Basics of Kitchen General and Work Area Lighting

Choosing General Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting illuminates the entire kitchen and sets the overall mood.

Overhead lighting like pendant lights or recessed cans ensure the room is bright enough for basic tasks. Place these fixtures throughout the kitchen.
Consider layering in other ambient sources like wall sconces or undercabinet lighting. This provides a more uniform spread of light.
For a warm, welcoming glow, include accent lighting like chandeliers or pendants with dimmers.
Choose bulbs with a higher color temperature (5000K-6500K) to keep the kitchen bright and energizing.
Allow 30-40 lumens per square foot for adequate ambient light levels. Increase as needed for larger kitchens.

Focus Lighting on Key Work Areas

In addition to overall ambient lighting, concentrated task lighting is vital in heavy-duty work zones:

Lighting the Kitchen Sink

Install LED or xenon undercabinet lighting to directly illuminate the sink area without shadows.
Waterproof strip lighting works beautifully for undercabinet placement.
Position light strips to run parallel to the sink and counter front to best highlight tasks.
Allow for 50-100 footcandles of focused light at the sink.

Lighting the Cooking Surface

Mount LED or halogen pendant lights directly over islands or peninsulas to spotlight cooking areas.
Opt for adjustable fixtures to direct light right where needed.
Choose warm 2700K or 3000K bulbs so food appears appetizing under the lights.
Allow for up to 150 footcandles of task lighting at cooking surfaces.

Lighting the Food Prep Area

Undercabinet lighting again works very well to wash counters in light.
For a breakfast bar, consider backlit glass shelves to illuminate the space.
Make sure nearby pendants or recessed lights also reach the prep zone.
Allow for 75-100 footcandles of light focused on food prep areas.

Choosing the Right Fixtures

The style of lighting fixtures impacts both form and function in kitchen lighting design.

Lean toward streamlined, low-profile fixtures that won’t obstruct views or gather dust.
For a clean look, integrate lighting into shelves, rail systems, or cabinets.
Choose durable materials like metal that are made to handle heat, grease, and moisture.
Look for easy-care fixtures that can be wiped down as needed.
Select fixtures with longevity like LEDs that will provide many years of performance.

Controls for Convenience

The right lighting controls make kitchen illumination more flexible and user-friendly:

Use dimmer switches on pendants, chandeliers, and accent lights to adjust ambiance.
Install separate switches for task lighting so they can be turned on as needed.
Consider motion sensors or self-sensing undercabinet lights that activate when you’re nearby.
Set lighting scenes with home automation systems to match activities like cooking or cleaning up.
Program lights to turn off automatically after a certain time period.

Key Takeaways

Combine ample overhead ambient lighting with concentrated task lighting.
Focus high-intensity lighting on key work zones like sinks, stoves, and counters.
Choose fixtures that suit the kitchen’s style but also withstand heavy-duty use.
Include dimmers, sensors, and other controls for the ultimate in convenience.
Allow for higher light levels in kitchens than typical living spaces.

With the right mix of general, task, and accent lighting, your kitchen can be both beautiful and highly functional. Pay attention to lighting needs in heavy-use areas but also consider the overall ambiance you want to create. The result will be a kitchen that’s truly a joy to cook and gather in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Lighting

What types of lights should I use in the kitchen?

The best kitchen lighting combines ambient, task, and accent lighting:

Overhead fixtures like recessed cans and pendants provide overall ambient light.
Strip lights under cabinets illuminate counters and work zones.
Pendants directly over islands and cooktops spotlight cooking surfaces.
Decorative fixtures like chandeliers and wall sconces add style and accent lighting.

Where should lighting be installed in a kitchen?

Key spots for kitchen lighting include:

Throughout the space for ambient overhead lighting.
Under the upper cabinets for sink and counter task lighting.
Over islands, peninsulas, and other cooking areas to spotlight.
Over the dining area for mealtime illumination.
In glass-front cabinets and display niches for accent lighting of prized dishware.

How bright should kitchen lighting be?

Aim for higher light levels in the kitchen than living spaces:

Ambient lighting: 30-40 lumens per square foot
Task lighting at sinks: 50-100 footcandles
Task lighting at cooking surfaces: Up to 150 footcandles
Task lighting at prep areas: 75-100 footcandles

Increase as needed for very large kitchens.

How do I create an inviting kitchen atmosphere with lighting?

Some tips for warm, welcoming kitchen lighting:

Use 2700K or 3000K bulbs for ambient and task lighting to create a cozy glow.
Include fixtures like chandeliers and pendant lamps on dimmers to control brightness.
Add accent lighting like recessed adjustable spots to highlight display areas.
Install cove or tape lighting to add a subtle glow along walls, cabinets, or ceilings.
Choose finishes like aged brass, warm nickel, or bronze for fixtures.

What special lighting do I need for an island?

Lighting a kitchen island well requires focused illumination:

Opt for adjustable mini-pendants or recessed cans directly over the island.
Position 3-5 fixtures evenly over the island depending on its size and shape.
Choose brighter bulbs like 5000K for good visibility when prepping and cooking.
Make sure fixtures are low enough to provide direct lighting but don’t obstruct views.

Conclusion

The hallmarks of great kitchen lighting are abundant ambient illumination paired with strong task lighting. Plan for higher light levels than any other room in your home. Include ample controls through switches, dimmers, and automation to make the lighting flexible and user-friendly. Most importantly, choose durable, low-maintenance fixtures that can withstand heavy daily use for many years to come. Follow these basics and your kitchen lighting will check all the boxes for safety, beauty and functionality.