How to Design Kitchen Lighting
In most homes, the kitchen serves as much more than a place to prepare food. This area serves as a communal gathering spot for friends and family. In addition to cooking and cleaning up after meals, the kitchen area may be used for eating, reading the morning paper, doing homework, perusing cookbooks and other activities. Proper lighting is necessary throughout the kitchen to make this a livable and workable space for the entire family. This involves several layers of lighting and can include some creative solutions to make everyday tasks easier and brighter. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- General lighting fixtures Task lighting fixtures Lamps, lanterns and other accent lighting
Instructions
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Install general lighting. This includes any large overhead lighting that illuminates the majority of the area. A two-lamp fluorescent light hanging from the ceiling should suffice for spaces of 100 square feet or less. Larger areas may need a four-lamp fixture or multiple fixtures. Track lighting is an excellent solution for general lighting.
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Select a lighting fixture to illuminate any dining areas in the kitchen. If you have an eat-in kitchen, be sure to include a hanging lighting fixture over the dining room table.
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Install task lighting. This includes lighting over the stove, sink, and other areas where you need some extra illumination to complete the task at hand. For dark cabinets, especially those in corners, consider installing cabinet lighting to make the contents easy to organize and navigate. Drawer lights are also available to make silverware easy to find during late-night snack time.
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Add accent lighting. This type of lighting will provide the final touch to your kitchen. Wall sconces, paper lanterns and candles or electric candles can be included both for their illuminating touch as well as a way to accentuate your decor or theme.
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Tips & Warnings
Identify all the areas of your kitchen that require lighting as well as the tasks that you typically complete there to best select lighting for each element of your kitchen.
