The kitchen is a multipurpose space and the lighting must be mainly functional but also decorative. Functional lighting helps the cook see what he is doing when he is preparing food and helps keep his fingers off the edge of the knife! Kitchen lighting has come a long way and should also create ambience in the kitchen as today the kitchen is used by the whole family and often ends up being the area where people chat after a long day at work.
There are a few types of lighting to consider for a kitchen that are listed here in no particular order of preference. Central lighting of which the fluorescent fixture is the most popular due to the amount of light omitted and the ease of keeping the fixture clean, including igniters that can be positioned and tilted to create plenty of light with the added benefit of creating a environment especially when used in conjunction with a dimmer switch. The advantage of a single light fixture is the ease of cleaning the fixture, but the downside of a single center fixture is that it will cast a shadow on your work since the light source will be behind you in most applications. This can be solved by placing the igniters above the work area or at an angle towards the work area.
Track lighting is also a very popular option due to the versatility of the lighting, as it can be moved and directed in various positions to create different points of focus similar to lighters with swivel heads. Installing track lighting is relatively easy and will typically not result in high installation costs. The rail consists of a flexible cable that is strong and durable and can be directed at many angles even though it cannot be bent. It can be installed in rooms or from room to room across ceilings and at various heights. It can also be installed vertically under pillars or walls or under stairs. Lighting fixtures are positioned where you want them anywhere on the track where they are needed to illuminate a work surface in the form of a spotlight or pendants over your breakfast area. If you have an open-plan kitchen, you may want to match the floor lamp in the adjacent area with your kitchen accessories.
Under counter lighting is also a very popular ad on lighting option that has the added bonus that you can turn off the main center fixture for ambience by leaving the under counter lighting on. This is especially helpful when the kitchen is an area where the family likes to entertain or just sit down and chat after a hard day’s work. There are mainly two types of under counter lighting options, one of which is fluorescent lighting which provides a wide, cool beam of light and is perfect for use as a light source in work areas. The second option is the downlighter that will provide you with a warm ambient light depending on the globe used. A warm white globe creates a warm yellowish light and the cool white option provides a pool of cool light. Do not use recessed lighting under a cabinet where perishable items are stored, as recessed lighting generates a lot of heat that can damage products.
Cabinet lighting inside or out is another option when designing your kitchen lighting needs. Track lighting is very useful when choosing to light cabinets from the outside, as it can be moved and directed as desired, so that when you open the door you can see the contents. It is important to remember that the larger the cabinets and the higher the ceiling, the further away the lights will need to be. To create light inside a cabinet for displaying glasses, ornaments, sculptures, or dinnerware, place recessed lighting inside and at the front of the cabinet, not in the middle or back of the cabinet, as it will create shadows. Smaller size downlighters are perfect for this type of application.
Lastly, when it comes to lighting your pantry or utility room, you want to make sure that you use a light that is bright but not too strong due to the functionality of pantries and utility rooms. The suggestion is to consider using spotlights as the lights can be directed exactly where it needs to be. All these options are available not only in retail outlets, but also through online stores, sometimes at much lower prices for the exact same product.
