The Importance of Lighting in a Kitchen Remodel
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, one of the most important things to consider is lighting. It’s not only vital for your safety, but it can also greatly influence the overall look and feel of your space. When choosing your kitchen light fixtures, you’ll want to take into consideration how they will work with the style of your new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and other elements. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right lights.
Creating a Lighting Plan
When you are remodeling your kitchen, you should have a lighting plan in place. A well-designed lighting scheme will help to transform your kitchen into an inviting and functional space. You can design your lighting plan with the help of a lighting designer or architect.
A good kitchen lighting plan should take into account the functions of each area in the kitchen. It should include task, accent, ambient and decorative lighting. The best lighting schemes are designed to highlight the best features of each room.
While all areas of the kitchen need some sort of illumination, the most important type of light is task lighting. Typically, task lights are located above or under the counters, sink and stove. They are also ideal for highlighting art pieces and shelves in cabinets.
Another important type of kitchen light is ambient lighting. This light floods the room with a soft, diffused overhead glow. There are many ways to provide this light, including using track or rail systems.
One of the newest trends in kitchen lighting is recessed lighting. Using recessed lights can create a uniform light layer, which is especially important in areas that do not receive much light from other fixtures.
Layering Lighting for Function and Ambiance
If you are considering a kitchen remodel, it is a good idea to layer lighting. This will create a cohesive and functional lighting design. The layers can include task, ambient, and accent lights.
Task lighting provides a brighter and more focused light on specific work areas. It also helps to dispel shadows. You can use pendants, wall lights, and floor lamps as task lights.
Accent lighting is used to highlight architectural features or decorative elements of the room. For example, you may want to spotlight a group of paintings, open shelves, or a backsplash. Decorative lighting is a fun way to add interest to your kitchen.
Ambient lighting provides a softer overhead light. It is ideal for kitchens with limited space. Generally, you will find that recessed lights are the most commonly used fixtures for ambient lighting. However, you can use almost any fixture type.
In addition, you can use track or rail systems to provide ambient lighting. These fixtures generally run on a steady alternating current.
Finally, you can also choose decorative fixtures that are designed to serve the role of accent lighting in a kitchen. For example, you can add puck lights inside the upper cabinets of your kitchen to illuminate the architectural features of the cabinetry.
Lighting for Task Areas
Kitchen lighting is important for a variety of reasons. It can be used as a navigational tool, can convey warmth, and can highlight decorative elements. But not all lights are created equal. To ensure that you get the best lighting performance, choose a fixture that matches the look and feel of your kitchen.
One option is to use a pendant light over your island. Pendants are available in a wide range of styles, and can be used to bring light closer to your work surface for better visibility.
Another great option for kitchen task lighting is to install under cabinet fixtures. These can be sleek and invisible when installed, and they provide additional illumination for your countertop and shelf contents. They also make food prep and reading recipes a lot easier.
Finally, you can create a cohesive look by layering your kitchen lighting. Consider using accent lighting to highlight architectural details, open shelves, or other features. Whether you choose pendants, recessed cans, or decorative light fixtures, you should choose a fixture that fits the look and feel of your kitchen.
Lighting for Cabinets and Counters
Lighting for cabinets and countertops is an effective way to add color and ambiance to a room. It also adds value to a home. This can be done with several different types of lights.
Puck lights are a popular type of under cabinet lighting. These fixtures are short, cylindrical lights that are used to illuminate small surfaces. They can be installed on any surface and use batteries or a remote control.
LED light bars are another option for under cabinet lighting. Their low profile design makes them a good choice for kitchens. Some models are available in hardwire configurations, while others are plug-in. Light bars are ideal for spreading light evenly throughout a room.
The most common under cabinet lighting solution is LED. These fixtures are energy efficient, long-lasting, and produce a variety of colors. To ensure a uniform and bright appearance, choose a model that has a minimum CRI of 90.
Puck lights are great for highlighting objects that are displayed on a counter. They are easy to install and provide a concentrated beam. When installing puck lights, make sure to space them at least 8-12 inches apart.
Lighting for the Ceiling and Walls
Whether you’re looking to remodel or just update your kitchen, there are several important things to consider when it comes to lighting. The right fixtures can change the feel of your kitchen and make it more functional. You also want to choose the most energy efficient options available.
A great example of this is LED spotlights. They offer a sleek look while providing the most energy efficient lighting performance.
Another good option for lighting a small kitchen is recessed lighting. Recessed lights are placed in the ceiling, eliminating the need to install extra space. This type of lighting is perfect for ambient and task lighting. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’ll need to find the best location for recessed lighting.
One other lighting strategy that’s worth considering is accent lighting. These light fixtures are designed to highlight features, such as artwork or architectural features. While these types of lights aren’t always necessary, they can be a nice addition to your kitchen.
When you’re considering the different types of lighting for your kitchen, make sure to consider all of the options. By incorporating all of the appropriate types of light, you can avoid having too much or too little lighting.
Lighting for the Dining Area
In a kitchen remodel, the proper lighting can make all the difference. It can improve the functionality of your space, create a warm and welcoming ambiance, and set the tone for your home. With the right lighting, your dining area can enhance the look and feel of your whole room.
Kitchen lighting should be based on the specific needs of your family. For example, task lighting is a great addition to countertops and cooking areas. This can add precision and accuracy to food prep.
Accent lighting can also be useful for highlighting architectural features and decor. For a more dramatic effect, hang pendant lights over a kitchen island or table.
Decorative chandeliers are another great choice. These light fixtures come in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes. The right chandelier can draw the eye to the center of the room.
You can also install an under-cabinet lighting system to brighten up your under-cabinet area. However, you’ll want to avoid using a fixture that’s too big for the job.
LED vs Incandescent Lighting
If you are unsure about whether to go with LED or incandescent lighting, it may help to learn some of the pros and cons of each. By choosing the right light bulb, you can save energy, money, and make your home safer.
For starters, LED lights are more energy efficient. They have a higher upfront cost, but they will save you money in the long run. The bulbs use significantly less energy and last much longer. This means you will be saving money on your monthly bill and your electric bill.
LEDs are also more environmentally friendly. They are made from strong materials, and they do not contain mercury. Their lifespan can be as long as ten years. However, the bulbs are still a source of heat, so you should be mindful of where they are placed. You should also make sure there is space around the bulb for it to breathe.
Another benefit of LEDs is that they are dimmable. It’s easy to set the brightness you want and then change the level of lighting in a particular area.
Controlling and Automating Kitchen Lighting
A kitchen remodel is an opportunity to change the electrical system and install new technology. While you are working on your kitchen, you can take advantage of smart home technology to save money on energy costs, improve the look of your home, and give you the peace of mind that comes with automation.
The smartest lighting systems allow you to control all the lights in your home from anywhere. They can also be integrated with other aspects of your home, such as your thermostat or motorized shades.
It is important to choose a system that can meet all your needs. For example, you may want to have your kitchen lighting be automatically turned on in the evening if your front door is unlocked. This is possible with a wireless system that sends commands via radio frequency signals.
You can also use a smart LED bulb that changes color to set the mood for your mealtimes. These bulbs are not only energy efficient, but they last longer than incandescent ones.