Bright light for kitchen
The 7 Best LED Kitchen Ceiling Lights for a Bright and Functional Space
As you can guess by the name, LED kitchen ceiling lights are lights designed for installing in your kitchen.
Since these use LED bulbs inside them, you get high brightness output with low power consumption resulting in high efficiency. Since these lights also offer handy features, we are here with some of the best LED kitchen ceiling lights that include the following features:
- Size: When you are installing lights in your kitchen, making sure that you cover a large area is highly important to get even lighting above your cooking area. Thus, make sure to check the size of your LED kitchen ceiling lights which is given either in terms of the diameter or the length and includes ratings around 15 inch for circular ones and around 60 inches for rectangular ones.
- Wattage: Other than having a large size for even lighting, you also need to have powerful lights in your kitchen so that you can see everything properly while cooking food. Just like any other type of lights, these kitchen lights also have a wattage rating that includes options like 20 to 30-watt budget options and 60 to 80-watt higher-end options. If you want a powerful light, go with the one that has a high wattage rating.
- Color Temperature: While buying lights for your kitchen, checking their light color is quite important to ensure that you can work under the given light for multiple hours at once. You can check the color of these LED lights by taking a look at their color temperature where a cool temperature of 5000-6000K is white or slightly blue and a warmer temperature of 2500-3000K is yellow or slightly orange.
By keeping these features as a priority, buying the right LED ceiling light should be fairly easy. But, to make things even easier for you, we have a “Buying Guide” for the best LED kitchen ceiling lights, you can easily buy the best LED kitchen ceiling lights for your needs and requirements.
Best LED Kitchen Ceiling LightsLED Kitchen Ceiling Lights | Size | Wattage | Warranty | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|
TALOYA LED Ceiling Light | 15.8 inch | 24 watts | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
Drosbey LED Ceiling Light Fixture | 13 inch | 36 watts | 6 years | Check On Amazon |
LE Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture | 13 inch | 24 watts | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
VICNIE LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light | 14 inch | 20 watts | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
FaithSail LED Flush Kitchen Light Fixture | 48 inch | 50 watts | 5 years | Check On Amazon |
Hykolity Round Led Ceiling Light | 13 inch | 24 watts | 5 years | Check On Amazon |
AntLux LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light | 48 inch | 60 watts | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
Taloya is kind of a premium brand of lighting fixtures that also makes high quality LED ceiling lights that can be a great pick for your use in your kitchen.
The Tayoya LED kitchen ceiling light comes at the 1st position of this list since this can be an ideal option for those who want something versatile. Even though it is a circular LED kitchen ceiling light, you still get a pretty decent size of 15.8 inch with it.
Although, the given wattage of just 24 watts does mean that it will not be as bright as other options out there. Coming to its features, this is one of the only few LED lights out there that support multiple color temperatures including 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K. Being a premium option, the included 2-year warranty is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Circular LED kitchen light
- Offers a size of 15.8 inches
- Rated at a power output of 24 watts
- Comes with a warranty period of 2 year
Pros:
- Supports 3 color temperature
- Pretty large size for a circular fixture
- Great build quality along with standard warranty
Cons:
- Low wattage rating for the given price
Buy Now From Amazon
2. Drosbey LED Ceiling Light FixtureEven though LED lights are highly durable and generally last for a pretty long time, Drosbey and its lights can be a great option for those who want something more reliable than others.
Drosbey’s LED kitchen ceiling light comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as it is the most durable and reliable option available in the market. Not only do you get a reliable product, but this Drosbey LED light is also pretty bright with a wattage rating of 36 watts making it one of the brightest circular LED ceiling lights.
Thanks to this wattage rating, you get a pretty high brightness output of 3200 lumens. In comparison with other LED lights, this one is much more reliable thanks to the 6-year warranty that it offers to the user. However, if you want something large, then you should look elsewhere as it has a size of just 13 inches.
Best Features:
- Circular LED kitchen light
- Offers a size of 13 inches
- Rated at a power output of 36 watts
- Comes with a warranty period of 6 year
Pros:
- Very high brightness output
- Most durable and reliable LED kitchen ceiling light
- Uses a flush mount for great aesthetics
Cons:
- Quite a small light
Buy Now From Amazon
3. LE Flush Mount LED Ceiling Light FixtureLE and its lighting fixtures are much cheaper than most other brands and their offerings which makes its products a viable option for those who are on a budget.
This LE LED kitchen ceiling light comes at the 3rd position of this article because it is one of the cheapest options out there. Being on the affordable side, the given size of 13 inches of this circular LED light is to be expected.
Moving over to its performance numbers, this is a 24 watt light that can output up to 2400 lumens of maximum brightness. When combined with its cool color temperature of 5000K, you get pretty decent light output for the price. Even though this budget offering includes a 2-year warranty, its build quality is a bit on the average side.
Best Features:
- Circular LED kitchen light
- Offers a size of 13 inches
- Rated at a power output of 24 watts
- Comes with a warranty period of 2 year
Pros:
- Affordable LED ceiling light
- Decent light output
- Cool color temperature for a natural light output
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
Buy Now From Amazon
4. VICNIE LED Flush LED Ceiling LightVicnie is another premium brand of lighting fixture which offers artistic circular LED ceiling lights that can be a great pick for your kitchen.
The Vicnie LED kitchen ceiling light is one of the most expensive circular-shaped options out there. This is due to the reason that you get excellent build quality and one of the best looking designs. To make this light even more artistic, it uses warm 3000K lights resulting in a comforting light output. Speaking of the light output, this light is rated at just 20 watts.
Due to this, you get a very average brightness output of up to 1400 lumens from it. Thankfully, it does have a decent size of 14 inches which further makes this light one of the best looking options out there. Since it is a premium brand, you get a 3-year warranty with it which is always good for longevity.
Best Features:
- Circular LED kitchen light
- Offers a size of 14 inches
- Rated at a power output of 20 watts
- Comes with a warranty period of 3 year
Pros:
- Unique artistic design
- Warm light output for a comforting look
- Excellent premium build quality
Cons:
- Poor brightness output
Buy Now From Amazon
5. FaithSail 4FT LED Flush Kitchen Light FixtureFaithSail is one of the trust-worthy brands for providing high quality LED lighting solutions including both indoor and outdoor.
Their 4ft LED ceiling light has a modern design and high-efficiency technology. It provides soft, comfortable and healthier illumination which makes it perfect alternative for fluorescent lights.
Apart from residential purposes, it can also be used for commercial spaces as well. It has a unique metal design which blends easily into any interior décor.
Being ETL certified, it is a safe and reliable LED lighting solution for your kitchen. It has color temperature of 4000K neutral white and work temperature between -30~ to +45 degrees. The manufacturer offers 5-years warranty on this product.
Best Features:
- More energy-efficient
- ETL certified
- Unique and modern design
- Wide range of applications
- Soft and comfortable light
- 4000K color temperature
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Affordable price
- 5-years warranty
- Adjustable brightness
Cons:
- Some people experienced flickering
Buy Now From Amazon
6. Hykolity Round LED Ceiling LightHykolity is one of the trusted brands for lighting fixtures. Their round flat panel light is a great addition for kitchen, bedroom, laundry, living room, garage, basement and closet room.
It has an edge-lit and ultra slim design, making it perfect for low ceiling solutions. It comes with slide and lock mounting bracket which enables safe and easy installation.
This light has selectable color switch which lets you choose among the preset color variations that include soft white, daylight, and bright white. It compatible with most of the household triac LED dimmers for flicker-free operation.
Best Features
- Edge-lit LEDs
- Great for low-ceiling area
- Color changing CCT
- 5% – 100% dimming range
- Flicker-free operation
- Round flat panel
Pros:
- Easy and safe installation
- Perfect for any home décor
- Energy saving
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Sometimes, it buzzes very loud
Buy Now From Amazon
7. AntLux LED Flush Mount LED Ceiling LightAs per the name, AntLux is a brand of lighting products that are generally quite powerful and offer high brightness lux ratings making them ideal for larger rooms like an open kitchen.
AntFlux’s LED kitchen ceiling light is one of the most powerful LED ceiling lights available out there. Starting with its size, this is a rectangular light with a very high length of 48 inches. When combined with its equally high wattage rating of 60 watts, you can expect very high brightness output from it.
To be precise, this light can offer a maximum brightness of 6600 lumens. With this light output, you can easily see everything when combined with its neutral color temperature of 4000K. While AntLux does offer a decent 3-year warranty, its build quality leaves the user wanting for more.
Best Features:
- Rectangular LED kitchen light
- Offers a size of 48 inches
- Rated at a power output of 60 watts
- Comes with a warranty period of 3 year
Pros:
- Highly powerful LED ceiling light
- Neutral white color output
- Pretty large size for most kitchen spaces
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
Buy Now From Amazon
Just like the rest of your home, keeping your kitchen well lit is highly important. This becomes even more important when you are cooking food and want to see everything clearly.
To ensure this, you can simply get one of the best LED kitchen ceiling lights that we discussed earlier. Thanks to their various features and lighting specifications mentioned above, you can easily get a powerful lighting setup for your kitchen. But those of you who wish to know even more before making a purchase decision can simply check out the following buying guide for the best kitchen ceiling lights:
1. SizeOne of the most important factors to keep in mind while buying any kind of lights for your home is their size. This is especially important for your kitchen as a large-sized light can offer even and smooth lighting at your cooking area.
As for the various options available out there, you will find circular and rectangular LED lights. While the circular ones are generally around 15 inches in diameter, rectangular ones have a length ranging from 50 inch to 80 inches. Out of all these options, the larger 80-inch length or size rating is the better one for the best possible lighting.
2. WattageWhether you are buying a light for your kitchen or any other place in your home, making sure that it is a powerful one is quite important. One easy way to get an idea of the performance or the brightness output of your LED kitchen ceiling light is to simply check its wattage rating. Generally, with a higher wattage rating results in brighter light output.
Taking a look at the various options stated above, you can find various wattage ratings ranging from 20 to 30 watts for budget options and 60 to 80 watts for higher-end ones. As you would expect, the higher 80-watt rating is going to be much brighter than a 20 watt LED light for your kitchen.
3. BrightnessApart from the wattage rating, many LED kitchen ceiling lights even mention a direct brightness rating. This brightness rating is given in terms of lumens where a higher lumen rating results in brighter light output.
Some of the common brightness ratings can include options like 3000 lumens, 5000 lumens, and even 8000 lumens in higher-end options. And as you would have guessed, the higher 8000 lumens brightness rating is going to be the brightest one while buying LED kitchen ceiling lights.
4. Color TemperatureWhile the color temperature of your lights may not affect the performance, you should still consider checking it. The color temperature of any given light simply tells you about the color of the light that it emits.
Usually, you will find color temperature ratings given in terms of Kelvin that can include 2500-3000K temperatures for warmer lights and 5000K-6000K temperatures for cooler lights. If you are not familiar with color temperatures, a warm light is yellowish and a cool light is either white or slightly blue. While most LED kitchen ceiling lights have a fixed color temperature rating, a few of them also offer adjustable color temperature for high versatility.
5. WarrantyEven though almost all LED kitchen ceiling lights discussed up above are durable, you should still consider their warranty to get an idea about how long they are going to last. Apart from the standard warranty periods like 2 or 3 years long, you can also find warranty of up to 5 or 6 years.
Conclusion:When you are cooking food in your kitchen or doing any other daily chores, making sure that you can see everything clearly is quite important. While this should not be an issue during the night, you need powerful and bright lights for the same during the night. One such great option can be going with something like the best LED kitchen ceiling lights present above.
Here are some of our favorite recommendations for the best LED kitchen ceiling lights:
- In comparison to most other LED kitchen ceiling lights, the Hykolity Round Flat Panel Light is much larger with its length of 13 inches. You also get a pretty decent wattage rating of 24 watts which results in pretty bright light output along with a neutral color temperature of 5000K. Being an LED light fixture, you also get a 5-year warranty with it.
- Although, if you simply want an LED kitchen ceiling light that offers a warranty, then the Drosbey LED ceiling light is just for you. It is the only option stated here that includes a 6-year warranty. Along with that, you also get decent performance from this compact 13 inch circular light thanks to its wattage rating of 36 watts.
- The AntLux LED Flush Mount LED Ceiling Light is much more powerful than all other options stated above thanks to its excellent wattage rating of 60 watts. This is combined along with a pretty large size of 48 inches which allows it to output an even light quite easily. Apart from being a great heavy-duty option, it is also quite reliable thanks to the included 3-year warranty.
Kitchen Lighting Ideas | 9 Striking Kitchen Lighting Designs by Livspace
In This Article
- #1: Ambient Kitchen Lighting Ideas
- #2: Flush Mount Kitchen Ceiling Lights
- #3: Recessed Kitchen Lights
- #4: Kitchen Lighting Ideas: Task Lighting
- #5: Kitchen Track Lighting Ideas
- #6: Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lights
- #7: Kitchen Lighting Ideas: Accent Lighting
- #8: Wall Sconces and Wall-Mounted Kitchen Lights
- #9: Pendant Light for Kitchen
- #10: Try LED Strips as Small Kitchen Lighting Ideas
- How to Select the Best Lights for Your Kitchen?
- How Can Livspace Help You?
- FAQs
Just like you need healthy, balanced meals every day, your kitchen needs a healthy mix of different types of lights to help you work more efficiently. We understand that not everyone is an expert when it comes to small kitchen lighting ideas. Therefore, we have compiled the best kitchen lighting ideas for a small kitchen, for every type of task you perform there. Let’s take a look!
#1: Ambient Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Add sufficient kitchen illumination with accent lightsAs the name suggests, ambient lights create a conducive and creative ambience in a room. You can add these in addition to the natural lighting or to fill its absence. There are various kinds of ambient kitchen lights available in Singapore market to choose from.
#2: Flush Mount Kitchen Ceiling Lights
Flush mount kitchen ceiling lights are ideal for small to medium kitchensThe ceiling is where you need ambient lighting the most. Typically dome-shaped, flush mount or semi-flush mount lights sufficiently light up small to medium kitchen ceilings. A single or a couple of flush mount kitchen lights are usually adequate.
Expert tip: You can use either warm or white light bulbs in these flush mount fixtures.
#3: Recessed Kitchen Lights
Recessed kitchen ceiling lights are concealed and fit seamlessly into the ceilingThese are like the holy grail for creating ambient kitchen lighting ideas, especially if you are not a fan of hanging lights. These are concealed into your ceiling and look very sleek, while providing ample light to the space. In a medium-sized kitchen, you can install about three to six recessed lights. Just make sure to place them in an aesthetic grid.
Expert tip: Always opt for white light bulbs inside recessed lights.
Also Read: 9 Kitchen Interior Design Styles That Work Well in Modern Kitchens
#4: Kitchen Lighting Ideas: Task Lighting
Task lighting is installed based on the tasks you carry out in particular kitchen segmentsAfter you have installed ambient lighting, which will help with basic illumination in your kitchen, you should think about the kind of tasks you carry out in this space. Often, ambient lighting will cast a shadow when you stand in front of counters or any other location in your kitchen. Therefore, you need designated task lighting for kitchens. These lights will illuminate specific areas, like the countertop or the kitchen stove.
#5: Kitchen Track Lighting Ideas
Kitchen track lights look great over breakfast counters or in parallel kitchensThese are a strip of lights we arrange in a linear pattern on the ceiling. This is one of the more modern kitchen lighting ideas, where you can place a series of track lights over your island or breakfast counter. People also install them above their kitchen counters sometimes as they are excellent focus lights. But you have to ensure a correct angle so no shadows are cast over your counter.
Expert tip: We prefer warm light bulbs for kitchen track lighting ideas. Make sure you pick up LED bulbs to help you save energy.
#6: Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lights
Under-cabinet lights can be used when you do not want to switch on all your kitchen lightsOne of the most useful (and our favourite) task light for kitchen is the under-cabinet light. They are used to create direct focus on the worktop. You can use LED strips and install them under the wall cabinets. This type of kitchen LED light is great for brightening up dull corners and getting rid of the shadows that the cabinets cast on the countertop.
Expert tip: Definitely go for warm light strips if you have a neutral-coloured backsplash. Keep white or cool light strips only if you have other cool-coloured backsplashes.
#7: Kitchen Lighting Ideas: Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is predominantly decorative addition to the existing basic kitchen lightingAccent lighting is predominantly decorative and are additions to the existing basic kitchen lighting ideas. You can utilise accent lights to create a soft focus on some key elements in the kitchen. There are absolutely no rules when it comes to accent lighting and this makes it one of the most versatile kitchen lighting ideas.
#8: Wall Sconces and Wall-Mounted Kitchen Lights
Wall sconces act as a pretty addition to regular kitchen lightsSimilar in style to the flush mount lights, wall sconces or wall-mounted lights differ just in placement. While flush mounts are installed on the ceiling, wall sconces are placed on the wall. If you have space on any wall or next to your breakfast counter, you can mount a wall sconce for extra lighting. It is stylish, it is modern and it helps in lighting up the wall.
Expert tip: As we said, there are no rules, but we personally suggest you use warm lighting for wall sconces. It gives a soft glow to the room.
#9: Pendant Light for Kitchen
Pendant lights are ideal overhead kitchen lighting ideasSo you have a kitchen island or a breakfast counter and it acts like a gathering spot for your family? Then you might want to invest in some pretty kitchen pendant lighting ideas. These kitchen lighting fixtures hang from the ceiling and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We personally love these bubble lights that add a chic touch to this kitchen and hang low enough to illuminate the counter.
Expert tip: Always go for warm light bulbs in pendant lights. The golden glow will highlight the space and act as a decorative accent. Make sure there’s a distance of at least 30 to 32 inches between the countertop and the bottom of the light.
#10: Try LED Strips as Small Kitchen Lighting Ideas
LED lights are more durable than basic lightsYour priorities should be style and utility when deciding on the ideal LED strips setup for your kitchen. In addition to using less energy than conventional lighting sources, LED strips have a longer lifespan. They provide instantaneous brightness and are more environmental-friendly.
How to Select the Best Lights for Your Kitchen?
As a rule of thumb, you must have general or ambient lighting in the centre of the kitchen. Do this by installing recessed kitchen ceiling lights or flush mounts. Additionally, if you have an island or a breakfast counter, consider pendant lighting.
We personally recommend having a couple of task lights as well, but it really depends upon the natural lighting in your kitchen and the positioning of your windows or additional lights. If they do not happen to cast shadows on your counter, then you can make do without them. Read on to know a few tips on selecting the best lights for your kitchen.
A. Identify the Areas That Need Proper Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen sink, table and an exposed countertop must be well-litIt is crucial that your modern kitchen be well-lit—and in all the correct places. In eat-in kitchens, accent lighting must be frequently placed over the kitchen sink or table as well as above an exposed countertop, such as an island or peninsula.
Also Read: 15 Stunning Kitchen Cabinet Designs You Need For A Functional Kitchen
B. Use Task Lights Over the Island
Adequate lighting for kitchen is a matter of user experienceThe kitchen above shows off pendant, track and task lighting for a well-rounded cooking and dining experience. Task lighting minimises shadows and provides you with a clear view of your work surface. Task lights over the island guarantee that you have ample light while slicing vegetables or doing any other prep work.
C. Select Proper Light Controls
There are numerous choices for controlling the lights in your kitchen, including manual, pre-set, dimmer switches, motion and occupancy sensors, as well as assisted lighting controls like voice controls. The manual on/off switch found in the majority of households is the most basic type of lighting control. However, assisted light controls and motion sensors are also becoming popular.
D. Mix Up Your Fixtures
Create a layered kitchen lighting designEvery well-lit room must be built on the principle of layering the lights. These layers enhance your kitchen space’s adaptability and functionality, while providing dimension. Ambient, task, and/or accent lighting are the three types of lighting you should include at a minimum. One lighting fixture, such as a magnificent chandelier or an unusual lamp, might serve as your focal point. However, we advise combining a minimum of two and a maximum of four lighting layers.
E. Choose Light Fitting According to Your Furniture
Don’t match your lighting to furnishings; coordinate itIf you want to integrate your kitchen’s design with the lighting fixtures used to illuminate it, then follow this tip. Instead of trying to match the kitchen lighting to the furnishing and finishes, try to coordinate it. Try to match the shape, colour, materials, styles, and/or other particulars.
F. Choose Vintage Lights to Complement the Design
Vintage kitchen lighting ideas for small kitchens, for an antique feelFan of vintage lights and decor? Check this kitchen design by Livspace. In this bright and airy kitchen designed for a Singapore home, antique hanging lamps impose Victorian-esque beauty.
G. Add Industrial Accents to Kitchen Lighting Design
Give your kitchen a raw feel with industrial lighting lampsThis kitchen has plenty of natural light, but the finishing touches are given by industrial pendants. This kitchen by Livspace feels modern and stylish, thanks to the combination of slate grey cabinetry and industrial black pendant lights.
How Can Livspace Help You?
We hope you found our ideas useful! If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Send in your thoughts and suggestions to [email protected].
FAQs
1. What Type of Lighting Is Best for a Kitchen?
Warm white lights (with wavelengths between yellow and white light) are probably best for the kitchen. However, it is still up to your own personal preference.
2. What Is the Best Lighting for a Kitchen Ceiling?
The best types of kitchen ceiling lights for general illumination of the entire kitchen are flush mount ceiling lights or ambience lights. These lights work well in smaller Singaporean homes and take up minimal space.
3. How Do You Properly Light a Kitchen?
Create a layered lighting plan with ambient, task and track lights to properly light a kitchen.
4. How Can I Light My Kitchen Without an Island?
For a kitchen without an island, try using track lights or semi-flush mount lights.
Lighting in the kitchen: selection of fixtures, lamps, lighting
Traditionally in our country, the kitchen is not only a place where food is prepared, but also a place for eating and private gatherings. Therefore, the lighting in the kitchen should be not only practical, but also beautiful and comfortable.
Article contents
- 1 Principles and requirements
- 1.1 Lighting standards
- 1.2 Type of lamps, color and light
- 2 General lighting in the kitchen
- 9 Dining area lighting0010
- 4 Working surface backlight
- 4.1 The choice of location
- 4.2 so that the backlight in the kitchen does not interfere with
- 4.3 Point lighting 9000 4.4 Linear Light sources
- 4.4.1 LED tape 9000 4.4.2 LED luminaires for the kitchen 9,000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9 4. 4.3 Fluorescent lamps
Principles and requirements
A kitchen is a room that has at least two areas with different purposes - a working area for cooking and a dining area. From different purposes, different requirements for lighting the kitchen follow: in the working area there should be bright lighting that allows you to see everything clearly, and in the dining area - softer.
It is better to make lighting in the kitchen zonedBut zoned kitchen lighting does not exclude the presence of a chandelier. Its functional significance is small, since the light spot is obtained in the center of the room, which remains mostly empty. But from the point of view of leveling uneven illumination, this method is very good. Alternatively, you can use several spotlights, as in the photo above, or install built-in ceiling lights if the ceiling is suspended or suspended from plasterboard.
It is necessary to think about lighting the kitchen even at the stage of repair, when the electrical panel is assembled, the wiring is pulled, the places for installing sockets and switches are marked. Later, after the repair is completed, it is very problematic to do this - you have to lay the wiring on top or in cable channels.
Lighting Standards
When you first plan lighting in the kitchen, the question arises of how many lamps you need and what power. It's simple: there are lighting standards for each room for the kitchen, which is 150 Lux per square meter. Considering the illumination in Watts is no longer relevant, since a 7 W LED lamp can produce light like a 50 W incandescent lamp or 650 Lm.
As an example, let's calculate how much light is needed for a 12 m2 kitchen. To do this, we multiply its area by the norm: 12 m2 * 150 Lx = 1800 Lx. And since 1 Lux is equal to 1 Lumen, it is necessary to install light bulbs, which in total give at least 1800 Lm.
With zoned lighting, the amount of light required is calculated separately for each zoneIf you decide to do zoned lighting, that is, the work surface will be illuminated separately, there will be its own light source above the table, it makes sense to count everything separately. To do this, the kitchen plan must be divided into zones, calculate the area and, based on these figures, select the number of lamps and lamps for them. Just keep in mind that two 50W lamps in total will not give as much light as one 100W lamp, but about 1/3 less.
Lamp type, color and light
Another important point. When choosing lighting, it is best to choose the same type of lamps: halogen, LED, daylight. In extreme cases, you can combine two types, but it is better not to use all three. They give different lighting and it is almost impossible to get a sane result. We are not talking about incandescent lamps, since they are already used very rarely: they require too much electricity, giving out a small amount of light.
When selecting lamps, consider their color temperatureIn addition to the type of lamps, it is necessary to choose lamps that give light of the same color, which is also called the color temperature of the lamps. They can give light with a blue, yellow, white tint. In principle, you choose, but the best option is natural or neutral. It is better for the eyes and for the perception of colors.
General lighting in the kitchen
Now let's see how you can make general lighting in the kitchen. The traditional option is a chandelier. But it does not fit into every modern interior, however, it has a place to be.
Traditional general lighting - a chandelier in the middle of the ceilingOften kitchens are not square, but rectangular. In this case, you can find a chandelier, elongated in length. For a long and narrow room, this is the best option, which will provide optimal light distribution.
In a narrow kitchen, install a long lampWith low ceilings, the chandelier cannot be hung - it will interfere. The way out is to find the lamp almost flat. It can be square or round - which one is more suitable for the chosen style of kitchen design.
Recessed square lampIf you are going to make a suspended or stretch ceiling, you can “scatter” spotlights over the surface or create some kind of pattern from them (read about ways to place spotlights and more here). You can also make the backlight around the perimeter of the "central" zone. Such lighting in the kitchen visually helps to raise the ceiling, making the room a little more spacious.
Illumination can be made in a plasterboard ceiling or with a stretch ceilingAll of these methods can be combined, so the number of options is very large. But it is important not to forget that there is still lighting for two other zones and look for lighting fixtures for her at once, because they must match in style.
Dining area lighting
The light near the dining table can be made in just two variations: a sconce story, one or more lamps on a long cord from the ceiling.
It is important to keep the styleYou can use the sconce if the table is near the wall. When choosing the location of a wall lamp, there are two considerations: the degree of illumination and convenience. The lamp should not interfere, for which it is placed at a height of 60-80 cm above the tabletop. In order for it to illuminate the entire table, it is advisable to find a model that allows you to bring the ceiling away from the wall.
An example of the location of a wall lamp above the dining table in the kitchenTo make the lighting in the kitchen not only bright, but also beautiful, all lamps-chandeliers-sconces are selected in the same style, which should also be in harmony with the overall design style.
Worktop lighting
There are more nuances in lighting the work area in the kitchen. First of all, you need to decide where to place the fixtures, then choose their type, type and shape of the lamps.
Kitchen lighting can be arranged in different waysChoosing a location
When illuminating the working area in the kitchen, lamps are usually placed on the underside of hanging cabinets. And this is the best possible option. Because everyone else is much worse. For example, if the light source is on the ceiling (position 1 in the photo), standing with your back to it you block the light. Even if the lamps are located along the line of the kitchen set, but high - on the ceiling or slightly above the level of the upper cabinets (position 2) - only a narrow part of the work surface with the edge is illuminated, the rest is in the shade. Therefore, the illumination of the working area in the kitchen is done by fixing the lighting fixtures at the bottom of the cabinets. Then the lighting in the kitchen has a pronounced zonal character, but it is much more convenient to work this way.
What is the best way to illuminate the working area in the kitchenHere again there are options: the lamps can be placed closer to the wall, in the middle, closer to the outer edge of the cabinets. The best option is closer to the outer edge (position 4). So the lighting is most effective with fewer shadows in the work area. The third option is also good. It is somewhat worse in terms of illumination, but more practical in implementation.
So that the lighting in the kitchen does not interfere
If the lighting of the work surface in the kitchen is done at the bottom of the cabinets, other problems arise:
- Not everyone is satisfied with the appearance of the fixtures attached in this place.
- The light hits the eyes of people sitting at the table.
Both of these problems have one solution: install a decorative bar that will cover the lamp and limit the spread of light. It turns out that the lighting in the kitchen is softer and the lighting fixtures themselves are not visible.
How to make sure that the lighting in the kitchen does not interfereThe location of the bar, its height, the position of the lamp must be selected on the spot: light sources have different heights, different brightness, the luminous flux can also be directed in different ways. Therefore, you select the parameters of the bar experimentally. Ideally, if the light does not fall even on the floor, but will only illuminate the countertop.
Alternatively, the plank can be designed as a small shelf for various kitchen items. Usually decor or jars of spices are displayed here. If you don't like this idea, just do the plank. If you think that even the plank spoils the look or it just doesn’t fit into the style, make a double bottom in the cabinets, hiding the light sources inside. In this case, you can install frosted glass, which will soften the light.
Make a double bottom in cabinets, install a fluorescent lamp inside, and fix the glass on aluminum cornersThe door in this case is made along the entire length, although this is not necessary. In order to avoid problems with fastening the glass, an aluminum corner can be installed around the bottom perimeter, on which you can simply lay a piece of frosted glass or translucent polycarbonate cut to size.
Spot lighting
When arranging lighting in the kitchen in the working area, you must immediately decide what type of light sources you will use. There are two options - point and tubular. In the case of using spotlights, it turns out such a “zebra”, the contrast of which can be negated by more frequent installation of light bulbs.
When using spotlights, there are more or less bright spots.The advantage of this solution is that the lamps are quite decorative and such illumination looks beautiful. Minus - it is not always convenient when cooking. Another drawback: spotlights are quite high and can only be installed with a second bottom in cabinets.
Kitchen lighting with spotlightsIf you choose this way to make lighting in the kitchen, take LED lamps. Now they are the most economical - with low power consumption they give a lot of light, they last a long time. In this case, their undoubted plus is that they practically do not heat up, so nothing threatens the furniture. The option is a little worse - halogen lamps (they heat up, "pull" a little more electricity), even less economical - fluorescent lamps with a conventional cartridge, and the most unfortunate - incandescent lamps.
Linear light sources
When using linear luminaires, the illumination is almost uniform, since the illuminators can be mounted with a distance of a couple of centimeters between them.
Illumination of the working area in the kitchen with linear lampsWhen choosing light sources for linear illumination, there are even more options and the range is constantly expanding. Perhaps there are already new tools that few people know about yet. In the meantime, there are three of them: LED strip, LED and fluorescent lamps. There is also neon lighting, but it is quite difficult to install, and it costs more. Therefore, lighting in the kitchen with neon tubes or flexible hoses is almost never done.
LED strip
The strip and LEDs can be easily mounted on furniture, as it has a sticky layer. But this layer is unreliable, therefore they prefer to fix it in some way - with double tape, staples from a stapler. If you intend to fix the tape directly on furniture, choose models with a high level of protection - IP44 and higher. But it is better not to take those that are soldered in a tube - at home they overheat (especially in the kitchen), quickly fade, and soon burn out. For this case, it is better to take types filled with varnish or other protective composition.
Fastening the strip in a small profileWhen choosing an LED strip for illuminating the work surface in the kitchen, it is necessary to pay attention to the brightness and size of the crystals. You need to choose the largest 50 * 50 or 50 * 75, and it is better if they are located in two rows. Their total power should give no less light than determined in the calculations. Read about the types of LED strips and the rules for their installation here.
You can install the LED strip in special profiles (they are also called cable channels or trays). They are usually made of aluminum and have a transparent or translucent removable front panel. Inside there may be a shelf on which the tape itself is attached. These are the most convenient types, while others have to be tricky.
Some types of trays for LED stripsLED lamps for the kitchen
LED lamps can be not only spotlights or ordinary ones - in the form of a pear with a standard base. There are also tubes.
LED kitchen lighting fixturesThey are mounted on clips - plates that are attached to furniture, into which tubes are inserted. Some can be mounted on magnets. Reciprocal metal plates are attached to the furniture (you can use double-sided tape), and the lamps are simply attracted to them due to the magnets built into the body (Sensor model).
Fluorescent luminaires
Tubular fluorescent luminaires are the traditional way of lighting. They are good because they are switched on directly to 220 V, while LED ones require a special adapter that will give the required voltage.
Disadvantages known for a long time - pulsation of light, which has a negative effect on the eyes. There is one more not very pleasant moment: LEDs are more economical. They consume very little electricity and last longer. Their service life is estimated in thousands of hours. Fluorescent lamps have to be changed much more often (every five), but they cost less. In general, it is up to you what type of lamp you want to use when lighting the kitchen.
Fluorescent lamps for kitchen lighting can be stylishIf you decide to light your kitchen with fluorescent lamps, the G13 base (diameter 26 mm) is the optimal size. In length, they can be 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm. There are different models today - from the usual to quite pretty ones (as in the photo above).
It is possible, as mentioned above, to hide such lamps in a double bottom by installing light-scattering glass. In this case, you can buy the most inexpensive lamps. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to save money - the costs for the profile for installing glass and the glass itself are either equivalent or may even turn out to be more.
Can be hidden behind glassAs you can see, it is better to make lighting in the kitchen multi-zone, and at the moment it is better to use LEDs. Lamps are quite expensive, but economical, they shine brightly, they work for a long time and do not heat up.
Lighting in the kitchen
Light is often called the most important element of the interior, so the fashion for it affects all areas of design without exception. How often, you see, without realizing it, we fall under its influence! At the same time, we intuitively understand that light must be used wisely: it should not be too much, but not too little.
If you think carefully about the lighting solution, then any interior, including the kitchen, can appear, as they say, in a new light. Let's shed light together on the most beloved room in an apartment or house and make its future bright. In the kitchen, the right lighting will help create a unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The main task of a lighting designer (this profession is in demand today more than ever) is to create an organic environment so that people feel as cozy and comfortable as possible in it. All that is required from you and the specialist is a little imagination and the ability to choose ergonomic fixtures. There is no doubt that the main furniture element of the kitchen is the dining table. It is he who should be lit brighter than other furnishings.
The traditional version, which was widely used in the Soviet years, is a chandelier. Specialists have no special claims to her. However, the chandelier does not always fit harmoniously into a modern interior. The most acceptable alternative is a pendant lamp. The choice of such devices today is great: the distribution network offers a lot of products made in various shapes and styles. Perhaps the best option here would be a pendant lamp model that can be raised and lowered. Thanks to its position, the lamp above the dining table is always the center of attention. That is why experts recommend avoiding frilly, catchy models.
A simple lamp will look better in a modern interior. For an elegant, classic setting, a lamp with a traditional dark shade is suitable - it will illuminate only the surface of the table.
The only requirement for a luminaire above the dining table is that it must not produce a bright light. As for the optimal distance from the surface of the table to the lamp, it should be at least 50 cm. In this case, the light source must be at eye level of the people sitting at the table. With a lamp that gives a narrow directional light, you can achieve the same effect as a lamp with a lampshade. If you add such a lamp with a combination of several lamps, a floor lamp, a wall lamp, then your favorite kitchen will be illuminated not only beautifully, but also correctly. Just do not overdo it - the floor lamp and pendant lamps should be of the same design. Not bad if the selected lamp is equipped with a dimmer. It saves electricity, extends the life of the light bulb, and most importantly, allows you to vary the brightness of the lighting. At the same time, when starting to organize the light space in the kitchen, it is necessary to take into account how the windows are located: it is desirable to make the most of natural light.
Modern luminaires emit uneven light. So, the usual incandescent light bulb gives a warm yellow luminous flux, which evokes thoughts of comfort and emphasizes the texture of wooden furniture. Halogen light - bright, good color. Its source is recommended to be installed so that the light is reflected from the walls or ceiling. It is not recommended to stay under a halogen lamp for a long time - sorry, heat stroke can easily be enough. Fluorescent lamps emit a coolish light, a bluish tint. More often they are used in the design of dining rooms in a modern style. LED equipment is becoming more and more in demand today. According to experts, it is for him - the future. The power of an LED lamp is 4 times lower than that of a halogen one, therefore, the energy consumption is the same amount less. At the same time, the service life of the LED lamp is 10 times longer. LED technology is more expensive in terms of initial costs, but its operating costs are negligible. In terms of brightness, LED lamps are comparable to halogen lamps. This means that they have the ability to put a beam of light on the surface that is required, because it is not always necessary to fill the entire space with light. And often there is no need to brightly illuminate the entire kitchen. Light should not affect the perception of certain things, objects, etc. At the same time, it often happens that when, say, the kitchen table door is opened, its internal space turns out to be “elusive” for the human eye. In such situations, light bulbs mounted directly in the cabinet will come to the rescue. When you open the door, the light in it lights up automatically. Almost all of our kitchens today flaunt a TV. It has long been an element of the dining room interior. Let's be honest: we install it spontaneously - that is, where there is a suitable place. However, this approach is not entirely correct. As lighting designers note, TV should not be placed on the dark side of the room: it is very harmful to the eyes. The lamps, in turn, must be placed so that the keeper of the hearth can easily reach them. The fact is that the bulbs burn out sooner or later, and the bodies of the lighting devices are covered with dust and kitchen fat. Nobody, except the hostess, most likely, will do their cleaning.
Kitchen lighting tips
At the very beginning of the conversation about kitchen lighting, you should say a categorical “no!” the location of the first lamp that came across in the geometric center of the ceiling. Regardless of the planning concept of the kitchen in the overall structure of the apartment, you should carefully consider the number and appearance of lighting fixtures, as well as the only right place for each of them.
At present, it is rather difficult to find a golden mean among mass lamps: they are either too decorative or purely functional. Everyone is already tired of lamps that give a rough, directional beam of light. Just lighting fittings are boring, a lamp should be a self-sufficient object. It's time to do nice stylish things, but at the same time they should not go out of the context of the interior.
As for the light at the dining table itself, the meal is a rather intimate act. There should be either a very good light that highlights the texture of the table and dishes on it, but in no case interferes with communication, or a very light decorative lamp that gives almost no light, but is a kind of decoration.
If the kitchen is small, the general light can be directly generated by sources designed for different functional areas - this will be discussed later. But the room of a fairly spacious kitchen should be equipped with special general-purpose lamps. For general lighting, the top, evenly distributed light, abundantly and softly pouring from the ceiling, is optimal. To create such light, several categories of lamps are used. First of all, these are all kinds of point sources, both stationary and mobile, freely rotating in several directions.
The main purpose of overhead lighting is to keep the kitchen bright in the evening. In addition, if the kitchen area in an open-plan apartment does not have a window, the overhead light serves as a complete replacement for daytime orientation lighting. In such kitchens with constantly on lamps, it is difficult to predict the required amount of light. As a rule, spotlights are either not enough, or their light is too annoying. You can get out of a difficult situation in different ways, creating, for example, the illusion of a window cut into the ceiling. For this, suspended structures are used, modeled from translucent, light-transmitting materials. At the same time, sufficiently powerful evenly distributed lamps are placed between the ceiling and the ceiling plane. It is best to use elongated linear sources of artificial light in such a situation. If the kitchen is located directly under the roof of the building, the best solution is to use natural light from the ceiling. In this case, “lanterns” of various configurations are arranged using special roof windows.
General lighting can be created with several ceiling lights that provide evenly distributed light throughout the kitchen space. However, this often requires too many sources. Therefore, sometimes it is better not to flood the kitchen evenly with general light, but to concentrate ceiling sources over its main functional areas: the work front, the dining table and the bar counter, if any.
Two variants of luminaires are effective for illuminating the working front: a row of single luminaires fixed to the ceiling, and spot luminaires built into the eaves above the upper edge of the wall cabinets. The higher the ceiling, the longer the cords of the fixtures can be. But you should not place them below the top edge of the kitchen shelves, otherwise the lamps will interfere with the opening of the doors.
It is better not to overload low ceilings with lighting forms. A neat cornice, which is part of the kitchen furniture, is an excellent place for mounting miniature orienting light sources. By the way, spotlights with halogen lamps have the smallest dimensions today. However, this lighting option has spread too widely and has already lost its originality. Recently, spotlights have been successfully replaced by elongated lamps, also built into the protruding part of hanging cabinets.
Above wall cabinets without eaves, you can place luminaires on flexible or movable brackets. Such lighting allows you to adjust the direction of the light flux. This is always convenient, because it creates the conditions for the individual "staging" of light.
Often the designated types of general lighting are casually referred to as "backlighting" and considered decorative excess. In fact, the light correctly installed along the upper cornice of kitchen furniture plays a leading role in the light zoning of the working front.
Work light
Overhead lighting alone is not always enough for comfortable cooking and pleasant meals at a carefully set table. Since the kitchen is primarily a functional room, one of the leading roles is given to working lighting in it. Ceiling light is sometimes not even mandatory, it just complements various types of functional.
The working lighting of the kitchen is formed by local light sources. At the same time, the lamp will help the case only if it is located in a strictly defined place, at the required level, because the countertop must be sufficiently well lit. In addition, the incident light should cover the area of the desktop, sink and stove as much as possible. Sometimes there is enough lighting built into the hood, for which a wide variety of lamps are used. If the light from the hood is supplemented by other lamps, in order to avoid color and light inconsistency, which is very unpleasant for the eyes, it is better to choose spectrally close sources.
However, the most mobile option for work lights in the kitchen are clip-on lamps. No responsibility: hung up - did not fit - removed. Brilliant!
The most common way to illuminate the work area is with luminaires built under the shelves. The best option is elongated lamps that provide an even distribution of light along the work surface, especially if the kitchen has an extended front. Such lamps are compact and therefore almost imperceptible, they are good to use when installing hidden lighting.
If this type of lighting is provided in kitchen furniture, it may be sufficient to lead the wire out of the wall at a level just above the lower edge of the wall cabinets. If the luminaires are installed stand-alone, they will require separate sockets. In the case when autonomous lamps are equipped with a separate switch, it is enough to connect the wire in the manner described above.
The space above the worktop is most often filled with all sorts of household trifles and kitchen utensils. In this case, hidden light sources will not create or enhance the impression of chaos. But, let's say the design of the kitchen is deliberately laconic. Then the deserted, almost colorless front is effectively emphasized by several designer lamps with characteristic shapes.
Stand-alone luminaires are a great solution for a kitchen without wall cabinets. (Well, if not along the entire front, then, for example, along the window wall.) Almost all models of wall lamps are suitable for this, the main thing is that they fit into the style of the kitchen. By the way, table lamps can also be used here, why not? And of course, all kinds of lamps on flexible brackets and pantograph levers, thanks to which the shape and place of the light spot can be easily adjusted.
Light additions
An unusual addition to the main lighting of the kitchen is the light inside the cabinets with translucent doors. On the one hand, such lighting has a purely functional purpose - to highlight the interior space and the contents of spacious shelves. Of course, you can do without a light bulb in the shelf, but once you try it, it is already impossible to imagine a closet dark and uncomfortable. It's the same as with a refrigerator, which becomes completely unattractive when a light bulb burns out in it. In addition, the light pouring through the light doors creates a soft halo of unique comfort in the kitchen.
Away from the walls
Modern kitchens are characterized by a fairly free approach to planning. The working front does not have to be extended along the walls, it can be located, for example, in the middle of the room. Quite a lot of layout options can be created in this way - from a narrow high countertop for eating "on the go" to bringing all the equipment to the center of the kitchen. Such a layout requires a certain approach to lighting, since there is simply no other place to place lamps other than the ceiling.
If a stove is located in the middle of the kitchen, it is advisable to equip the working area with a solid extractor fan with powerful built-in lights. Together with the overhead general lighting, they will be quite enough for all kitchen chores.
When there is no hood above the autonomous front, comfortable lighting can be created with a variety of luminaires with extended cords. The axes of the fixtures should not go beyond the contour of the work surface, but it is best if they intersect with the axis of the tabletop. The light from hanging lamps should not hit the eyes, so diffused "milky" lampshades in this case are the best solution. The number and power of sources are specially selected in each individual case.
A common lighting option for a free-standing front is a special design with spotlights. Unfortunately, in most cases, such a structure looks too rigid and trivial, although its cost is comparable to the cost of several ceiling lights.
Above the dining table
Light in the dining area must be given special attention. Creating the mood for a meal, it is impossible to get by with only general lighting.
The placement of the lamp in the dining area directly depends on the location of the table. There are two main options: the table is located freely in the room or adjacent to the wall. In the first case, most often a single lamp is suspended from the ceiling above the table. Its height is chosen arbitrarily, depending on specific requirements. It is always convenient if it is adjustable: a high-placed lamp makes the table more solemn, a low one makes it “cramped” and cozy. The appearance of the lamp above the table can be complex and very pretentious. The main thing is that the surface of the table is covered by a spot of light. So the main requirement for a lampshade above the table is that it provides intense light directed towards the tabletop. The rest of the room may remain, depending on the design of the upper part of the lampshade, immersed in darkness, in partial shade, or be full of contrasting patterns of light shining through the slots of a dense cap.
The space above the large dining table can be marked with a group of small lamps on long bases. They can be arranged geometrically and arbitrarily, vary the length of the rod and thus create very original compositions.
Quite often during operation the position of the dining table is slightly adjusted, while the lamp remains in the same place. If such permutations are the norm for you, then it is better not to initially make holes in the ceiling, but to place a floor lamp with a high arched “leg” near the table, the light from which will be directed directly to the tabletop.
A table against a wall can be illuminated with one or two sconces fixed at a height of about a meter from the level of the tabletop. It is best if the sconce has long arms, and the light flux is directed downwards. By the way, the place on the wall is successfully occupied by lamps with a pantograph. And on the dining table, a tall table lamp with a dense lampshade feels great. She decorates the table, and is a functional addition to midnight gatherings.
The dining area, as a rule, in almost all houses has a simple, very standard look: a table and chairs, well, sometimes a vase with fruits or flowers.