How to Determine Kitchen Light Layout

Display lights can be used to accent architectural features or centerpiece designs.

When designing a lighting layout, it is important to note the four types of lighting generally found in the kitchen. In most well-designed kitchens, there will be task lighting over the sink or cooking area. There will be general lighting in the middle of the ceiling. Often times there will be display lighting in the cabinets or over an architectural feature and occasionally there will be decorative sconces or other fixtures on the walls. Determining the proper kitchen light layout is simple.

Instructions

1. Divide your lighting needs/wants into four categories: general, task, display and decorative. If you do not desire display or decorative lighting, disregard those categories. Think about the necessity of each light. For example, to light up an entire countertop, a long, lateral light will work best. For lighting over sinks or stoves, more direct lighting is needed. Areas for food preparation need to be brighter than general areas.

2. Light up your sink with task lighting. Task lighting over sinks can be in the form of recessed lighting, track lighting or decorative lighting. Wire your kitchen to include recessed lighting that can be dimmed or brightened with the turn of a dial. Place two recessed lighting sources over the kitchen sink. Having two lights will cancel out any shadows caused by leaning over the sink when washing dishes. Include track lighting if you want to be able to change the direction of the light. Track lighting can be swiveled around in any direction so it's convenient for dish washing as well as other tasks. If neither track lighting nor recessed lighting appeal to you, consider adding decorative lights. Decorative lights can be added in the form of wall sconces or even pendant lighting.

3. Use recessed lighting, task lighting or a long lateral light over countertops. Pendant lighting is common over countertops as well but ceiling height plays a major role in determining whether or not they will work in your kitchen. The standard drop for a pendant light is approximately 30 inches. Plan accordingly if you want to use them over countertops in your kitchen light layout.

4. Add general lighting to the room. General lighting can be a simple fluorescent light in the center of the kitchen or a decorative chandelier hanging over the kitchen table. Work with the space available to you to determine the best idea for general lighting.

5. Consider adding recessed lighting inside cabinetry with glass inlay doors. Do this only if you want to display the dishes inside the cabinets.

References

• Kitchen Lighting: Home Page - All About Kitchen Lighting
• Forte Electric: Kitchen Lighting Plans and Ideas

Resources

• Video Bob Vila: Kitchen Recessed Lighting Installation