4 Types of Kitchen Lighting That Should be Used in Every Kitchen

The lighting you use in your home can make a tremendous difference in the overall aesthetic and functionality. In your family room alone, for example, you may have a table lamp (ambient) at one end of the sofa, a reading lamp (task) next to the armchair, an accent light on the painting over the fireplace, and decorative lights behind the television.

The Four Types of Kitchen Lighting

A common mistake, particularly in kitchens, is relying on one ceiling-mounted fixture to light the entire room. There are actually four types of lighting appropriate for kitchen use. For optimal appearance and function, the best kitchens use all four.

1. Ambient or “All Over” Lighting

Ambient lighting, or what is commonly called as general lighting, serves as the primary source of light for a certain room. It is the foundation of all the lighting of a room. Aside from the basic lighting functionality, the ambient lighting improves the sense of warmth and depth of a room or space. To achieve this, kitchen designers determine the amount and sources of natural light in the kitchen and fill in the gaps with carefully chosen artificial light. Can lights and flood lights are often used for this purpose.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting is direct lighting used specifically for certain tasks, such as reading, cooking, sewing, or other close work. It adds visibility to a small area, reduces strain on the eyes, and avoids distracting shadows. As the name implies, task lighting is intended to help illuminate specific tasks. For example, under-counter lights next to the stove top help someone who’s cooking to more easily read recipes. Track lighting is often used over wetbars, coffee nooks, and cutting boards.

3. Pendant Lighting

A light fixture that is mounted to the ceiling and hangs down from the ceiling on a rod or chain is called a pendant light. It’s suspended like a necklace pendant. In comparison to a chandelier, which has multiple bulbs in a single fixture, pendant lights have one bulb in one fixture. Pendants hung at just above eye level are popular for lighting up a kitchen island, functioning as a bridge between ambient and task lighting.

4. Decorative or Accent Lighting

Accent lighting emphasises certain objects. LED is becoming increasingly popular because it offers so many possibilities for accenting and decorating the home.  Decorative or accent lighting is often used in corners where there are plants or personal items to show off, as well as inside cabinets to display crystal, china, and other heirlooms.

How a Professional Kitchen Designer Can Help

A professional kitchen designer will study the room’s layout and design elements such as ceiling height, natural light and surface finishes to determine the best types and placement of lighting fixtures for your kitchen.,An experienced designer knows the latest trends, technology and options, and can help create a kitchen lighting plan to help you meet your goals.

For three decades, Caruso Kitchen Designs has been creating award-winning kitchens with beautiful and functional lighting for Colorado homeowners. Our skillful designers will put their 150 years of combined experience to work helping you create the kitchen of your dreams. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, we proudly serve Lakewood, Louisville, and the Denver Metro Area. To schedule a no-obligation appointment, contact us today.