Helpful Tips: Kitchen Lighting
Is it really that important?
When you really stop and think about it the Kitchen is probably the busiest room in your house. With family meals being prepared, lunches being packed, dishes being done, and the kids sneaking the last cookie out of the jar it can get pretty busy. So it is important to make your kitchen functional, warm and inviting by choosing the correct lighting and fixtures. Whether you are looking for recessed ceiling lights to create an open feeling or you want some mini pendants to add a splash of color the opportunities with kitchen lighting are endless.
Four Types of Kitchen Lighting:
When you look at your kitchen the four types of lighting you need to consider are task, ambient, accent, and decorative. One of the most common mistakes seen in homes today is the failed attempt to accomplish all of this lighting with one extremely bright fixture in the middle of the room. While this method of kitchen lighting does light up the room it usually will not look visually appealing. Instead different types of lighting should be layered together to create style and functionality.
Task lighting is one of the first things you need to think about because it is how you are going to make your kitchen functional. When choosing this type of lighting you should keep in mind that it needs to be easy to clean and durable. If you have children, having a lot of hanging glass fixtures in your kitchen may look nice at first but it might not last very long. Task lighting is often placed over areas where food is being prepared so you can read the recipes and see what your doing. When hanging or installing task lighting make sure it is properly positioned or you may get unwanted shadows making food preparation even harder.
Ambient/Accent Lighting:
Ambient/Accent Lighting holds the key to really making your kitchen look and feel great. One of the easiest ways to add this type of light is with under-cabinet lighting. Strip lights are the most popular style of under
cabinet lights but puck shaped halogen bulbs can also be used. These lights will not only help with
tasks being done under cabinet space but they can be used as soft ambient back lighting at anytime. Accent
Lighting is becoming increasingly important as kitchens get bigger and are increasingly being used for entertainment. Adding artwork and decorations to a kitchen can make a huge difference and you can draw your visitors eyes to these decorations with accent lights.
Decorative Lighting:
When choosing a decorative light or lights it is important to look at size. The size of your decorative lighting should be directly proportional to the size of your kitchen. Decorative lighting can be accomplished through pendants, chandeliers, and lamps. All of these fixtures can be used to add beauty and color to any room. After you find the right size you must think about function. Can this fixture be easily cleaned? Can it be broken easily or is it durable? Is it bright enough to not only look nice but accomplish a purpose? You will also want to find decorative lighting that will match your kitchens style and color.
Make sure it Blends:
While choosing these different types of kitchen lighting it is important all the fixtures and lights blend together. You do not want your accent lighting and decorative lighting to be completely different styles and you don't want one fixture to stand out too much over the others. Choosing similar color schemes, styles, and designs will help your kitchen lights work together to form that beautiful kitchen you have always wanted.
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