A kitchen serves many purposes beyond just cooking. It’s where we eat, celebrate, work, clean, learn, relax, and gather together. Given its versatility, the lighting in a kitchen should reflect all these activities. From creating a cozy atmosphere over the dining table to having functional task lighting for cooking and cleaning, proper kitchen lighting is essential. Here are expert tips for optimal lighting in every area of your kitchen to make the most of your kitchen planning.
To fully illuminate a kitchen, it’s best not to rely on a single light source. Different types of lighting, each with specific purposes, will help you create the perfect balance in your kitchen layout.
Types of Kitchen Lighting for Optimal Functionality
In general, four types of lighting sources are recommended for a well-designed kitchen:
- General Lighting
- Task Lighting
- Cabinet Lighting
- Dining Table Lighting
- Decorative/Accent Lighting
General Kitchen Lighting – Ceiling Lights and Spotlights
For general lighting in this kitchen from Italian kitchen manufacturer Scavolini, black spotlights provide illumination, integrated into a ceiling fixture and suspended above the kitchen island. Copyright: Scavolini
General lighting provides essential brightness to the kitchen, ensuring no one is left in the dark. Positioned centrally, it lights up the entire room. Built-in ceiling lights or spotlights are ideal for this purpose, as they’re easy to maintain and provide widespread illumination. Avoid narrow-shade ceiling lights as they limit coverage; adjustable spotlights are better since you can direct them as needed.
Tips for Ideal General Kitchen Lighting
- Use large light surfaces
- Choose adjustable spotlights
- Opt for easy-to-clean fixtures
Task Lighting for Kitchen Work Areas and Cooktops
In kitchen planning, task lighting is crucial over work and cooktop areas, where bright light helps prevent accidents. Many cooktops have integrated lighting in the range hood, but additional lighting may be needed, especially with downdraft cooktops. Bright ceiling lights or under-cabinet lighting work well for task lighting, providing shadow-free illumination. Install lights at least 24 inches from the wall, or up to 40 inches if above cabinets, to prevent shadows. For kitchens with wooden finishes, ensure heat-resistant lighting.
Tips for Ideal Task Lighting in Your Kitchen
- Avoid shadows
- Maintain adequate distance from walls
- Use indirect lighting to reduce shadows
- Opt for water-resistant lights near the cooktop
Illumination of the work surface through integrated spotlights in the upper cabinets. Copyright: Scavolini
Cabinet Lighting – Illuminating Kitchen Storage Spaces
Cabinet lighting in kitchen planning can be essential for easy access to items stored in the back of drawers or cabinets. Various contact lights automatically turn on when drawers or cabinets open. Battery-operated or wired fixtures both work well, depending on your preference. For a sleek look, LED strips or flat LED modules can be integrated into glass backsplashes, creating both task and accent lighting.
Drawer with interior lighting in a kitchen by the German kitchen manufacturer Poliform; Copyright: Poliform
Dining Table Lighting for a Cozy Kitchen Atmosphere
Dining areas need soft, ambient lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere in the kitchen. Hanging lights above the dining table serve as a stylish focal point while providing ample light. Ensure that pendant lights don’t obstruct views. For round or square tables, a single hanging light works well; for longer rectangular tables, consider multiple pendants, with lights positioned about 24 to 28 inches from the table surface. Dimmer switches allow for flexibility, particularly in open-plan kitchen layouts where the dining table serves multiple purposes.
Single-line designer kitchen by Scavolini with a modern black contrast light above the dining table; Copyright: Scavolini
Tips for Ideal Dining Table Lighting in Kitchen Planning
- Choose dimmable lights
- Use pendants or hanging lights
- Avoid obstructing the view
- Maintain 24 to 28 inches between the table and light
Decorative and Accent Lighting – Adding Colorful Accents in the Kitchen
Accent lighting is a great addition to kitchen planning for those looking to bring a unique touch. Color-changing LED lights are popular for creating a variety of atmospheres. Highlight specific areas like kitchen islands or work surfaces, or add accent lighting around cabinets for a warm glow. Toe-kick lighting along the base of cabinets or islands adds a floating effect, while LED strips around appliances provide subtle, energy-efficient illumination.
Retrofitting Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen lighting can be added during renovations or later if necessary. LEDs and indirect lighting, such as toe-kick or under-cabinet lighting, can be installed without extensive effort. Strip lights or puck lights are also excellent for enhancing kitchen lighting in an existing layout.
Choosing Light Color in the Kitchen: White or Yellow?
When choosing kitchen lighting, you’ll often have a choice between warm, yellowish light or cool white light. Yellow light creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal over the dining table. Cool white light is better suited for work areas such as the cooktop and prep spaces in the kitchen.
When planning your kitchen lighting, consider whether you prefer yellowish light or white light. Copyright: Canva
LED Lighting in Kitchen Planning – What You Need to Know
Finding the right color temperature is essential when planning LED lighting. LEDs are often thought to provide cooler light, but a variety of warmer temperatures is available. For a cozier feel, select LEDs with a lower Kelvin value for a softer, warmer light.
LED vs. Halogen Lighting – Which is Better for Your Kitchen?
Selecting between LED and halogen lights impacts energy efficiency and temperature. LEDs are more energy-efficient, produce less heat, and have a longer lifespan compared to halogen lights, which tend to emit a warm glow and are usually dimmable.
General Tips for Effective Kitchen Lighting
- Aim for sufficient lux levels; dimmable options are ideal
- Light work surfaces directly from above or using a glass backsplash
- Choose warm white light for comfort
- Use 300-500 lux for work areas; 200 lux for dining spaces
- Consider range hood lighting as an extra light source
- Choose energy-efficient LEDs for high brightness and low power consumption
Conclusion: Key Considerations for Kitchen Lighting
For a well-designed kitchen, ensure work areas are well-lit to keep cooking enjoyable over the long term. For atmosphere and style, consulting a kitchen design expert can help you make the best choices.
cover image: Scavolini