Last updated on November 12th, 2021
One of the most critical parts of a kitchen designing process is choosing how to light the room. Since a kitchen is multifunctional in nature, the lighting utilized in the space has a major impact on making or breaking the entire layout of the room. Hence, the lighting of this area needs to be versatile. The kitchen lighting should enable you to get the cooking done, but can also create an enticing environment for engaging guests. This means the kitchen lighting needs to be as flexible as the room itself.
From task lighting to mood lighting, we have curated the ultimate guide to kitchen lighting that will transform your kitchen.
How to plan kitchen lighting?
Let’s be honest, for most of us, lighting is the last aspect of the kitchen design process. However, the best time to plan kitchen lighting is at the designing stage. To look great and work well, a kitchen must be properly lit — and that goes beyond deciding on fancy light fixtures. A good kitchen plan blends lighting into the design and architectural point of interest of the room.
While planning the lighting, take a good look at the design and consider the activities that will occur in each space. For instance, the space above the hob and sink requires task lighting, for cooking and cleaning. Whereas, the dining area requires mood lights, as you will be entertaining your guests there. All things considered, before you plan the kitchen lighting, we recommend that you research the different types of lights available, consider the size of the kitchen and the amount of natural light it gets, and then decide on the lighting.
Different Types of Kitchen Lighting:
Task Lighting
Task lighting refers to the brightest lights, which focus on the primary working regions, for example, cooktop, sink, and kitchen counter. This fundamental light is placed above the cook-top, at the sink, over the counters, and over any table or other work surfaces.
Mood Lighting
For mood lighting, begin by looking at the amount of natural light coming into your kitchen, taking note of the number of windows and their direction. Make use of wall lights and wall washers to add subtle background light.
Feature and Accent Lighting
Accent lighting helps you highlight architectural details while adding depth and dimension to a kitchen. It is added on shelves to highlight glassware, expensive china, and other collectibles. Accent lighting can allude to the fitting itself, which creates an impression by itself whether it’s on or off. Other fancy lighting ideas, for example, color-changing systems, shining plinth lights, or in-cabinet lighting, can add a whole new dimension but aren’t absolutely necessary.
Pendants
Hanging a series of pendant lights or an impressive single statement piece over the dining table will help separate the eating space from the kitchen’s work zone. Styles run from old-fashioned or modern shapes in shining copper to striking ceramics in translucent tones.
Hang pendants low over the table to create a warm and cozy environment. Or, you can also position them high over the kitchen island. This not only makes for an extraordinary light, it also adds interest, separating the lines of the cupboards.
