Your lighting layout should include two light sources over your kitchen sink. One light source located directly over your kitchen sink on its centerline will create dark shadows every time you bend over to do tasks.
The best solution would be to install two small light sources spaced 15-18” apart over a 30-36” width kitchen sink. With this spacing, the two light sources balance out each other. This results in less shadow and better lighting quality for doing your sink tasks.
Consider line voltage PAR16 or low voltage MR16 lamps because of their small size. Both these light sources are available in several watt and beam spread choices. They can be inserted into recessed fixtures, miniature track and track monopoint light fixtures.
As an alternative to recessed lighting fixtures or track lighting, you might look at two decorative light fixtures.
When you go to your lighting retailer to purchase your light fixtures, your salesperson will want to know the following information:
* The distance between your sink and where you want to mount your lighting fixture. It makes a difference if it’s 5 feet or 10 feet.
Tip: The greater the distance between the light source and your kitchen sink work area, the greater the light needs to be. For high ceiling spaces, consider two dropped decorative lighting pendent fixtures to get the light source closer to your kitchen sink.
* The joist height and if your ceiling over the kitchen sink is insulated or non-insulated if you prefer recessed light fixtures to exposed decorative or track lighting.
