kitchen lighting and design

The kitchen lighting is highly dependent of its size and configuration. Small kitchens might only demand a central fluorescent fixture and some task lighting under cabinets, but a larger one will demand a more complex lighting.

Types of lighting

Kitchen lighting design is based on three main types of lighting:

- Ambient or general lighting;
- Task lighting: to illuminate particular areas of the kitchen;
- Accent decorative lighting: for details, depth and décor (examples: recessed low-voltage fixtures to highlight art; fixtures strategically placed to illuminate collections).

It’s a good lighting practice to begin with task lighting - for countertops, breakfast area and other possible areas of the kitchen. General background light is often analysed later.

General Lighting

In some cases, namely in very small kitchens, task lighting is rather dispensable. Well placed lights over the counters may provide all the needed lighting. But in most cases, general lighting is indispensable.

General lighting creates a warmer room and softens shadows. General lighting is often placed on the ceiling or on the space between the cabinets and the ceiling (if the cabinets do not reach that space).

Lighting Kitchen & Task Areas

Fluorescents are excellent for task lights. They are a common option under cabinets, where they perform a direct illumination of the counters. There are specific cabinet flat fixtures that can use fluorescents. More focused lighting – a light over the sink, for instance – can also be performed by a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).

Recessed lights placed above counters for task lighting may also be fluorescents (CFLs).

Eating Area and Pendant light fixtures

Pendant fixtures for kitchens: Energy Star Pendant light fixtures are excellent to individualize some areas. Lighting the eating area is a good example of that. Pendants allow a localized task light, and are excellent as a decorative element and to «separate» that area.

Pendant fixtures can also be used in rooms attached to kitchen (breakfast rooms, for instance).

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are an excellent option for kitchen lighting, namely as a general lighting option. They are very useful during warmer weather (allowing cooling savings) and since they can be equipped with decorative lighting, they can also be a valid aesthetic element. Energy Star has many qualified ceiling fans for kitchens.

See for more details: Ceiling fans

Direct and indirect lighting

The use of both direct and indirect lighting allows an excellent lighting output for kitchens. Direct lighting is obtained by using recessed and surface lights, or light fixtures on pendant and chains. Indirect lighting is obtained by hidden lights - on top or under cabinets or in hidden ceiling areas.

High ceiling and colors of the kitchen

Higher kitchen ceilings demand brighter light bulbs. Darker colors – dark marbles… - might demand additional lighting.

Fluorescent lights

Selecting high-efficiency lamps and fixtures is essential in kitchen lighting. Whenever possible, prefer fluorescent lighting for your kitchen.

See for details: Fluorescent lights

Controls and switches

Bet on separated switches for each lighting area. Different lights should have separate controls - the counter, the breakfast table area, the sink or the pantry can each have a separate switch… – in order to obtain energy savings.

Light dimmers can reduce the wattage and output of lamps - and lighting controls are also commonly used to smooth transition between the kitchen and adjacent rooms or spaces.