Recessed lights are comprised of two components. The first of these components is the actual fixture, which is called the canister or “can.” This is the part that is installed out of sight above the ceiling. The other component is the trim, which is the designer part that hides the “can” and remains visible after the installation. These two components are usually purchased separately providing you with limitless combinations of fixture type and decorative trim.

Kitchen Lighting

Recessed “cans” are categorized as either line-voltage or low-voltage. Line voltage simply means that the fixture is designed to operate using normal household electrical power without the need of a transformer. Line voltage fixtures are typically the larger diameter lights that use incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are labeled as either PAR20 or R20, and are available in various wattages.

Low voltage fixtures, on the other hand, require electrical power to be stepped down. To accomplish this, low voltage fixtures contain transformers that are built-in to the fixture. This makes low voltage fixtures typically more expensive than line voltage types. Low voltage fixtures incorporate canisters that are relatively smaller in diameter and use halogen bulbs that are available in various wattages.

Both types of recessed lights are similarly installed. However, whichever type you choose, care should be used in positioning your fixtures to ensure adequate coverage and shadowless illumination.

Also note that recessed lights work very well with dimmer switches. Using dimmers will allow you to also use your recessed fixtures as a source of ambient light.

  • Material Cost: $15 to $100 per line voltage fixture
  • Material Cost: $80 to $155 per low voltage fixture
  • Material Cost: $5 to $8 per line voltage R20 or PAR20 light bulb
  • Material Cost: $10 per low voltage halogen bulb
  • Labor Cost: $25 to $50/hour

Pendant Lights

The pendant light fixture represents another source of task light that works well over sinks and islands. Pendants are available in many styles and colors, and provide more of a designer element than recessed fixtures. You can choose pendants that coordinate with your kitchen’s décor. Or you can select colors, shapes and textures that provide contrast and high visual interest to the room. Either way, pendants are a cost effective way to make a highly visible statement to your kitchen.

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