Kitchen Lighting Tips and Advice

So, whether you're a master chef in the making or more of a delicious toasted cheese sandwich type of person, we have created this practical lighting guide to help you choose the perfect kitchen lighting.

Let's explore the most common types of lighting for kitchens. When it comes to achieving functional, stylish and consistent illuminations, most kitchens rely on one or more of the following lighting types:

Task lighting | Ambient lighting | Accent lighting | Mood lighting

Task lighting

This is all about providing extra illumination in specific areas for focussed tasks. From pendant lights to track lights, cooking preparation and activity can be much easier and safer. Kitchen cabinet lighting is also popular for brightening countertop areas – and they provide a touch of elegant sophistication.

Ambient lighting

A staple for any kitchen, ambient lighting provides consistent illumination throughout. It can replace natural light and is often achieved through centrally placed ceiling lights or a combination of recessed downlights. Dimming options allow you to adjust the intensity creating the ambience to make a central light fixture an accent or task light.

 

Accent lighting

This kind of lighting adds an element of creativity and can highlight specific features, from inside-cabinet lighting to cove lighting; accent lighting can create a visually appealing space.

Mood lighting

Mood lighting is all about setting the tone. By using LED Strip, dimmable lights, different light bulb colours, or fixtures, you can create a relaxed or energising mood in your kitchen, depending on your preferences.

These lighting types each offer something unique and significantly affect the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Some are suited for clear lighting for a specific area or function, for instance, over a centre island or kitchen sink. In contrast, others could complement style décor and space limitations, such as wall lighting.

Choosing the best lighting for your kitchen boils down to three key considerations: practical needs, stylistic preferences, and design limitations. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so incorporating multiple types of lighting is often required to achieve the desired look and functionality.

To assess your kitchen lighting needs, begin by defining how you mainly use your kitchen space. Do you spend a lot of time in your kitchen? Is it a place where friends and family often come together? The answers will help you determine the types of lighting options and whether dimmers to control brightness, for example, would be useful.

To sum it up, ask yourself questions such as:

How much time will be spent in the kitchen?

How will the kitchen be used – is it only for cooking, or will you be dining and relaxing there too?

How do you want the kitchen to feel – relaxed and cosy, functional/minimalist?

Next, let's consider style preferences. Personal taste plays a significant role in selecting the best lighting options for your home. Once you've established the functional space, you can make informed choices that suit your personal style and complement your existing home décor. Consistency throughout your home can be made through small decisions, like matching accent colours or fixture finishes, particularly in open-plan areas.

One important factor to take into consideration is the ceiling height. This can influence your lighting options. For example, if you have a high ceiling, you might enjoy lengthy pendant lights. Also, when it comes to natural light, the placement and size of windows will affect how you layer lighting to achieve the desired brightness.

So, what's in this year? Under-cabinet lighting is a popular option largely due to its functionality and aesthetics. It brightens countertops and showcases backsplash designs. Wall fixtures and large hanging lights are also sought after, making bold design statements and adding a touch of flair to your kitchen. LED Strip feature walls are big at the moment. Combing elements of task, accent and mood to create a modern kitchen space.

Remember, choosing the right lighting for your space is a personal journey. By assessing your practical and style needs and any design limitations, you can proceed confidently towards a visually stunning kitchen that perfectly suits your taste and enhances your home. And, with decades of lighting experience, if you need a hand with any of your lighting and electrical needs, get in touch. PEC Lights electrical supply store can help. Sign up for the mailing list, and stay up to date on all the latest news for the best electrical appliances available.