Start with Ceiling Height
For 8-foot ceilings, space recessed lights 4 feet apart. For 9-foot ceilings, use 4.5 feet. For 10-foot ceilings, use 5 feet. The rule: ceiling height divided by 2 equals the spacing between lights.
Distance from the Wall
Place lights 2–3 feet from walls to wash them with light and avoid harsh shadows. For task lighting over counters or islands, position fixtures directly above the work surface.
“Rudy and Alan installed our recessed lighting and took the time to get placement right. The result looks balanced and intentional. — Ajay B., Manassas VA”
Wafer LEDs for Retrofit Installations
If you're adding recessed lighting without attic access, wafer-style ultra-thin LEDs are the right choice. They clip into a 4-inch hole and require no ceiling box — minimal damage, clean results.
Plan for Dimmers
If you want dimming, specify dimmer-compatible LED bulbs or fixtures and compatible smart dimmers upfront. Not all LEDs dim properly with all dimmers. We specify compatible combinations before the install.