How to choose the right lighting for your kitchen – check out these great tips from the experts –
Your kitchen needs to be practical, sociable and comfortable, so planning the right lighting scheme is essential. We’ve given you a few tips on lighting different areas and creating different moods.
Spotlights
Recessed into the ceiling or on a track, these are great for ambient and task lighting. Don’t just fit them in a grid – plan their layouts so they illuminate certain areas such as hobs or islands.
Cupboard lighting
Glass-fronted cupboards lit within by LEDs or a fluorescent tube create an atmospheric look, while cupboards with solid doors benefit from sensor-activated lights that come on when you open them.
Plinth lights
Concealed lighting along the bottom panel of cupboards will flood the floor with light, making the room seem larger. Some plinths come ready-fitted with lights, or you’ll need to fix a length of low-voltage strip.
Over Counter lights
Task lighting should illuminate what you’re doing, but worktops can fall into shadow when you stand between them and the ceiling light. Go for lights built into units or buy strip lighting and position where needed.
Kitchen lighting safety
Regarding lighting in the kitchen, Jim Speirs, director general of NICEIC (an independent regulatory body for electrical installation safety) recommends applying care and attention to the design and installation of switches. ‘Make sure any switches are fitted at least 300mm away from the sink and taps to stop water coming into contact with electricity,’ he says. If you have any safety queries about lighting installation in the kitchen, visit http://www.niceic.org.uk or call 0870 013 0391.
Mood Lighting
Mood lighting is used to create atmosphere and can be achieved in a variety of ways from uplighters on cabinet tops to LEDs set into an island. For greater control over light levels, also consider fitting dimmers.
Task Lighting
To create a safe kitchen environment, work surfaces and food preparation areas need to be effectively lit. Don’t rely on general light from in front or behind, as this will cast shadows. Instead, ensure that light is situated so that it shines directly down onto the worktop. You can do this by using low-voltage lights recessed directly into the underside of units or lights fitted centrally over an island.
Feature Lighting
Lighting can be a dramatic focal point in itself, for example, a striking row of pendants over a dining table, or spots that emphasize an object in the kitchen. Glass-fronted cupboards can be internally lit to show off glassware or glass shelves can be lit from above or below to draw attention to decorative items.
LEDs
LEDs (light emitting diodes) are the latest revolution in kitchen lighting, and contain a tiny chip (diode) that directly converts electricity to light. They have a life of between 50,000 and 100,000 hours and produce very little heat, making them much safer than standard bulbs. LEDs can be used to create task, mood and feature lighting. Jane Stewart, design director at Mowlem & Co says, ‘We do suggest LED plinth lighting quite often as it can create a beautiful link between the furniture and the floor.’
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