Can Light Spacing Rules of Thumb
Recessed lighting placement depends on ceiling height, room purpose, and desired brightness level. The most reliable rule: space fixtures at half the ceiling height.
| Ceiling Height | Recommended Spacing | From Wall |
|---|---|---|
| 8 feet | 4 feet apart | 2 feet from wall |
| 9 feet | 4.5 feet apart | 2.25 feet from wall |
| 10 feet | 5 feet apart | 2.5 feet from wall |
| 12 feet | 6 feet apart | 3 feet from wall |
Frequently Asked Questions
General rule: 1 recessed light per 4–6 sq ft for kitchens, 1 per 20–25 sq ft for ambient living space lighting. These rules assume 8–9 ft ceilings and standard 6-inch 800–1000 lumen fixtures.
Space them at half the ceiling height. For 8ft ceilings: 4ft apart. For 9ft: 4.5ft. For 10ft: 5ft. Place the first row of lights 2ft from the wall for ambient lighting, or 12–18 inches for wall washing.
6-inch fixtures are the most popular for living rooms and general lighting. 4-inch work well in kitchens and bathrooms. 5-inch is a great compromise. LED retrofits are available for all sizes.
LED recessed lights (8–12W) replace 65W incandescent bulbs, using 85% less energy. A 9W LED typically produces 700–1000 lumens — equivalent to a 60–75W bulb.
A 15-amp circuit supports about 1,440W continuously. At 9W per LED, that is 160 fixtures per circuit — far more than any room needs. In practice, a room is often on one 15A circuit with a dimmer.
Dimmers are highly recommended for recessed lighting. They allow you to adjust ambiance and save energy. Make sure to use LED-compatible (trailing-edge TRIAC) dimmers to avoid buzzing or flickering.