create zones using can lights:
- Zone 1: General Illumination – Over walkway areas
- Zone 2: Task Lighting – Counters, sink, island
- Zone 3: Accent Lighting – Art, open shelves
Pair with LED puck lights under cabinets and pendants for full effect.
👉 See our post: Best Under Cabinet Lights for Kitchens in 2025
FAQ: Kitchen Can Lighting
How Many Can Lights for a 10×10 Kitchen?
4 to 6 lights are usually sufficient, spaced 4 feet apart.
Where to Place Recessed Lights in Small Kitchen?
Focus on work zones and walkways. Place one light above the sink and a few spaced across the counters.
Kitchen Can Light Spacing 9ft Ceiling?
With 9-foot ceilings, space your can lights 4.5 to 5 feet apart for balanced coverage.
Recessed Lighting Distance from Upper Cabinets?
Maintain 12–18 inches from the cabinet face to the center of your can light.
How Far Should Recessed Lights Be from Cabinets?
For wall cabinets, the ideal distance is 12 to 18 inches from the front face of the cabinet to the light’s center.
Can Light Layout for Kitchen Island?
Use 2–3 lights centered above the island, spaced 24 to 36 inches apart depending on island length.
Best Recessed Lighting for Kitchen?
Look for dimmable, daylight-spectrum LED lights with a wide beam angle and low profile—especially if using canless designs.
Final Thoughts – Can Light Layout In Kitchen
Designing the perfect can light layout in your kitchen is all about balance—spacing, placement, zones, and purpose.
With the right plan, you’ll create a kitchen that’s functional, welcoming, and stunning.
📌Related Read:
What Size Recessed Lights For Kitchen?
How To Brighten Your Kitchen With Under Cabinet Lighting?
Best Kitchen Island Lighting Fixtures
How Many Watts For Kitchen Lighting?
Top Smart Lights for Kitchens in 2025