When choosing the correct lighting for a room, you are ultimately changing the whole feel of the room. You want the layout and position of your lights to be inviting and comforting. They should be enhancing the space, not blinding everyone who steps foot in the room. There are some crucial things that can happen if the lights are placed incorrectly. Shadows behind any couch, glares from the TV. You are even at risk of the ceiling looking like a fashion show runway. If done wrong, recessed lighting can become overwhelming to look at very easily. It is key that the layout is correct and spaced properly to give you that peace of mind. Here’s how to nail it—without losing your mind.

Recessed Lighting Spacing

A tip you may not know about recessed lighting is spacing. The distance between each light should be approximately half of the ceiling height. For example, if your ceiling is 10 feet, the bulbs should be placed at 5 feet. This gives enough space for the lights to look nice and not give a cramped feel. No one wants too many lights at once. The lights should also be spaced 2-3 feet away from any walls. This prevents any weird shadows that give a horror room filtering to the room.

The most important step to renovating anything is the planning that goes into it. While you may be okay with chaos, it is crucial to remember that this will be permanent. The lights on your ceiling are not going anywhere, so make sure you are satisfied with their placement. First, you want to grab your tape measure and note the length and width down. For a project that deserves precision, eyeballing is not the way to go. If the vision for a room is not to put the recessed lights in straight lines, you need to assess what you want. Ask: “What is this room for?” Some areas of a room require specific light placement. Make sure to mark the zones where light matters. 

Recessed Lighting Placement

Here are some dos and don’ts we recommend for a given room. In your kitchen, you likely want bright lighting so you can see what you're doing, but you are not looking to get blinded by too many bulbs. Direct lights above countertops, the sink, and your stove are where you likely want the light. Avoid having lights directly above your head, unless you enjoy chopping onions in your own shadow. Think about lighting the more important areas. For your living room, this is less important. In this room, you are looking to light the edges of the room, steering clear of putting any spotlights on your couch. If you have any cool pieces displayed in this room, your lights can then be used as a dimmable spotlight to accentuate their importance. 

In the more personal areas, like your bedroom or bathroom, the lighting can be tailored to what you prefer. Most people would rather wake up to a light glow in their room as opposed to a spotlight smack in the middle of their bed. Lights in the bedroom are recommended to be placed far apart from each other so the results are not too harsh and keep the room cozy. In the bathroom, place lights in front of the mirror, as opposed to above. This avoids unnecessary shadows being cast over your face while you’re getting ready. A spotlight may be wanted above the shower, but this is a personal preference. 

If you are unsure how the lights will look in a space, it is always a good idea to test it out before cutting any holes. Tape a flashlight in the desired area to see the desired effect. You also want to make sure you start from the middle of the room and make your way outwards. This process should be as unchaotic for you as possible. If you are unsure about bulbs, make the lights be dimmable. It is always nice to know you can adjust the settings if you need to. 

In Conclusion

You want your home to be balanced. With evenly spaced lights, you can easily achieve this. Feel confident about your renovations by planning the lights and thinking ahead of time. Give each room the vibe it deserves, and you will never want to leave.

Top 10 FAQs on Recessed Lighting Layout & Placement

1. How far apart should recessed lights be spaced?

A rule of thumb is to space them at about half the ceiling height. For instance, in an 8-foot ceiling, place lights roughly every 4 feet. For accent lighting, spacing around 4–6 feet apart is recommended.

2. Is there a formula to calculate spacing for a specific room size?

Yes, Divide the ceiling height in half for spacing. For a more precise layout, divide the room’s width and length by twice the number of lights in each row to get wall distance, then double that for spacing between lights.

3. How do I determine the first light's distance from the wall?

Measure the room’s length, divide by (2 × number of lights), and that distance is from the wall to the first light. Then just double it for spacing between the rest.

4. What about spacing based on ceiling height and manufacturer recommendations?

Manufacturers specify a “spacing criterion,” a multiplier to ceiling height to determine maximum allowable spacing. If the SC is 1.5 and the ceiling is 8 ft, the maximum spacing is 12 ft (1.5 × 8).

5. How should I lay out recessed lights in a kitchen, especially over an island?

Place lights in a straight line above the island, with spacing of about 24–30 inches between fixtures.

6. How close should recessed lights be to walls to avoid shadows or scalloping?

Keep lights about 3 feet from walls to prevent scalloping or uneven lighting on the walls.

7. Should recessed lighting be the only light in a room?

No. Designers suggest layering lighting, combine recessed lights with wall or floor lamps and use dimmers to create a more balanced, welcoming ambiance.

8. What are common lighting mistakes in kitchens involving recessed lighting?

Avoid overusing recessed lights, which can create a sterile feel. Instead, balance ambient lighting and make use of under-cabinet lighting to reduce countertop shadows.

9. How many recessed lights are typically needed in a small room like a bedroom?

A typical guideline is 24 inches from walls and 3–5 feet between cans. In a 12′ × 12′ room, that often means two rows of about four lights each (around 8 total).

10. What are the main parts of a recessed light fixture?

A recessed light comprises three parts:

1. Housing – the portion inside the ceiling (IC-rated if touching insulation).
   
2. Trim – the visible edge and light diffusion component.
3. Bulb – can be directional (like PAR, MR) or diffuse (A-style), depending on the lighting effect needed.