The Keys to Proper Kitchen Lighting
Lighting plays a major role in creating a practical and welcoming environment for you to enjoy. Here is what you need to know about key lighting areas and which types of lighting fit best.
Task Lighting for Working Areas
It’s best to use pendant lighting for task-oriented spaces, such as kitchen islands where you prepare food, since they shine directly downward giving you better visibility. There should be at least two pendant lights spaced at least 30 to 32 inches apart, 30 to 32 inches above the countertop. A three set should be placed evenly apart, at least six inches inside the edge of the working area. Placing task lighting in front of you rather than behind you ensures you don’t cast any shadows on your counter space.
If you are placing your pendants over a kitchen island, here are some steps to ensure you have the proper measurements:
- Begin by measuring the length of the island.
- Determine the quantity of pendent lights you need and add up their width.
- Subtract the total width of the lights from the length of the island.
- To account for space on each end, add 1 to the total number of the pendants.
- Divide the number of pendants plus 1 into the length calculated.
Cabinet Lighting for Ambience
Cabinet and under-cabinet lighting can be a game changer for enhancing the kitchen environment. Puck lights and strip lights are both popular options for undercabinet lighting.
Strip lights, often LEDs, are narrow, versatile, and excellent for illuminating a cabinet's interior, glass-front cabinets, or open shelves. They should be placed behind a cabinet lip for the best effect or deep enough in the cabinet out of sight. However, you may can also position them closer at the back edge of the inside of your cabinet for ambient and accent lighting.
Great for creating a cozy and warm atmosphere, puck lights are small, circular fixtures that can be used to spotlight certain areas of your countertop. Puck lights should be positioned closer to the middle front edge under the cabinet for best results. Stay within the 3000K to 5000K colour temperature range; 5000K leans more towards cool white, while 3000K is in the soft white range.
Ceiling Lighting
Ceiling lighting is a must in the kitchen. Recessed lighting is a popular option because it’s adaptable and gives the room a modern, sleek look. These lights are excellent for rooms with low ceilings and for people who might not want a large chandelier over their kitchen table. When time for installation, a reasonable rule of thumb for recessed lighting placement is to set at least one light for every 25 square feet of living area.
It is essential to grid out the lights in straight lines along the axis of the counters to light the kitchen equally, paying close attention to high-use areas. Dimmers are also important here, allowing you to adjust the overall lighting to create a warmer atmosphere.
Need help revamping your kitchen space? Our skilled designers at Selba will be happy to assist you! Contact us to get started!
