The right balance of lighting is needed in your kitchen to put you on the right track to accomplishing your daily tasks. From making lists to getting homework done to actually preparing food, the kitchen is a busy workhorse that needs proper lighting. Proper kitchen lighting design essentially includes island-highlighting pendants, recessed down lighting and under-cabinet LEDs. These and other types of lighting will ensure that the kitchen is ready for all of its uses. Below are three of the major types of lighting:
• Task Lighting
With the assistance of task lighting, cabinetry and work surfaces can be properly illuminated so you can easily read recipes, spot ingredients in the cupboards or pantry and safely prepare healthy and delicious meals. Popular task lighting options include puck lights and strip lights. For task-oriented islands, you can try for a combination of hanging lights and recessed down lighting.
• Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting allows you to navigate through the kitchen and it is the main light source, whether to fill in for the lack of natural light or in addition to it. It supplies a uniform level of lighting all throughout the space and this is done independently of other sources of light.
The light basically bounces off the wall to brighten as much of the room as possible. For best results, as much ambient light should be cast from the ceiling as evenly as possible. This can be done with a combination of flush mounts, chandeliers, recessed lighting and pendant lights.
For island or counter seating, mini pendant lights can do a remarkable job. These lights should be placed a minimum of between 30 and 32 inches apart and between 30 and 36 inches above the island. In addition, they should be at least 6 inches away from the edge of the island.
• Accent
Accent lighting can be considered as the ‘cherry on top’ of a remarkably-designed kitchen. Accent lights include cabinet lights, toe kick lights and overcabinet lights, which are placed between the ceiling and the cabinets. Overcabinet lighting brings a dramatic touch to the kitchen and the same is true for other lights that can accentuate the favorite features of your kitchen, with the right placement. They also could cross over into task and ambient lighting.
These are just some of the elements of kitchen lighting design that can make your life and the lives of your family a lot easier.