Side view of soffit lighting in kitchen. Frosted panels have been remove above and below that would normal hide the fluorescent lights.
Asked on Jun 09, 2018
Soffit lighting,..Change or Go?
by
Mimi
+4
I call these soffit lights. As you can see they have fluorescent linear lights. I have removed the frosted panels that would normally be in place below and above.
First Option: I was thinking of cutting the front part of the ‘box’ out all together. Then remove the fluorescent lights and replace with a down-ward wall sconce or something similar. PROS: clean looking, streamline, easy to keep clean. CONS: Messy to remove and may be expensive if I have to hire someone to remove the drywall ’box’.
Second/Other Option: ???
Otherside of kitchen, same type of lights.
Honestly, I think these are just fine. FYI, you can buy dimmable bulbs for a non-exorbitant cost and add a dimmer switch.
Should you want more interest, you could lay some wire in the bottom of covers.
https://www.twpinc.com/wire-mesh-material. This is gourmet stuff, but you wouldn’t need much. With your fabulous ceiling height, that could be very interesting. Match your pulls or bring in copper.
If you have to buy a bit extra, hang it on the side of the cabinet to hold a dish towel or potholder.
Some of the links on this pinterest page show the open part of the ceiling where the soffit lighting was, and what they have done is hang an entirely different light fixture inside of it with softer lighting, this may be an idea:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203506476896347679/?lp=true
Check out this site for reasons not to use fluorescent bulbs.
http://www.hoveyelectric.com/hovey-electric-power-blog/bid/100379/LED-vs-Fluorescent-10-Problems-To-Consider-With-Fluorescent-Lighting
You could take them down and create a tray ceiling. It can be painted and accented with a second color. There are so many options for lighting, from chandeliers to recessed lights to a ceiling fan with a good light kit. No matter what kind of lights you like and hang, you'll also need undercabinet lighting for tasks.
I would rip out the soffits and the dated upper cabinets, and put in some more current looking upper cabinets (much taller maybe with crown trim) in. And I would either put in some LED pot lights or a modern track light, and some pendant lights over task areas.
I had a similar configuration. I took the bulkhead and the lighting out and pushed my new cabinets up in the space, NO regrets whatsoever. I only had a strip of drywall to repair. It was SO worth it.
Two ways I would handle this depending on time and budget.
Completely remove them and open the kitchen up. They do take up a lot of visual space. Put in under cabinet lighting.
Leave them up. Remove the fluorescent lights. Seal the top and bottom with drywall and install can lights.