When it comes to renovating your kitchen, the lighting is one of the most important aspects to consider. You want to make sure that you have adequate light for cooking, but you also want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the space. This guide covers different types of kitchen lighting, how to design lighting for your specific needs, and tips on how to save energy and money with your kitchen lighting too!
Lighting is too often an afterthought in kitchen design, but it plays a crucial role in the function and feel of the space. Poorly lit kitchens can feel dark and depressing, while too much light can be harsh and unflattering. Some people spend tens of thousands of dollars on incredible new kitchen cabinetry and appliances, only to let the whole thing down with poor lighting choices. The key is to find the right balance of light for your needs, and there are a few different ways to do this.
Multiple Light Sources
One way to add interest and variety to your kitchen lighting design is to use multiple light
sources. This can include a combination of overhead lights, task lights, and accent lights. Your range hood will probably also have a light, so treat this as another aspect of your lighting when making a choice about a range hood that makes a statement, as it will add to your kitchen in more ways than one. By layering your light sources, you can create a well-lit space that still has visual interest and depth.
Overhead Lights
The first layer of light in your kitchen should be overhead lighting. This can be in the form of recessed lights, pendants, or even a chandelier. If you have high ceilings, a chandelier can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen, and it will also provide adequate light for cooking and food prep. Pendants are a great option if you have lower ceilings, as they will provide ample light without being too overwhelming in the space. If you have the option, recessed lights are a great choice for overhead lighting because they provide even light distribution and can be dimmed for different moods and occasions.
Task Lights
The next layer of light in your kitchen should be task lighting. This is the light that you use for cooking, food prep, and other activities where you need more focused light. Under-cabinet task lighting is a great option for this, as it provides light right where you need it without being too bright or overwhelming in the space. You can also use wall sconces or pendants as task lights, depending on your needs and the layout of your kitchen.
Accent Lights
The final layer of light in your kitchen is accent lighting. This can be anything from track lighting to under-cabinet lights that highlight certain features in the space. Accent lighting is a great way to add visual interest to your kitchen and make it feel more inviting. These lights are less about function and more about style – and the finished look is truly elevated when you add this layer of lighting into the mix.
Dimmers
Once you have your light sources selected, the next step is to add dimmers to as many of them as possible. This will allow you to adjust the light level in your kitchen to suit your needs. If you love to cook, then you might want brighter task lighting when you’re in the kitchen. But if you’re entertaining guests, you might want to dim the overhead lights and add some candles or accent lighting to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Dimmers are an easy way to change the mood of your kitchen, and they can also help you save energy by allowing you to use less light when you don’t need as much.
Integrate Energy Saving Tactics
When you’re designing your kitchen lighting, be sure to integrate some energy-saving tactics. This can include using LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. You can also use control panels to control the lighting remotely, which can help you save energy by making it easy to turn off lights when they’re not needed. By incorporating some simple energy-saving tactics into your kitchen lighting design, you can save money and help the environment at the same time.
Match The Overall Style Of Your Kitchen
As you design your kitchen lighting, be sure to match the overall style of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, then you’ll want to use modern lighting fixtures. If you have a more traditional kitchen, then you might want to use antique-style fixtures. By matching the style of your lighting to the overall style of your kitchen, you can create a cohesive look that ties the whole space together. Even if you love one particular type of lighting, make sure it fits the style and mood of your kitchen before committing to it.
The Takeaway
Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, so it’s important to make sure it has the right lighting. By understanding the different types of lighting and how they can be used in your kitchen, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. With the right mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting, you can create a kitchen that is inviting and well-lit. And by adding dimmers to your light sources, you can create a space that is adjustable to your needs. With a little planning and some creativity, you can design a kitchen lighting scheme that is both stylish and practical.