Kitchen Lighting Design Guide
If you have a large kitchen then your chances are that it is the main family area. More and more people are realising the kitchen is or could possibly be the heart of every home. It's not uncommon for the kitchen to become a place to cook, eat, study, read, play family games watching television. It therefore follows that today's kitchen fulfils greater than a single role, so deciding on the best type of lighting can have a major impact on and complement the overall design.
Good kitchen lighting designcan produce a modest kitchen appear grand whilst creating a larger contemporary space simply stunning. It may create the impression of space or accentuate spaciousness, your expensive appliances or any feature you want, drawing the eye to wherever you would like.
Perfect kitchen lighting is possible through the use of a combination of different types. These may be neatly divided into four main types, general, task, accent and ambient lighting. I shall cope with each aspect of the design and performance in turn, with some tips on how to attain the best results.
General Kitchen Lighting. General lighting, sometimes called decorative lights are the main lighting source in almost any space and the kitchen isn't any exception. It should be bright enough to light up the space on its own and includes natural daylight. In many kitchens this would normally be considered a ceiling mounted fitting of some kind. This type of lighting is the most difficult to recommend due to the many differences in each kitchen. Typically of thumb, it is likely to be either recessed down lights, fluorescent lights, spotlights or perhaps a ceiling pendant.
Kitchen Down Lights.
Downlights are ideal for kitchens with a very low ceiling and obtainable in a multitude of different finishes and designs, making it simple to get the look and finished you are looking for.
They are very easy to set up and can be placed exactly where you would like them to achieve the best lighting spread for the kitchen. They have the drawback to being quite expensive to run if you don't use low energy or LED lamps. Please follow this link for more information explaining all about recessed downlights.
Fluorescent Kitchen Ceiling Lights.
People trying to create a contemporary kitchen often overlook fluorescent fittings. This really is mainly due to us remembering exactly what the old fluorescent ceiling lights were really like. Years ago, when you switched it onto it was some time, even a minute approximately before the light stopped flickering and remained on. Once on, some would buzz and flicker a lot as to be annoying. This was because of the fact that they had wire wound ballasts and switch starters. Thankfully, those times are gone with the introduction of electronic ballasts with built-in instant soft start.
There's nothing on the market today that can out perform a fluorescent kitchen ceiling light. They're four to six times more efficient than any other kind of light source with the exception of LED and provide an extremely bright flicker free light that's perfect for the modern kitchen.
A long time ago, if you wanted a fluorescent fitting, the only real choice available was the only or twin batten either without or with a dimpled plastic diffuser. Whilst they were very energy efficient and produced lots of light, they were best suited to offices, garages and utility rooms.
Now there is a massive choice of modern sleek glass and chrome designs to enhance your kitchen and give you a wonderful bright light without shadows. Most kitchen fluorescent lights can't be dimmed.
Kitchen Pendant Lights.
Few are fortunate enough to be able to install a ceiling pendant in the kitchen area, which is a shame as they are an excellent addition to any traditional or contemporary kitchen space. Pendants require adequate ceiling height to work, although they can be positioned on the dining table or breakfast bar either singly or perhaps in a row for maximum effect.
They are offered as fixed pendants which are adjustable at the time of fitting or as go up and down kitchen lights that are ideal for over a dining table. Most tastes are catered for, from traditional ceramic pendants to modern chrome and glass designs.
Most kitchen pendants provide a downward directional light which makes them perfect for worktop illumination where no wall cupboards exist as well as for over dining tables. When utilized in this way they should be placed so the bottom of the shade is about 1000mm from the surface for best illumination.
Kitchen Task Lighting.
Kitchen task lights are as the name suggests, lights built in such a way that they illuminate the job at hand making it easier and safer. In the kitchen area, this will be mainly cooking or associated tasks for example reading a recipe and creating a cup of coffee. Good task lighting will make sure that you have the same number of fingers that you simply started with after chopping the vegetables together with your extra sharp knife.
The primary areas in a kitchen that need good task lighting are directly over the cooker and above the work surface or worktop. For those who have a bright and airy kitchen with lots of windows, then you will probably just have task lighting early in the morning or throughout the evening. In addition, it is a extremely important secondary lighting source for just about any kitchen giving a low-level background glow if utilized on its own.
The best way to achieve adequate worktop lights are by installing kitchen under cabinet lights. For those who have a plinth around the cupboard base, then you're able to hide the lights completely in the event you so wish. It may well be that you would like them on show to enhance other objects in the kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is available in many types and styles to enhance almost any type of kitchen design.
Linear fluorescent under cabinet lighting is very competitively priced and are effective and efficient in use, although they are now just a little dated but continue to be popular. Fluorescent worktop lighting is not dimmable.
They are available in different lengths and wattages from 6w - 30w so that they may be fitted to different sized cabinets. They are mains voltage and have an on/off turn on the side so that they can be switched on and off independently of one another. They are linkable so that you only need an electrical feed from one end from the run.
Low voltage halogen under cabinet lighting is bright, reasonably priced and are available in an array of styles and finishes from contemporary glass to solid copper. They're normally mounted on the underside of the cupboard and shine directly to the work surface beneath. They are offered to buy singly or in kits of three, filled with an easy fit plug and play transformer. Some are shallow enough to become completely recessed into the cupboard which makes them completely invisible.
The only disadvantage is the fact that halogen bulbs run quite hot and you'll have to replace the lamps regularly, even though they are cheap to buy. Thy could be dimmed but you may need a professional dimmer depending on the type of transformer used. To work, this type of under cabinet light ought to be installed every 500 - 600mm. This can ensure an even spread of sunshine across the whole work surface and minimise shadows.
For those who have granite, marble or any other stone worktop this type of direct light look stunning as it picks out pools of reflective highlights which makes them shine like diamonds.
LED under cabinet lighting is becoming increasingly popular due to their modern look, low running costs and long lifetime. These come in the same styles as reduced voltage lights and also in a linear strip. The linear Leds come in either a flat or triangular profile based on whether they will be in view or otherwise. They are available in either cool white or perhaps a more yellow warm white and therefore are dimmable. They are linkable so that you only need an electrical feed from one end from the run.
LED under cabinet lights are more expensive than its halogen counterpart, but it's very cheap to run, extremely efficient and can last for years and years. It's truly a fit and forget solution which will recoup the extra cost over its lifetime.
The caliber of LED worktop lighting can't be over emphasised. Once again, granite, marble or other stone worktop will look stunning because the LED's pick out the highlights which makes them shine like diamonds.
Task lighting over a cooker will normally be taken proper care of by installing a cooker hood or extractor with built-in lights. If it is not possible to install an extractor hood then careful keeping one or two down lights directly over the cooker will achieve the same result.
Even if this type of lighting comes firmly underneath the heading of task lighting, it is also used on its own to create a romantic low-level background light for those intimate evenings together or when entertaining.
Kitchen Accent Lighting.
So what is accent lighting? To put it simply, accent lighting is any type of lighting that accentuates any object.
Illustrations include lights placed in the glass cabinet to show off your very best china, crystal glasses or other precious objects. These would normally constitute a similar type to under cabinet lights put on the cupboard top shining downwards.
Another might be a single spotlight shining on the picture, shelf, and wall hanging or similar. This might take the form of an adjustable recessed down light or wall spotlight. You can even find illuminated glass shelves that perform this function perfectly.
Use of accent lighting can make an extra dimension to your kitchen by highlighting certain features that you would like to stand out. In addition, you can use it on its own or in conjunction with your worktop lighting to produce a romantic low level background glow for all those intimate evenings together or when entertaining.
The applying will vary greatly from kitchen to kitchen and can't be fully covered in this particular article. Hopefully these few paragraphs provides you with some idea of what to look for when considering ideas.
Kitchen Ambient Lighting.
Ambient lights are probably the most overlooked type of lighting, yet it provides the most stunning effect and may transform a kitchen much better than anything else.
So what exactly is ambient lighting? Ambient lights are when the source of the light cannot be easily seen. It will generally cover the entire room and will contrast with directional lighting.
Among ambient lighting would include strip lights put on top of kitchen cupboards shining directly up to the ceiling. The light would then be bounced into the room off the white or lightly coloured ceiling developing a warm soft glow.
Use fantasy to find places where the source can't be seen and the light is bounced from the room surfaces to create a beautiful welcoming atmosphere.
Good kitchen lighting designcan produce a modest kitchen appear grand whilst creating a larger contemporary space simply stunning. It may create the impression of space or accentuate spaciousness, your expensive appliances or any feature you want, drawing the eye to wherever you would like.
Perfect kitchen lighting is possible through the use of a combination of different types. These may be neatly divided into four main types, general, task, accent and ambient lighting. I shall cope with each aspect of the design and performance in turn, with some tips on how to attain the best results.
General Kitchen Lighting. General lighting, sometimes called decorative lights are the main lighting source in almost any space and the kitchen isn't any exception. It should be bright enough to light up the space on its own and includes natural daylight. In many kitchens this would normally be considered a ceiling mounted fitting of some kind. This type of lighting is the most difficult to recommend due to the many differences in each kitchen. Typically of thumb, it is likely to be either recessed down lights, fluorescent lights, spotlights or perhaps a ceiling pendant.
Kitchen Down Lights.
Downlights are ideal for kitchens with a very low ceiling and obtainable in a multitude of different finishes and designs, making it simple to get the look and finished you are looking for.
They are very easy to set up and can be placed exactly where you would like them to achieve the best lighting spread for the kitchen. They have the drawback to being quite expensive to run if you don't use low energy or LED lamps. Please follow this link for more information explaining all about recessed downlights.
Fluorescent Kitchen Ceiling Lights.
People trying to create a contemporary kitchen often overlook fluorescent fittings. This really is mainly due to us remembering exactly what the old fluorescent ceiling lights were really like. Years ago, when you switched it onto it was some time, even a minute approximately before the light stopped flickering and remained on. Once on, some would buzz and flicker a lot as to be annoying. This was because of the fact that they had wire wound ballasts and switch starters. Thankfully, those times are gone with the introduction of electronic ballasts with built-in instant soft start.
There's nothing on the market today that can out perform a fluorescent kitchen ceiling light. They're four to six times more efficient than any other kind of light source with the exception of LED and provide an extremely bright flicker free light that's perfect for the modern kitchen.
A long time ago, if you wanted a fluorescent fitting, the only real choice available was the only or twin batten either without or with a dimpled plastic diffuser. Whilst they were very energy efficient and produced lots of light, they were best suited to offices, garages and utility rooms.
Now there is a massive choice of modern sleek glass and chrome designs to enhance your kitchen and give you a wonderful bright light without shadows. Most kitchen fluorescent lights can't be dimmed.
Kitchen Pendant Lights.
Few are fortunate enough to be able to install a ceiling pendant in the kitchen area, which is a shame as they are an excellent addition to any traditional or contemporary kitchen space. Pendants require adequate ceiling height to work, although they can be positioned on the dining table or breakfast bar either singly or perhaps in a row for maximum effect.
They are offered as fixed pendants which are adjustable at the time of fitting or as go up and down kitchen lights that are ideal for over a dining table. Most tastes are catered for, from traditional ceramic pendants to modern chrome and glass designs.
Most kitchen pendants provide a downward directional light which makes them perfect for worktop illumination where no wall cupboards exist as well as for over dining tables. When utilized in this way they should be placed so the bottom of the shade is about 1000mm from the surface for best illumination.
Kitchen Task Lighting.
Kitchen task lights are as the name suggests, lights built in such a way that they illuminate the job at hand making it easier and safer. In the kitchen area, this will be mainly cooking or associated tasks for example reading a recipe and creating a cup of coffee. Good task lighting will make sure that you have the same number of fingers that you simply started with after chopping the vegetables together with your extra sharp knife.
The primary areas in a kitchen that need good task lighting are directly over the cooker and above the work surface or worktop. For those who have a bright and airy kitchen with lots of windows, then you will probably just have task lighting early in the morning or throughout the evening. In addition, it is a extremely important secondary lighting source for just about any kitchen giving a low-level background glow if utilized on its own.
The best way to achieve adequate worktop lights are by installing kitchen under cabinet lights. For those who have a plinth around the cupboard base, then you're able to hide the lights completely in the event you so wish. It may well be that you would like them on show to enhance other objects in the kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is available in many types and styles to enhance almost any type of kitchen design.
Linear fluorescent under cabinet lighting is very competitively priced and are effective and efficient in use, although they are now just a little dated but continue to be popular. Fluorescent worktop lighting is not dimmable.
They are available in different lengths and wattages from 6w - 30w so that they may be fitted to different sized cabinets. They are mains voltage and have an on/off turn on the side so that they can be switched on and off independently of one another. They are linkable so that you only need an electrical feed from one end from the run.
Low voltage halogen under cabinet lighting is bright, reasonably priced and are available in an array of styles and finishes from contemporary glass to solid copper. They're normally mounted on the underside of the cupboard and shine directly to the work surface beneath. They are offered to buy singly or in kits of three, filled with an easy fit plug and play transformer. Some are shallow enough to become completely recessed into the cupboard which makes them completely invisible.
The only disadvantage is the fact that halogen bulbs run quite hot and you'll have to replace the lamps regularly, even though they are cheap to buy. Thy could be dimmed but you may need a professional dimmer depending on the type of transformer used. To work, this type of under cabinet light ought to be installed every 500 - 600mm. This can ensure an even spread of sunshine across the whole work surface and minimise shadows.
For those who have granite, marble or any other stone worktop this type of direct light look stunning as it picks out pools of reflective highlights which makes them shine like diamonds.
LED under cabinet lighting is becoming increasingly popular due to their modern look, low running costs and long lifetime. These come in the same styles as reduced voltage lights and also in a linear strip. The linear Leds come in either a flat or triangular profile based on whether they will be in view or otherwise. They are available in either cool white or perhaps a more yellow warm white and therefore are dimmable. They are linkable so that you only need an electrical feed from one end from the run.
LED under cabinet lights are more expensive than its halogen counterpart, but it's very cheap to run, extremely efficient and can last for years and years. It's truly a fit and forget solution which will recoup the extra cost over its lifetime.
The caliber of LED worktop lighting can't be over emphasised. Once again, granite, marble or other stone worktop will look stunning because the LED's pick out the highlights which makes them shine like diamonds.
Task lighting over a cooker will normally be taken proper care of by installing a cooker hood or extractor with built-in lights. If it is not possible to install an extractor hood then careful keeping one or two down lights directly over the cooker will achieve the same result.
Even if this type of lighting comes firmly underneath the heading of task lighting, it is also used on its own to create a romantic low-level background light for those intimate evenings together or when entertaining.
Kitchen Accent Lighting.
So what is accent lighting? To put it simply, accent lighting is any type of lighting that accentuates any object.
Illustrations include lights placed in the glass cabinet to show off your very best china, crystal glasses or other precious objects. These would normally constitute a similar type to under cabinet lights put on the cupboard top shining downwards.
Another might be a single spotlight shining on the picture, shelf, and wall hanging or similar. This might take the form of an adjustable recessed down light or wall spotlight. You can even find illuminated glass shelves that perform this function perfectly.
Use of accent lighting can make an extra dimension to your kitchen by highlighting certain features that you would like to stand out. In addition, you can use it on its own or in conjunction with your worktop lighting to produce a romantic low level background glow for all those intimate evenings together or when entertaining.
The applying will vary greatly from kitchen to kitchen and can't be fully covered in this particular article. Hopefully these few paragraphs provides you with some idea of what to look for when considering ideas.
Kitchen Ambient Lighting.
Ambient lights are probably the most overlooked type of lighting, yet it provides the most stunning effect and may transform a kitchen much better than anything else.
So what exactly is ambient lighting? Ambient lights are when the source of the light cannot be easily seen. It will generally cover the entire room and will contrast with directional lighting.
Among ambient lighting would include strip lights put on top of kitchen cupboards shining directly up to the ceiling. The light would then be bounced into the room off the white or lightly coloured ceiling developing a warm soft glow.
Use fantasy to find places where the source can't be seen and the light is bounced from the room surfaces to create a beautiful welcoming atmosphere.
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