Task lighting, what is it and how do we use it?

How to calculate the distance & spacing for Task lighting

You hear about the different types of lighting. Recessed lighting, Ambient lighting & Accent lighting, but what is Task lighting?

​In a nutshell, task lighting is extra lighting used to highlight spaces where you need either extra light, or specialized lighting.

You may want to add:

• under cabinet lighting,
• pendant lights over the island
• Office table lamps
• articulating scones which have moveable arms to bring the lighting closer to the work area.

FINNICK 20" 1 LIGHT WALL SCONCE

If you are using an articulating wall sconce for reading, like this brass beauty above, place the fixture approximately 60" off the ground, so that the light (not the base area that attaches to the wall),  is in the perfect position for reading.  Of course this varies depending upon the structure of the light, height of the bed, how far down it moves etc.

LED task lamp by Home Depot

Office lamps are probably the most popular form of task lighting as they can be moved around easily.

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Led Under Cabinet Lighting Puck Lights With Remote Control,

Under cabinet lighting is the most important type of task lighting in my opinion, place them 8-10" from the back of the wall, under your 12" upper cabinets in the kitchen or elsewhere.  These ones are from Amazon, note they are 4,000K, which tends to be blue-ish in colour.  I recommend going with 3,000K for a soft white that is bright, but not glaring.  Read more about colour temperature.

Task Lighting - Pendant lights

​Where to position your pendant lights over your kitchen island?

Jil McDonald - Kitchen Pendant light placement.

​Pendant lights can be so very important over your kitchen island.  I suggest placing them 36-40" above the island, this may vary a little depending upon your height & the height of the room.  Here's a good rule of thumb:

For spacing 2 pendant lights, measure your island's width, divide that by 4. That number is how far from the end of the island you should place your pendant light.  

i.e. 8' wide island divided by 4 = 2.  Place the center of each light 2' from each edge,  this provides a 4' space, in between the lights, and works well for most standard pendant lights.

Have recessed lighting questions?  Have a look at our popular blog Recessed lighting spacing - How many recessed lights do I need? How far apart do I place my lights?


​Happy Lighting!