Where should overhead kitchen lighting be pointed

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JoeNorm

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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
 
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.
 
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 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.
 
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
 
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.
 
charlie b said:
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.
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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!
 
480sparky said:
I thought the OP was referring to areas without upper cabinets.
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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.
 
LarryFine said:
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.
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OK. Lets go back to the OP.


JoeNorm said:
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
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I envisioned this:

Pams-Kitchen-sink-area.jpg
 
Is this a residential kitchen? I'm really curious about the padlock on the fridge. Also there seems to be too few countertop receps.
 
Coppersmith said:
Is this a residential kitchen? I'm really curious about the padlock on the fridge. Also there seems to be too few countertop receps.
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Cali. that's a humidor for the reefer.
Agree picture makes it look a bit long on the counter plug.
 
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