The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Lighting
Well-planned kitchen lighting takes into consideration three important variables – cooking, eating and entertaining. When implemented in a way that accommodates these three factors, a kitchen can be transformed into a truly spectacular room. How? It can make a small kitchen appear larger, create multiple atmospheres throughout the day and, of course, compensate for a lack of natural light. In this ultimate guide to kitchen lighting, we explore bulb types, lighting designs and how to install lights in your kitchen.
Installing new lighting is best carried out during the planning stage of a new kitchen when you can think about how your space accommodates different activities such as food preparation, dining and relaxing. However, this is not always practical. Whether or not you are in a position to remodel your kitchen, here is some invaluable information to help you achieve the perfect illumination for your cooking space.
Types of Bulbs
There are several types of bulbs available to you and although they might not all be suitable for your needs, it is worth considering all of your options.
Incandescent Light
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Available in a wide selection of sizes, voltages and styles, incandescent bulbs are standard bulbs which we are all familiar with. However, they are slowly being replaced by other types of bulbs.
Fluorescent Tubes
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Fluorescent tubes use less power for the same amount of light when compared the incandescent bulbs but tend to be more expensive.
Compact Fluorescent Lights
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Similar in design to a fluorescent tube, compact fluorescent lights use less power but produce the same amount of light. Unfortunately, they contain mercury and are difficult to dispose of.
Metal Halide Lights
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Producing a large amount of light compared to their size, metal halide lamps are one of the most efficient. Although used mainly for commercial purposes, they can also be quite effective in the home.
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
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Lacking a filament, LEDs use the least power of any bulb and also have the longest lifespan. They also produce more light than incandescent lamps and are available in a wide array of colours.
Neon Lights
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In a domestic setting, neon lights are purely decorative. By utilising argon or neon gas, these bulbs are incredibly bright and can be shaped into many different designs such as words or pictures.
Tyles of Lighting
Ceiling Lights
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are ornate suspended lights with multiple branches or stems. Although often fitted with incandescent light bulbs, modern types feature fluorescent or LED bulbs. Best suited to kitchens with a high ceiling, Chandeliers are statement lights that create a dramatic focal point.
Flush Mount
As the name suggests, this type of lighting sits flush on the ceiling which makes it ideal for kitchens with medium to low ceiling heights. Often simplistic with a round or square design, flush mount lights can come in a wide array of options to suit a variety of kitchen styles.
Semi-Flush Mount
Similar to a flush mount light, a semi-flush-mount light has a base that extends from the ceiling a short distance. They tend to be more decorative than flush mount types and are one of the most popular lights for medium height ceilings.
Pendant
A pendant light is suspended from a ceiling on a long wire, bar or chain. Unlike chandeliers, pendant lights can be used in multiples. There are many different styles and they can be made from a variety of materials including wood, metal or plastic.
Wall Light
Half-moon
Half-moon wall mounted lights might not seem like a practical lighting solution for a kitchen at first but they are ideal for creating mood lighting in a dining space. If you have a kitchen diner, you could install this type of light on the wall to create more atmospheric light during meal times.
Sconces
Sconces are another type of wall light which are ideal for creating mood lighting and often shine light upwards, although this is not always the case. Their designs can vary dramatically from the simplistic to the extravagant, making them suitable for a number of settings.
Under Cabinet Lighting
Although it offers a nice atmosphere to your kitchen, under cabinet lighting is mainly practical, illuminating your worksurface whilst you carry out tasks. Designs are simple and do not vary too much – spot lights and strip lighting are the two most common forms.
Things to Think About When Planning Kitchen Lighting
- •Plan the lighting around how you use your kitchen. Fit lights where you are likely to prepare food, work and eat.
- •Consider natural daylight – where does it come from and how much do you get at what time of day? North and east-facing windows receive these least light whereas south and west-facing windows are the sunniest.
- •Work out the position of kitchen features and place lights accordingly. Light sources over worktops, kitchen islands and tables are important.
- •Combine task and atmospheric lighting if you are going to use your kitchen for activities other than cooking.
This ultimate guide to kitchen lighting includes all of the information you need to achieve the perfect illumination for your cooking space. If you have any questions about lighting, please comment below.