Kitchen Design Lighting

Lighting will play a major role in the look and feel of your kitchen. A combination of different light types will give you the control you need to both set the right mood and to work efficiently while cooking.

There are a number of factors to consider when incorporating lighting into a kitchen design. In this article, we examine some important points to remember.

There are three main elements to consider when lighting any room - ambient lighting, task lighting, and mood lighting. Each plays its part in creating an overall lighting scheme for your kitchen - a process known as layering.

Ambient lighting provides general illumination for space. Task lighting is stronger and more direct and is turned on when work is being done.
Mood lighting provides more control over the feel of the room and is useful if you also entertain in your kitchen.

Ambient Lighting

Well-placed ceiling lights will be responsible for the bulk of your ambient lighting and you have no shortage of options. Fluorescent globes are very popular and provide good, clear light, although some people find fluorescent lighting unpleasant and harsh.
Halogen globes are another option, as are regular incandescent globes.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is very important in the kitchen - it is a workspace and needs to be treated accordingly. There are a number of ways to do this.
A bank of spotlights focused on key preparation areas is a popular solution. Under-cabinet lighting, where lamps are built into the bottom of cabinetry above workspaces, is an option that's very popular when space is at a premium.
You want your task lighting to be tightly focused so that your light doesn't spill over into other parts of the room.

Mood lighting

Faders are a great option for mood lighting. They give you complete control over the amount of light emitted by your fixtures and also save you money in the long run.
There's any number of light fittings on the market that you can use, depending on your kitchen's style and your budget. For instance, if you're aiming for a shabby chic look, a classic chandelier makes a big statement.
Alternatively, in a sleek modern kitchen, a cool pendant light might do the trick.
Mood lighting is especially necessary if you like to entertain in your kitchen area - ambient light may be too plain and boring, while task lights are completely inappropriate and will be focused on the wrong areas.