Hey guys, started another home project today. We have soffits along
2 walls above the cabinets with 4 recessed lights in them. I have started
tearing the soffits out and wondered what options you guys can think of for me. I know about recessed lights going into insulation as an option, just wondered about something smaller maybe? I will try to do a couple of pics
if i can figure out how......thanks.

Jim

 

That a rubber mallet on the counter?

What kind of options you looking for, locations or size of fixtures? For smaller,you could look at the "puck" style lamps, etc.. After removing the furr downs, you could just put new lamps essentially in the same spot, just on the new ceiling. With the wall above the cabs now open, you could add above (and below, if not already present) cabinet lighting.

 

ruber mallet was just to trick you! LOL I was thinking of putting
in similar to what was there unless i come up with a better idea. We originally had 3 lights in above the cabinets in the soffit and one on its own switch above the sink. we wanted to open up the kitchen more and this seems to do the trick well.

 

I absolutely hate canned lights. They put far too much light in one place and no where else for the wattage used. I assume you mean you want to do away with the furr downs over the cabinets. I never liked those either. I've always preferred it to be open and a nice cove mould used at the tops of the cabinets or a moulded planter shelf. I would suggest using a recessed fluorescent fixture. If you decide to use this type of fixture, remember that the light given out by the bulb is to the side of the bulb and not much light given to the end of the bulbs. So arrange the fixtures according to where you need the light. Running parallel to the outside wall would be the best but you'd have to box the fixture in because of the direction of the joists. You could also take a look at recessed/ cabinet mounted low voltage lighting. I've been installing some of it around the house lately and I like what I've done so far. The utility bills have been steadily going down as I have converted to these and the CFL bulbs. It has made a noticable difference in the electric bill.

 

How about the low voltage halogen mini cans? They're a little pricey but much nicer looking than the original can light and much better lighting. Also install some under cabinet lighting and/or toe kick lighting.

 

the low voltage holagens mentioned, are the able to be in contact with
insulation (IC).?

 

Not sure

 

You'll have to use large poly pans, so the insulation is safely away from the fixture.

It will require come cutting and piecing of your existing insulation, but it will be safe.

 

Insulation on 99% of recessed lights has to be 6 inches away from it, they will over heat and switch off.
I fit the mini eye ball lights that have a 360 adjustment and use a holagen 60w bulb,under cabinet lighting is a good idea to.

 

any other ideas not mentioned or something different?

 

Add some rope crown on the cabinets and throw in some back lighting on a dimmer. Maybe choose a couple cabinet doors to change out with some water-ford glass or something and install pucs in the cabinets (swap the shelves out with glass shelves too).

 

as promised, more of a finished product! still have to paint the wall above the cabinets (just primed now) and some crown moulding. I also have a wire ready to go for hooking up under cabinet lighting soon!

 

huge difference! Looks great, I really like recessed lighting.
Big improvement over that 80s style wallpaper.

 

Looks good.

 

Looks really good. How much time do you think you invested in it.
With me one small job ends up a total remodel