Kitchen lighting is important to create a space that meets two essential characteristics in any home: it must be comfortable and functional. This is one of the busiest spaces not only on a daily basis but also during the festive season. So ensuring good lighting is essential.
Of course, to make the final decision regarding the details you need to take into account many factors. Not only in terms of design and aesthetics, since the lighting of the kitchen will definitely complement its style, but also with regard to the real possibilities according to the distribution of spaces and the size of the place.
These tips Armo Design gives you for improving kitchen lighting can work regardless of whether you want to stick with a classic design, if you want to experiment with a modern kitchen design, or even if you dare to try a transitional one that fuses your favorite aspects of each style.
Remember that good kitchen lighting in every part of the place will also prevent accidents when handling any tool and at any time of the day or night.
Types of kitchen lighting to Consider
Roughly speaking, we can talk about 3 types of kitchen lighting. Each has a different purpose and can be defined as follows:
- General lighting: is that which provides light to the entire space and can be achieved through kitchen ceiling lighting or large floor lamps.
- Task lighting: this type of kitchen lighting is installed in specific areas, such as countertops, cooking areas or cabinets.
- Ambient lighting: it is used for aesthetic purposes, to create an atmosphere (it can be warm, cold, bright or soft, etc.). It can be achieved through pendant lights, chandeliers, LED lights, etc.
It is recommended that when thinking about kitchen lighting you consider a mix of all types of lights to achieve a balanced effect and also enhance the look and give a unique visual touch according to your tastes to the place.
Once you are clear about the possibilities and evaluate them according to your needs, you can follow these 7 more specific tips to make kitchen lighting more pleasant and functional.
1. The type of light
This is one of the essential factors. From the outset, consider the type of bulbs you want to install – do you prefer bright or soft lights? Cool, warm or in-between? This can greatly influence the creation of atmosphere.
Next, choose the kitchen lighting design that best fits the style of your home.
If you have a country kitchen, general lighting can be provided by pendant lights and wooden ceilings, for example. If you are more of a contemporary style, recessed lighting will combine very well with materials such as marble.
2. Cabinet lighting
Don’t underestimate the importance of considering the inside of the cabinets when planning the kitchen lighting. Have you ever wondered how to install under-cabinet lighting?
There are many techniques for doing this. Regardless of the type of materials used and the style you’ve decided on, having small lights that automatically activate when you open the cabinets will make it easier to find utensils and dishes.
Especially, in the evenings when natural lighting has diminished.
3. Dishwasher
Many times, the sink, vanity or dishwasher area is forgotten when thinking about kitchen lighting. However, this is also essential and there are very creative ways to include it.
For example, installing a small window in front of the washing area will bring light directly into this area. But you can also think of placing a recessed, waterproof light bulb in the walls and you will achieve not only a comfortable visibility but also a novel design.
4. Natural lighting
Natural light is an important element not only for energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs when possible, but also for creating a fresher, healthier environment. Here are some ways you can incorporate natural light into your kitchen lighting:
- Installing large windows
- Light and air inlets in the ceilings
- Use mirrors to help reflect the light and increase the feeling of spaciousness.
- High ceilings
5. LED lights
In recent years, LED lights have become a favorite for kitchen lighting and home lighting in general. They are aesthetically striking lights that can fit well into any space and style. They are available in recessed panels, rails, ribbons or spotlights, broadly speaking.
In fact, they are available in different colors, in case you are extroverted and want to add decorative details somewhere. But, mainly, the advantage is that they are lights that help save energy and will decrease expenses in the long run.
6. Glossy materials
Including bright materials within the initial design will make the kitchen look naturally brighter. This can be done on the floors as well as the cabinets, backsplashes and even the walls.
The choice of paint colors and furniture colors will contribute to the good kitchen lighting.
7. Sliding doors
Finally, if you have the possibility of installing sliding glass doors in some part of the kitchen, it will be ideal to allow more light and even fresh air in the summer. If you have a patio or garden, do not hesitate to consider this option.
