Good lighting is the base for any aesthetic and practical kitchen design. Picking the wrong type of lighting can easily turn your dream kitchen into a drab nightmare. Good lighting, on the other hand, improves the overall visibility of your kitchen design, making it quicker and easier to work in your kitchen. This article explores the various options you can choose from to make sure your kitchen is well-lit.
Before we head into what kind of lighting you would need in your kitchen design, let's look into the various types, or layers of lighting. There are broadly three main types of lighting, which are as follows:
1. Ambient Lighting: Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, is what will be the main source of light in your kitchen design. This lighting is in addition to any natural lighting, if any. The aim for this type of lighting is to uniformly illuminate your kitchen design, so that navigating the space as a whole is easier.
2. Task Lighting: As the name suggests, task lighting is a type of lighting that is installed for a particular section of your kitchen. It illuminates areas that require more focus and would benefit from additional lighting. It is usually placed over kitchen isles, countertop, space and stove tops among other spaces.
3. Accent Lighting: This type or layer of lighting is more decorative than functional. If you'd like to accentuate certain design features of your kitchen, using accent lighting can enhance these spaces and make them more appealing to the eye.
Types of Light Fixtures
Different categories of lighting work best with different fixtures. Investing in the right kind of fixture can enhance the illuminating effect of your lighting.
1. Ambient Lighting: The best lighting options for ambient lighting include flush and semi-flush mounted light fixtures and recessed lights. Additionally, you can use light bars or bulbs that ensure that the kitchen is lit with a neutral or true white light. If you'd like a more toned down vibe for after kitchen activities are completed, going for dimmer lighting can always help set the right vibe.
2. Task Lighting: Since task lighting focuses on lighting up specific work areas, using simple yet focused lighting fixtures will help light up the area without blocking anything or taking up too much space. Over-counter or cabinetry lighting options include LED strips that can be placed on the underside of cabinets or countertops. This type of light fixture is preferred due to its simple, minimal and non-obtrusive nature that makes the kitchen light up beautifully. For kitchen islands, using fancy pendant fixtures adds a decorative touch while still lighting up the space.
3. Accent Lighting: This type of lighting should be looked at as a source of additional light to a kitchen design that is otherwise well-lit. Highlighting your favorite areas in the kitchen or creating a subtle yet comfortable mood, accent lights can accomplish anything if done right. Using cove lights to create a more relaxed kitchen space, investing in pendant lighting, or using LED strip lights to highlight a certain element in your kitchen can all be done to enhance your kitchen experience.
Positioning Your Lights
Selecting the right light fixture for your kitchen space does not guarantee that your kitchen will be lit according to your expectations. Properly positioned light fixtures can help illuminate your kitchen design perfectly. Here are some positioning options that will help you light up your space effectively.
1. Ambient Lighting: Ambient lighting is most effective when positioned in such a way that there is no obstructive object like a fan or overhead boxes/storage. Additionally, make sure its position allows for uniform lighting throughout the kitchen design.
2. Task Lighting: Position your task lighting fixtures in areas that genuinely need it, without overdoing the area by adding more light than necessary. When you add your task lighting, position it in such a way that any wiring from the fixture is hidden. Make sure that you position it near a socket if there is wiring, so that it is easy to access when switching the lights on or off.
3. Accent Lighting: Since this type of lighting is more decorative in nature, position accent lighting fixtures in such a way that it invites the eyes to the area it wants to aesthetically enhance. Accent lights can act as task lights if positioned properly, giving a completely different feel to your kitchen design while highlighting your favorite elements in your kitchen.
Proper lighting can help your kitchen space shine. A well-designed kitchen is only accomplished when the right combination of lights works together to illuminate the space perfectly. Understanding your kitchen’s lighting needs can make your kitchen feel bright and inviting while maintaining its functionality.
Whatever your kitchen design needs, our team can help you design the perfect kitchen, and we will make sure the right lighting is used throughout the kitchen space.
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