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There is more than one way to light a kitchen and ideally, you should use a combination of techniques. Kitchen ceiling lighting should be combined with lighting positioned in other areas to create the proper flow and brightness. Typically a combination of ceiling fixtures, under-cabinet lights, and often track lighting is necessary to create an effective lighting scheme that is both functional and decorative.
In today's kitchens, ceiling fixtures may be the major lighting source but they are not expected to light every area of the kitchen. Ceiling fixtures are often used in conjunction with track lights, under-cabinet lights, surface mounted spotlights, directional lights, and dimmers to create the right combination of general illumination and task lighting. The more elaborate the kitchen, the more elaborate the lighting arrangement, calling for a carefully planned blend of general, accent, and task lighting.
The three types of lighting you must consider are: -
Ambient Lighting
This is the basic lighting of a room. You need a functional fixture or fixtures to give soft diffused lighting around the room. This is the lighting you need to move safely around the room, look into your cupboards and drawers and to perform your general housekeeping chores.
Task Lighting.
This is the lighting you need to work. Wherever you have a work area, be it where you chop vegetables or read a recipe book, you need properly directed light. Halogen lights give highly directional light that is bright and white, fluorescent lights, especially the ultra-slim types are easily concealed and very energy efficient
Accent Lighting
This is the lighting you use to highlight architectural features and create mood. It creates focal points emphasising any features you may wish to draw attention to. Miniature track lighting, lower voltage linear lights, energy efficient and LED lights. Dimmers are a great way to change the mood of a room. Use separate circuits for different types of lighting so that you can more easily control the mood of your room.
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To light your kitchen well, it is best to consult a lighting professional. He or she can help you select the best fixtures for your kitchen, as well as guide you in areas such as placement, style coordination, and deciding whether or not to install dimmers. Always choose high-quality lighting, for fixtures that last.
For the best advice it is important to contact a lighting professional with the right reputation for quality and service.
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