Like any other room in your home, the kitchen needs to be well-lit so that you can see what you’re doing but not so bright that you feel like you’re on the set of the newest food TV show. People don’t use their kitchens just for cooking any more. They gather in the kitchen to chat over a glass of milk or juice; sit with friends over a cocktail while dinner’s roasting in the oven; or help the youngsters with homework. It’s important to choose lighting for your kitchen that will fit both your lifestyle and your kitchen décor.
Basic Lighting Basics
Kitchen lighting can be roughly divided into three types: general or ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. For a balanced and productive work space, especially if you have a larger sized kitchen, all three types of lighting should be a part of a successful kitchen design plan.
General or ambient lighting is typically some type of overhead lighting, like a flush mounted fixture centered in the kitchen’s ceiling. It fills the space with a medium to bright light that softens shadows and creates a warm and welcoming vibe. Some may think that since you will be working at a counter or gathering around the kitchen table that ambient lighting is not really necessary. But, as in most kitchens, the ceiling light switch is the first thing you reach for when entering your kitchen, particularly in the dark. Properly placed ambient lighting is imperative to making a kitchen the heart of the home.
Task lighting is generally bright and used to shed light on specific parts of the kitchen, such as an island where you chop vegetables, over the stove, sink or a specific section of the counter and above the dining table or breakfast bar. From florescent to pendant to semi-flush mounted ceiling lights, task lighting allows you to see exactly what you are doing. Whether you’re preparing the meal or sharing it with family or friends, it’s better (and safer when it involves food prep) to work in an area that has plenty of light. Kitchen cabinet lighting is another type of task lighting that is especially useful for lighting countertop space above a counter.
While task lighting focuses on specific tasks, accent lighting puts the spotlight on the special architectural and/or decorative aspects of your kitchen, such as a wine collection, china collectibles or a conversational piece like an indoor fountain or a work of art. It is the brightest, up to three times brighter than ambient or task lighting. It can include table lamps, wall sconces and recessed lights.
If you purchase the Murray Feiss Artisan 4-Light Chandelier for your kitchen/dining area, will it be enough? Here’s a quick reference guideline to help you decide just how lighting you will need.
Doing the Math
- How big is your kitchen? If you’re not sure, take measurements. The size of the area will be a determining factor in whether or not the fixture you purchase will provide adequate light.
- If the kitchen is 100 square feet or less, choose a 2-light flush or semi-flush mounted light or decorative 2-light chandelier like the Quoizel Denmark Island Chandelier.
- Mid-size kitchens ranging from 100 to 250 square feet should include a 4-light fixture.
- Large kitchens measuring over 250 square feet need a 4-light fixture and additional task or ambient lighting.
For that Certain Look . . .
Contemporary
Wood cabinets are made of softer-grained woods with lighter finishes such as birch, ash or maple
Geometric profiles balanced by sweeping curved countertops or cabinets
Cabinet doors are frameless
Hardware is simple and typically oversized
The Quoizel Deluxe Pendant With 5 Uplights for a clean-lined functional look that is appealing.
Modern
Wood cabinets are made of mahogany or other types of grained woods. Finishes are highly lacquered.
Other popular materials for cabinets include glass or metal with stainless doors and/or hardware.
Lines and angles are clean and sleek and can be extremely geometric.
Contrasting materials are often used to create texture or focal points such as a marble countertop and black glass cabinet doors.
In a modern style kitchen, the AF Lighting Supernova Twenty Light Chandelier would definitely make a statement.
Traditional
Cabinets are framed and made of wood with medium to dark finishes with a lustrous sheen. Cabinets and doors include decorative elements such as molding, carved accents, embossed detailing and motifs.
Hardware is generally made of metal with an antiqued appearance and has an intricate design.
Kitchen islands and other types of cabinetry may include elaborately carved legs, posts or pilasters. Lines and profiles are dramatically curved.
The beautiful AF Lighting Provencal Semi-Flush Ceiling Light will add to your kitchen’s traditional design.
I agree that’s its so important to have the right mix of lighting in a kitchen, especially as kitchens are definitely the heart of the home. I would advise getting practical but stylish lighting is this important in this space.
Cool. Much props for this!
Please don’t take this the wrong way. I think your overall ideas are fine but you might want to put a little more thought into your next posts. I say this becuase it seems like your writing style has gone downhill a bit as opposed to your previous posts. – C.