How many recessed lights do I need vaulted ceiling?

Quick Answer

The number of recessed lights needed for a vaulted ceiling depends on the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. As a general guideline, plan for 1 recessed light for every 4-6 feet of ceiling length. So for a 20×20 ft vaulted ceiling room, you would need around 10-12 recessed lights. It’s better to have more, smaller lights than fewer, brighter lights for a soft, even lighting distribution. Consider installing lights on dimmers as well to adjust brightness.

Calculating the Number of Recessed Lights

Here are some tips for calculating how many recessed lights you need for a vaulted ceiling:

• Measure the length and width of the room to determine the total ceiling square footage.
• Divide the square footage by 16-36. This gives you the recommended number of recessed lights.
• For a standard 10×10 ft room with an 8 ft ceiling, you would need 6-12 recessed lights (100 sq ft / 16 to 36 = 6 to 12 lights).
• For larger rooms, space lights closer together – every 4-6 feet along the length of the ceiling.
• Position lights evenly spaced in a grid pattern for uniform lighting.

As a rule of thumb:

• 4-6 ft between lights for general illumination
• 2-4 ft between lights for task lighting areas
• 8-12 ft between lights for accent or wall wash lighting

The light beam angle will also affect spread. Narrow 25-35 degree beams concentrate light directly below. Wider 45-60 degree beams spread light over a larger area.

Factors that Determine Recessed Lighting Needs

Consider these key factors when determining how many recessed lights your vaulted ceiling needs:

Room Size

Larger rooms need more recessed lighting. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1 recessed light per 50 sq ft of floor space.

Ceiling Height

The higher the ceiling, the more lights you need to sufficiently illuminate the room. Add 1 extra light for every 2 feet over a standard 8 ft ceiling.

Function of Room

Task lighting areas like kitchens may need lights spaced closer, about 2-4 feet apart. Accent lighting areas like dining rooms can have lights spaced further apart around 8-12 feet.

Light Output

Higher output lights (800+ lumens) can be spaced further apart than lower output lights (350-500 lumens). Check manufacturer specs for light output.

Beam Angle

Narrow beam angles (25-35 degrees) concentrate light in a smaller area. Wider beams (45-60 degrees) spread light over a larger space.

Ceiling Finish/Color

Dark or textured ceilings require more light than smooth, light colored ceilings that reflect more light.

General Guidelines

Here are some general guidelines for the number of recessed lights needed based on room size:

Room Size	Number of Lights
5×5 ft	4-9 lights
8×10 ft	6-12 lights
10×12 ft	8-16 lights
12×15 ft	12-20 lights
15×20 ft	16-25 lights
20×20 ft	20-36 lights

For living rooms, plan for 10-14 lights per 100 sq ft. For kitchens, allow for 12-18 lights per 100 sq ft. Lighting experts recommend a minimum of 50 lumens per sq ft for general residential lighting.

Layout Tips

Here are some recessed lighting layout tips for vaulted ceilings:

• Focus lights over work areas like kitchen counters, desks, or reading nooks.
• Install lights symmetrically in a grid pattern for even lighting.
• Include accent lighting on artwork or architectural details.
• Add wall washing lights behind shelving or millwork.
• Space lights closer in frequently used areas and further apart in transitional spaces.
• Use dimmers to adjust mood and brightness as needed.

Installing recessed lighting in a stepped pattern up the slope of the ceiling can help eliminate shadows and hot spots. Place lights to avoid ceiling beams, vents, or fans which can obstruct light distribution.

Choosing Recessed Light Trim

The trim or housing you select for recessed lighting will impact the aesthetic. Here are some of the most common options:

• Reflector trims – basic polished metal or white reflective trim, provide wide lighting distribution, economical
• Baffle trims – solid or perforated squares limit glare and light control, contemporary look
• Wall wash trims – specialized reflector angles light up walls, indirect lighting
• Adjustable trims – pivot and tilt light from 0 to 40 degrees for directional lighting
• Aperture trims – decorative square openings for subtle, understated lighting
• Lensed trims – spread light uniformly with frosted plastic diffusing lenses

The size of the trim will also vary based on the size of the recessed can (light fixture). Standard sizes are 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and 8″ round trims. The smaller the aperture, the more concealed the light source.

Recessed Lighting Pros and Cons

Here is an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of installing recessed lighting:

Pros

• Unobtrusive, hidden light source.
• Highly directional light.
• Cleaner look than surface mount lights.
• Wide range of trims for design flexibility.
• Long lifespan with LED bulbs.
• Energy efficient.

Cons

• Can be difficult to install in insulated ceilings or ceilings with obstructions.
• Challenging to change out trims or bulbs.
• Can result in holes or gaps in ceiling.
• Requires professional installation.
• More expensive than some other lighting options.
• Not well suited to rooms with low ceilings.

Carefully planning the layout and selecting quality fixtures will help maximize the benefits and minimize the downsides. Recessed lighting is a versatile choice to create both ambient and task oriented lighting.

Cost Factor

The costs of installing recessed lighting include:

• Recessed lighting fixtures – $15-$75 per light
• Trim kits – $10-$100 per trim set
• Wiring and installation – $150-$500 depending on complexity
• Electrician fees – $40-$100 per hour
• Drywall patching/repainting – $300+ if extensive repairs needed
• Insulation modifications – $100-$500 if blown-in insulation present

Expect to pay around $200-400 per recessed light when including the fixture, trim, labor, and installation. The total project cost depends heavily on the number of lights, ceiling complexity, and electrician rates.

Installing dimmers, smart technology, or specialty trims will increase costs $25-$100 per light. New construction allows for simpler installation than retrofitting existing ceilings.

Energy Efficiency with Recessed Lights

Recessed lights used to get a bad rap for poor energy efficiency as the housings allowed conditioned air to leak through. But today’s airtight, IC-rated fixtures prevent drafts, convection losses, and heat transfer. Pairing LED bulbs with recessed lights creates an energy efficient lighting combination.

Other tips for boosting efficiency include:

• Choosing fixtures labeled AT, for airtight
• Using aluminum or steel housings to reflect more light
• Installing vapor barriers over insulation around housings
• Adding gaskets for an airtight seal
• Using LED bulbs that give off less heat
• Placing lights on smart lighting systems and dimmers

Proper installation is key to prevent air leaks that could diminish energy savings. Following building codes for insulation contact and coverage helps too.

Choosing Bulbs

LED bulbs are the best choice for today’s recessed lighting for the following reasons:

• Energy efficient – use up to 80% less power than incandescents
• Long lifespan – last 25,000 to 50,000 hours compared to 1,000 for incandescents
• Cool operation – emit less heat keeping fixtures cooler
• Instant brightness – no warm up time required
• Smaller size – fit more compactly into housings
• Wide dimming capability
• Greater durability and shock resistance

Aim for Energy Star certified LED bulbs with a color temperature between 2700K (warm light) and 4000K (cool light). Pick a lumen output that provides sufficient lighting for the room. Costs range from $3-$15 per bulb.

Conclusion

When installing recessed lighting in a vaulted ceiling, follow the basic guidelines of spacing lights every 4-6 feet along the length of the ceiling. Adjust for room size, ceiling height, function, output, and beam angle to determine the exact quantity needed. Plan for 1 recessed fixture per 50 sq ft as an average. Positioning lights in a grid pattern provides uniform lighting on the sloped surfaces. Finally, choose energy efficient LED bulbs and AT rated airtight housings for optimal energy savings and performance. Careful planning yields an illuminated vaulted ceiling to highlight your unique architecture.