Light Up Your Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to properly light. Because of the cabinets and appliances, it’s hard to find a one-size-fits-all light that will provide all the necessary lighting so you can cook, clean and showcase your kitchen. To create an appealing, peaceful ambience in your kitchen, it’s best to combine a variety of light sources. Four types of lighting are ideal for the kitchen: ambient/surface lighting, task lighting, accent lighting and decorative lighting. Other things to keep in mind are the positioning of your lights/fixtures along with the direction your lighting/fixtures will point.
Use ambient or surface lighting, some might like to say as a base..
Surface lights, such as recessed fixtures, single mushroom-shaped fixtures or larger rectangular fixtures with multiple fluorescent tubes, are standard ceiling-mounted fixtures that offer ample ambient light, effectively illuminating a large kitchen area. This type of lighting serves as the foundational layer, creating a uniform light level throughout the space. To ensure well-lit areas where you walk or stand, consider incorporating recessed lighting along with pendants or undercabinet lighting for comprehensive coverage. Suspended from the ceiling by a rod or chain, a pendant light is a distinct type of surface light. While it doesn't serve as the primary source of ambient lighting for a large area, it falls somewhere between ambient and task lighting. Pendants are designed to bring focused light closer to the surface of tables, sinks, kitchen islands, or counters, enhancing visibility for specific tasks. These fixtures can also double as eye-catching statement pieces in your kitchen.
Pop in practical task lighting..
Task lighting serves to amplify the brightness in specific areas of a room, particularly in workspaces, even when there's existing ambient light. Whether you're dicing vegetables or grilling up a storm, it's crucial to have adequate lighting. Take note of your immediate workspace and the light source above. Undercabinet lighting can significantly enhance both the functionality and atmosphere of your kitchen, while certain appliances and slide-out range hoods boast energy-efficient LED lighting as part of their design. Cabinet lights can function as both accent and task lighting. Cabinet lights are gaining popularity in modern home kitchens. Under-cabinet lighting targets illumination for countertops, sinks, and preparation areas. On the other hand, in-cabinet lighting is strategically placed inside cabinets to enhance visibility when searching for specific items, whether it's cookware, dishes, or showcasing prized collections stored in glass or open cabinetry.
Use accent lighting for dining..
Accent lighting emphasizes specific areas or objects, such as artwork. Wall sconces, floodlights, recessed lights, torchère lamps, and track lighting are among the commonly used types of accent lights. Once you've established a solid lighting foundation for safety and functionality, accent lights step in to add a touch of design finesse. Typically, accent lighting finds its place above open surfaces like kitchen islands, countertops, or dining tables in open-plan kitchens. Accent lights also add to the overall light level when combined with ambient lighting and task lights. Run LED lights under the rim of a kitchen island or highlight your impressive dinnerware collection in a glass-front cabinet. Accent lighting adds the finishing touch to your kitchen.
Add in some backlighting.
If your kitchen is too dark and the main, surface or recessed lighting isn’t bright enough, you can supplement with backlights. These lights offer extra visibility to the worktops. They are usually positioned behind certain surfaces or splashbacks. They can function as task lights too, but their primary purpose is to help brighten your kitchen.
Positioning lights for perfection..
For optimal visibility and to complement the visual aspects of your kitchen, proper placement of lighting is essential. Take note of the heights of your cabinets, pantry, and countertops to ensure that the lighting effectively accentuates these surfaces and adequately illuminates the entire space. As a general guideline, position lighting approximately 12 inches away from taller elements like your refrigerator or cupboards to avoid any obstruction and ensure even brightness.
In kitchens with galley-style layouts or around an island bench, evenly spaced recessed lights in a single row can be an excellent option. The specific spacing of these lights should be determined based on the height of your ceiling and the desired level of brightness.
Point lights in the right direction..
Take into account the positioning and patterns of natural light within your kitchen, considering how these dynamics shift throughout the day. Rooms facing south typically receive limited light, while those facing east experience decreased light during the afternoon. On the other hand, kitchens oriented towards the north and west often remain well-lit even during the late hours of the day.
Identify the specific areas in your kitchen where adequate lighting is crucial. Prioritize optimal lighting for the cooking, cleaning, and food preparation areas.
