Replies

1. 
   Dinosaur | Nov 10, 2006 02:58am | #1

   Two suggestions:

   1. Install a 4" octo box in the wall above the window with switched power to it (put the switch where you need it). Install a dress-dome cover plate with a feed-through hook, and run swag chain and some 18-2 zip cord out of there. Screw a swag hook into something solid in the ceiling (use a finish-grade batten if necessary to put it where you need to) and hang a Tiffany lamp from that with a 75w R30 spot in it right over the sink.

   Or, try #2.

   Build a 9x12 or so box to fit from cab to cab; make it with a decorative front and open top. The top should be even with the top of the cabs. If this puts it below the top of the window (usually does), set the box forward between the cabs about three or four inches. Install a 4" octo on the wall above the window (and the box) and snake your power out through a dome cover as above, but without the chain. Install two 3" Halogen pot lights in the bottom of the box and wire as required from above. Leave the top open to let the heat from those halogens escape. No one will see the wire or the open top from down below. Using 50w halogens, you'll have plenty of light in that sink.

   Dinosaur

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
   low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
   foolish men call Justice....
   

   

1. 
   caseyr | Nov 10, 2006 07:54am | #4

   Dinosaur -
   Thanks for the specific suggestions. However, the j-box on the wall is not practical for several reasons and the other suggestion is more work than I care to do at this point in time.

1. 
   k1c | Nov 10, 2006 08:17am | #5

   I was thinking of this when locating recessed lights over the sink in my renovation.  Usual locations seemed to be either directly over-head when standing near the sink, or center of the drop ceiling.  In both cases, light would shine into my eyes if I happen to look up just a little. 

   In my kitchen, I don't have drop ceiling.  I located the recessed lights as close as I can to the window wall, the center of light bulbs is about 6 inches from the finished wall.  I don't have the lights shining into my eyes.

   In your case, track light seem to be the best choice, and maybe play around with the location with someone standing at the sink.  You could point the lights toward the wall, but if you have a window, the lights would shine back at you. 

   Hope this helps.     

2. 
   Dinosaur | Nov 10, 2006 08:35am | #6

   I had a similar situation in a complete kitchen remod I did several years back, and realised when I'd got the new cabs mounted that there wasn't enough light over the sink to tell if the dishes were clean.

   I scratched my head for about one cigarette, then went through the electricals box in the truck and came up with two pot lights. The scrap pile yielded enough wood to build the light box, and I think it took me about 30 minutes from conception to turning the lights on. The longest part was ironing on the edge banding to the scalloped bottom edge of the front board.

   It's not a big job. What you're doing is basically installing a 3-sided valence between the two upper cabs, then using a hole saw to drill a couple of pot lights into the bottom of it. If the upper cabs are standard 12"-deep  units, set the front board of the valence flush with the face frame.

   Keep it simple; use ¾x¾ cleats on the inside to mount it to the cabs and nail the whole thing together with 16ga air nails. Make the front board 2 inches deeper than the back, and mount the bottom board a couple of inches up behind it. No top, as I said before.

   Make the whole thing 8 or 9 inches front to back. That will leave it 3 or 4 inches clear of the wall and the window casing, but no one will see that unless they get right under it and look up...not something anyone would normally do.

   Betcha it doesn't take you three hours, even with shopping for the materials.Dinosaur

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....

2. 
   BruceT999 | Nov 10, 2006 04:54am | #2

   Halogen lights are very bright and harsh, producing stark shadows. Putting one directly over the edge of the sink will cast annoying shadows.

   Diffuse light is always better for working or reading. Either up-lights reflecting off the ceiling or lights behind a diffuser would be best.

   BruceT

3. 
   WayneL5 | Nov 10, 2006 06:22am | #3

   I think you'll cast shadows as you bend over the sink with the lights so far from the wall.  Small spots mounted to the cabinets would give better light.

4. 
   Geoffrey | Nov 11, 2006 07:14am | #7

   Casey, mount a valence flush to the cab. face between the cabs, then mount a flourescent stick(under-cab light?) to the backside of the valence, run the wire to hide as needed, maybe bring it out of the wall in the cab. then come out of the side of the cab just behind the valence and run to the fixture, then it's out of sight except inside the cab.

                                                                                               Geoff

1. 
   caseyr | Nov 12, 2006 04:58am | #8

   Thanks to all who gave advice.The kitchen cabinets I ripped out had a valance and I hated it. I really don't want to put one in, so will probably go with the track light and bounce the light off of the sides of the cabinet or install one (or more) of the hanging fixtures that would bring the lights down to a lower level. I may also install a small T5 fluorescent undercounter light on the cabinets adjacent to the sink and see if that fills in some useful light. I will try and remember to report back when all is done.

1. 
   2leftfeet | Nov 12, 2006 05:32pm | #9

   How about using a track systems that has pendants available for it? Hang a pendant or 2 above the sink, softer light and more decorative since you can change out the glass to match DW's hand towels.

   Plus if you hang the pendants and don't like them it is easy to switch to something else.

   Pendants are in right now from what I can tell from all the magazines.

1. 
   Geoffrey | Nov 13, 2006 06:21am | #10

   That's a great idea (the pendant lights)!, not bad for a guy with two left feet! :)

                                                                                                                         Geoff

1. 
   caseyr | Nov 13, 2006 08:03am | #11

   Thanks for the term. Pendant lights is what I was trying to describe in my last post. Even Home Depot has some decent looking ones. The local lighting shop has some also, except they cost about $100 more for the same look...