Because it is one of the most visited rooms in the home, your kitchen is likely going to need a different approach to lighting. You need to be more considerate about creating sufficient task lighting, to prepare your meals without a problem. Then there is also the need to make the space more welcoming and friendly, which is something only proper lighting can do. To achieve all that, you will do well to follow some practical tips:
Mind the height – while it is good to have multiple fixtures around, you need to consider the fact that you require specific space between your fixtures and the counters and other working surfaces around. According to experts, you should get at least 30 inches between fixtures’ lowest point and the counter surface. This is true for any type of fixture, especially pendants, which take up more space from the ceiling. Layer it out – when it comes to lighting, there is the concept of layers. It is quite an important one, especially considering the design of kitchens. Combining ambient, task and accent lighting creates a dynamic space, which makes the space easy to work with. Pendants in the middle of the room, over the working areas and recessed lighting can make the finest look of any kitchen. Be more considerate of watts – when it comes to the strength of the lighting, you need to be more considerate. You don’t want the light to be too weak, but you also don’t want it to be too strong. If you cannot decide what the best medium is, don’t worry. There is a simple way to calculate. What you need is the square footage of your kitchen’s countertop area, multiplied by 2.5. This will show you just how many watts (measured with incandescent light) you require to sufficiently light up the space. Make use of the walls – if you have enough space in the kitchen, then the walls are an excellent place to get some lighting. Most often it will come in the form of sconces, which make for an excellent addition to the décor of the
room all the while serving to illuminate the places underneath them, such as the countertop or some other food prep area. Get some measurements – based on the size of the space you want to illuminate, you will do well to get some proportionate lighting. For example, if you have a kitchen island, you may need 2 or 3 small pendants over it, whereas a big island will likely require 4 small ones. What you can do is go with 1 or 2 larger ones, to satisfy the requirements for light. Keep light focused – when it comes to light, you must not forget about its use to highlight areas of importance. This means if there is a focal point in the kitchen, you want the light to shine on it. What you don’t want to do is direct everyone’s eye towards the sink, where some dirty dishes may hide. A single light works too – if you only have one electrical box above the space, you want to ensure it is the right type of lighting fixture. For instance, you can get a single light that provides the look of multiple pendants and thus make the most of the space with it.
Knowing more about how to make the most of light in your kitchen is crucial to its look and its functionality. Consider all of your options and go with the ones that best work for the space. For more useful guides and lists, be sure to check K&I Kitchens at https://kandikitchens.co.uk © K&I Kitchens