The kitchen should be filled with light. But when this cannot be achieved through windows, ceiling lights come to the rescue.
Varieties
There are many types of ceiling lamps, but they can be divided into three main groups.
Chandelier
In modern kitchen interiors it is no longer used as extensively as before. But it still has a place in classic interiors. Also, you can’t do without it in large kitchens, where a separate area is allocated for the dining table, which requires separate light. Many will say that a chandelier is inconvenient, it hides the space, but this is not entirely true. Modern designers are developing various forms of chandeliers. These are not only lampshades hanging overhead, which are not very suitable for small kitchens, but also various lamps stretched along a horizontal plane that will not disturb you. A chandelier, of course, will not be able to illuminate all the far corners, but it can be combined with local lighting.
Spotlights
This type of lamp is perfect if your kitchen has suspended or suspended ceilings. In most cases they are used as local lighting. But there are design options when spotlights are used to illuminate the entire kitchen as a whole. This is especially often used in a small kitchen.
Pendant lamps
As in the previous group, they are most often used to illuminate the work area and the area above the table where food is eaten. Most often, this is a group of the same spotlights that are installed on a common panel, which in turn is attached to the ceiling. They shine well, but for some reason they are not widely used.
There are also a lot of varieties of light in lamps.
- Incandescent. These are ordinary lamps that are screwed into spotlights or a chandelier. They don't shine very brightly, but they consume enormous amounts of electricity.
- Halogen. They shine brightly and are used, just like incandescent lamps, in chandeliers and spotlights. Electricity consumption is on par with incandescent lamps. It is dangerous to use in PVC ceilings due to the fact that they get very hot.
- Luminescent– these are energy-saving lamps, their range of applications is the same as the two previous points, but their energy consumption is 5 times less.
- LED. This type is a strip with many LEDs that can also be mounted on the ceiling to illuminate the work area, or to highlight different levels of the ceiling. They shine brightly, consume a minimal amount of electricity, but are not cheap.
According to the type of installation, they distinguish
- built-in;
- invoices;
- hanging;
Recessed are models of spotlights. Their name speaks for itself. They are built into suspended or suspended ceilings. There are built-in directional or rotating lamps.
Overhead lamps - screwed to the ceiling. The main requirement is a rigid foundation. They come in round (square) or rectangular (oval) shapes. With a rectangular overlay, the lamp will visually stretch out the space.
Hanging ones are installed in large kitchens, usually in the dining table area. They are hung on a hook in the ceiling and are the main lighting fixture in the interior.
Features and Benefits
Kitchen lighting not only plays a role of illumination, but also has an aesthetic component. Not only the convenience of cooking, but also your comfortable stay in the kitchen will depend on the quality of the chosen lamps. That's why you need to be careful when choosing kitchen lighting fixtures.
Each type of lamps described above has a place on the kitchen ceiling.
Hanging chandeliers are suitable for large kitchens, but they will clutter small ones, concealing an already small space.
Overhead lamps, on the contrary, are suitable for a small kitchen. They will not take up space, and if you choose an oval or rectangular shape, they will expand it.
Spotlights are installed in suspended ceilings, in the illumination area of the work area. In a small kitchen they can also be installed as the main light, then the best option would be to connect the cooking area to a separate switch.
In the work area, it is better to install lights with a turn so that you can direct the light directly onto the cutting table.
Lamps with LEDs will help not only save electricity, but also illuminate a multi-level ceiling, thereby visually enlarging the space.
Based on the style of your kitchen, you can choose warm or cool light fixtures. It is worth remembering that warm light increases the sharpness of colors, and cold lighting can distort their transmission. So, blue may turn out to have a greenish tint, and red will turn into brown. Therefore, choose the colors of decoration and furniture more carefully if you decide to use cold lighting. By the way, food will look more appetizing in warm light.
Colors
Basically, standard colors of lamps are used in the kitchen. The case is made in gold and silver, white is also not uncommon. They can be either glossy or matte - it all depends on your preference. Lampshades, if we are talking about overhead and pendant lamps, can be of any color scheme. The main thing is that they fit harmoniously into the overall interior of the kitchen.
If you want to make an accent and liven up a boring kitchen, for example in black and white, then install a deep red chandelier on it. This will help create a very stylish interior.
Materials
The materials used in the lamps are standard - metal, glass. But it is also acceptable to use designer items. For example, a wicker lamp will look great in a kitchen space. You can also use various wooden and cork parts in chandeliers. It all depends on your interior and flight of fancy.
The choice of ceiling lights for the kitchen is very large, and how can you find exactly what you need?
First of all, you need to take this seriously, with a clear idea of what you want, and make the lighting in the kitchen comfortable, no matter what you do there.
- You cannot limit kitchen lighting to one lamp in the middle. Be sure to illuminate the work area. Otherwise, standing with your back to the light, you will block all the lighting, and it will not reach the cutting table.
- You can’t buy lamps before you decide on a kitchen set. First you need to draw up a kitchen project, determine where and what kind of light is needed, run the wires, and only then purchase lighting fixtures.
It would be nice to provide a switch in the kitchen with the ability to adjust the lighting level, or at least divide the lighting mode of the lamps into two switches. This will not only help you save on electricity, but will also make it possible to create a more intimate environment if necessary.
Usually it is illuminated with pendant lamps of unusual shapes, less often with overhead lamps.
The most effective placement of such lampshades is 1.5 m from the lamp to the table. You can hang one large lampshade, but it is also possible to place several throughout the table.
If the table is moved towards the wall, you can illuminate it using sconces or spots.
DIY installation
Ceiling lamps of suspended and surface-mounted types are not difficult to install yourself.
The pendant chandelier only needs to be hung on a special ceiling hook, having previously been connected to the wiring.
Overhead lamps are screwed to the ceiling using a drill and dowels.
With built-in lamps everything is more complicated. They are installed by the same specialists who install the ceiling. For lighting, places are first designed and wires are pulled, then, when installing the ceiling, holes are cut and power is connected to the lamps themselves.
How and where to place
To make the ceiling beautiful and effective, you must first draw up a design for the placement of lamps.
In this case, it is necessary to take into account:
- geometric shape of the kitchen;
- parameters of its natural light and darkness;
- is it planned to zoning the space;
- Will there be a chandelier in the kitchen, or just lamps?
How to decorate
With chandeliers the situation is different. Here you can turn on your imagination and play with color schemes, shapes, and materials. The main thing is that the chandelier is made in the same style as the kitchen in general. An example for decorating a hanging chandelier could be a lampshade made of Soviet porcelain, which will look great in an interior designed in the style of the 80s. (0)
Overhead lamps can also be decorated in an interesting way; glass-shaped lampshades will look great on the kitchen ceiling.
The choice of interesting stylistic solutions is very large, and in this variety everyone can find a suitable option for themselves.
Here are some interesting solutions for selecting lamps for the kitchen ceiling
- A lampshade made of copper wire, reminiscent of a wicker basket for an overhead lamp in a work area, is perfect for decorating a rustic-style ceiling.
- A bright accent on the ceiling will help turn the hospital look of a white kitchen into a stylish design project.
Good lighting is important in any room, but especially in the kitchen. A lot depends on how correctly you plan the light here: the convenience of kitchen chores, the hostess’s mood, and even the quality of the prepared dishes.
And if your kitchen also serves as a dining room, you certainly cannot do without welcoming lighting.
How to choose this important element correctly and plan everything in advance? That's what our detailed guide is all about, including the 25 best kitchen lighting tips. You will learn:
- why diverse lighting is so important in the kitchen, when and how to plan it;
- what is the difference between local (local) light for the food preparation area and lighting for the dining table;
- what types of lighting are optimal near work surfaces, and what types are optimal for cabinets;
- what types of lamps designers choose for different purposes (spotlights with halogen lamps, LEDs, spots, pendant lamps, etc.);
- how to choose the right lighting for a small and large kitchen;
- how to provide sufficient luminous flux to save energy;
- how to make a lighting plan correctly if you are your own designer.
Find out the answers to these and other questions, and also see a large collection of examples - 85 photos of examples of lighting in the kitchen.
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Let's start with the main thing: when to plan lighting?
The best time is at the time of repair. This is how you can save yourself from additional gating of walls and ceilings, as well as from regrets about insufficiently convenient light.
The most important thing is the location (wire output) and the presence of switches. And you can decide on the type of lamp, lamp power and lampshade design much later. Including when the renovation is already completed.
How to make a lighting diagram in a kitchen for builders (electricians), if you are not a designer and do not do renovations professionally?
This is, of course, more complicated than a partition plan. But a simplified version is better than no version at all. But it is very advisable to discuss the nuances (the ability to do what you want and the price of the issue) in detail with your electrician. More on this at the end of this guide (section “How to make a kitchen lighting plan”).
1-1. Different lighting - for different purposes.
Before planning your lighting, ask yourself: what does your kitchen serve for other than cooking? Quick coffee, leisurely lunches and dinners, meetings with friends - or all together? The more zones in your kitchen, the more light there should be. The ideal option is general lighting + as many additional lamps as necessary.
Look at the photographs of these kitchens: the lighting in them is planned very competently - each for different purposes. This, by the way, is also practical - from the point of view of saving energy without compromising light comfort.
1-2. General (overhead) lighting.
In the kitchen, it is very important to provide a uniform “background” ceiling light. And it’s better if such lamps are distributed throughout the kitchen. For general (background) lighting, one lamp of 40-60 W per square meter is recommended. However, there may be more of them if the ceiling is very high.
1-3. Local (local) lighting.
Even the smallest kitchen requires local lighting. And the more different zones, the more lamps there should be. Moreover, their power can be much less than if only general (ceiling) lighting was used. And less energy will be spent if the light is turned on only where it is needed.
Read more about what zones there can be in the kitchen and how to properly light them in the following sections of this guide.
1-4. Decorative light.
Who said lighting should only be practical? Decorative (accent) light is ideal if you want to rid the kitchen of a purely utilitarian appearance.
The flow of light here is usually minimal, but a spectacular and fashionable look is guaranteed. The bottom and top of cabinets, shelves in a buffet - you can choose either a neutral shade of light or a colored one. LEDs do this best.
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kitchen work area lighting
The main part of the kitchen and the place where the need for comfortable light can be equated to desktop lighting. If possible, separate multiple areas. The larger the size of the kitchen, the greater the scope for variations in the lighting of the work area.
2-1. Pay special attention to the work surface.
The food preparation area should be ideally lit - this is not so much an aesthetics as a safety requirement. There are two optimal solutions, choose which one seems more convenient to you:
- wall lighting (on the “work apron” between the upper and lower cabinets), photos 1 and 2
- suspended directional, installed on the ceiling, photos 3 and 4.
2-2. Second level ceiling or cornice.
If there is no free space on the wall, but there is (or is planned) a second level of ceiling, install spotlights in it. They will perfectly cope with two roles - (a) task lighting and (b) general lighting.
2-3. Hood with built-in lamps.
Another light option for convenient cooking. Hood lamps don't use a lot of energy, but they are powerful enough to illuminate both the stove and the small area around it.
2-4. Light near the sink.
This technique is not used often, but additional comfort is provided to the hostess. If you decide to make such lighting, be sure to make sure that the lamps are well protected by shades (glass or plastic).
2-5. Light under open shelves.
In the next section, we'll talk in detail about lighting around cabinets, including underneath them. What if there are no wall cabinets? Or do you want softer lighting for your work area? There is an elegant solution - use shelves with bottom lighting.
As a rule, these are not cheap design solutions. And if you want to save money, install LEDs under the shelves, similar to those you will see in the “LEDs for cabinets” section.
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kitchen cabinets and lighting
This section is all about light around kitchen cabinets (under, inside and above them). And also about what type of lamps will be useful for different purposes.
3-1. Spotlights (halogen) under cabinets.
Here we are talking about furniture spotlights. There is a common misconception that they will cope with the role of “work lighting”. This is far from true.
Judge for yourself: the depth of hanging cabinets is usually about 30 cm, the lamps are located in the middle (i.e., approximately 18-20 cm from the wall). The depth of the tabletop is 60-65 cm. The flow of light is directed downward and diffuses slightly. Now count: what part of the tabletop will remain unlit? More than 2/3, and on the side where you need it.
Do they even make sense? Of course, they are perfect for other purposes:
- night and evening “orienting” lighting (when there is no need to turn on the overhead light or work light);
- cozy lighting for preparing simple food and drinks;
- a comfortable light option for those who “wake up” only at breakfast, but quite early (when it’s still dark outside or just getting light).
3-2. LEDs - for the cooking area.
Modern professional chefs are confident that when cooking, not only the abundance of light is important, but also its correct “color temperature.” Simply put, lighting should not distort the colors of food.
If you consider yourself a gourmet, and at the same time treat cooking as an art, the best option for you is LED lamps with a high color rendering index.
They are usually mounted under cabinets. And such lamps will successfully replace other types of “working” lighting above the tabletop.
3-3. Interior lighting for kitchen cabinets.
Hard-to-reach areas need lighting just as much, if not more. In addition, you will not need to turn on the overhead light, just a couple of small light bulbs that will light up when the door is opened (special sensor).
The ideal lamp for the inside of the cabinet is small, 10 - 20 W. If the cabinet is tall or the distance between the shelves is large, you can choose furniture lamps with halogen lamps. If the cabinet is small or has glass shelves, choose overhead spotlights with LEDs. The third option (quite rare) is thin fluorescent tubes.
3-4. Lighting in drawers.
It's also very convenient. Miniature lamps are mounted on the walls of the box and turn on automatically when opened using a motion sensor. Such lamps are durable and consume little energy, which makes them an indispensable assistant for the housewife.
3-5. Mini-soffits above cabinets.
This solution is often found in the new version of IKEA METHOD kitchens. Optimal if you have a lot of cabinets with solid (not glazed) doors. Such lamps with directional local light (mini-spotlight) are installed on the upper cornice and well illuminate the inside of the cabinets when you open them.
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directional local lighting
As a rule, these are “spotlights” - lamps with a narrow stream of light directed at a selected area. They usually have a conical shade (metal or glass) and can be rotated in different directions. This makes them especially convenient for the kitchen, allowing you to illuminate the desired area.
4-1. Ceiling soffits.
Typically used for general (overhead) lighting. The most convenient are a module of several spotlight lamps on a single base (“ceiling rail”), photos 1 and 2. The lamps can be turned in different directions (the kitchen is illuminated more evenly), but there is only one electrical outlet (economical in terms of electrical costs).
Sometimes there are variations: single spotlights are sometimes hung on the ceiling at different points (photo 4) or several modules with a thin base and small lampshades - for a large kitchen with high ceilings (photo 3).
4-2. Wall directional light.
This solution is used for directional lighting at a height of 1.50-1.80 m from the floor. If placed well, it can serve as a work light.
4-3. Rotating wall lamps that change the angle of inclination.
Quite a rare solution here, but very popular in Europe. This is a wall-mounted modification of the work lamp with a long adjustable stand. Allows you to illuminate the distant part of the table or the near one. A more compact option is a wall sconce with a rotating base (photo 3).
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lighting of various additional kitchen areas
The number of zones is usually determined by the size of the kitchen. See what lighting designers recommend for different areas.
5-1. Warm light - for the dining area.
If your kitchen also doubles as a dining room, consider adding warm and cozy lighting above the dining table. Pendant lamps are best (one of a pair is the size of the table). To prevent light from shining into your eyes, make sure there is at least 80 cm between the lamp and the table.
5-2. Pendant lamps above the bar counter.
In addition to creating a special atmosphere, such lamps can add a touch of your favorite style to the kitchen. Or highlight the one that is already there. It is very convenient if the cord of such bar lamps is adjustable in length, allowing you to raise or lower the light relative to the bar counter.
5-3. Don't forget about the kitchen island.
This piece of furniture can serve a wide variety of roles, each requiring specific lighting. Think about what suits you best: pendant lamps, halogen lamps or adjustable sconces.
5-4. Light in the closet.
Whatever size your pantry is, it should have very good light. If this is a separate room with a door, you can install lamps with a motion sensor (eliminates the need to turn off the lights when your hands are full of food).
If your pantry is just a very large compartment (or closet), install lights on the side to illuminate all the shelves.
If there are glass doors between the kitchen and the pantry, less light will be needed (you partially use the light in the kitchen and natural light during the day). If the ceilings are high, it may be necessary to install more powerful lamps on the upper shelves.
5-5. Home office in the kitchen.
It's simple here: approach lighting the same way you would choose lighting for your desk in any other room. A table lamp connected to the nearest outlet is the best option. If there is not enough space on the countertop, look for a directional lamp on the wall (a working version of a sconce).
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And a few more design secrets on the topic of lighting, which relate not to the choice of lamps, but to other related issues.
6-1. More natural light.
The ideal lighting for the kitchen is a combination of natural and artificial light. Of course, we are not able to regulate the power of sunlight. But planning the kitchen so that nothing interferes with the circulation of daylight is quite possible.
6-2. Cozy light.
If you want to make your kitchen not only practical, but also comfortable, choose diffused light. Or hide the lamps behind the cornices of kitchen cabinets. They will do a great job illuminating the passage and walls.
6-3. Reflective materials.
Lacquered surfaces, steel, glass and anything white - these are the materials that will help fill the entire kitchen with light. However, do not forget about safety: the kitchen is not the place where dazzling shine is appropriate.
Designers usually make one lighting plan for the entire apartment. We advise you to make three and only for the kitchen. This way you won’t get confused yourself, and the electrician will understand you correctly.
So, here is your algorithm of actions:
1. Draw 3 identical kitchen plans with the expected arrangement of furniture (in any graphic editor, respecting the scale). For a general idea of lighting, plan No. 1 will be useful to you. For ceiling lighting - plan No. 2, for wall lighting, lighting inside cabinets and switches - plan No. 3.
2. Imagine where you would like to have lamps (we will describe the choice, zones and examples in detail below). Mark these points on plan No. 1. Mark the locations of the switches there.
3. Copy the ceiling lighting and switch locations for it to plan No. 2 (“Ceiling”). Draw lines from each light fixture to the switch.
4. Move the wall parts and what will be inside the cabinets (+ switches for them) to plan No. 3 (“Walls”). And then connect the places of switches and lamps with lines.
5. Now we are working with plan No. 3. You need to specify the height of the wire outlet for each of the lamps. Indicate this on the plan with callouts, taking into account the clean floor level (with floor covering) and the location of the kitchen furniture.
6. A few words about switches (discuss with an electrician!).
It is best to place them not at the entrance to the kitchen (even if it is small), but at arm’s length from the corresponding area (work area, cabinets, bar counter lighting, light above the dining table, etc.). From the first day of use you will see how convenient it is.
If at one point of the plan you have several lines from lamps converging to the switches, use 2- and 3-key switches.
If it is more than 2-3 lines, you can combine several switches in one “frame”. If there must be sockets nearby, combine switches and sockets into one frame (for example, between cabinets in the kitchen work area).
Lamps (lighting) of a stretch ceiling in the kitchen, their proper placement plays an important role in the interior of the room. The choice, location and distribution of light output can significantly change the visual perception of a room. Spotlights, built-in, surface-mounted and LED lamps allow you to bring bold design solutions to life.
Kitchen ceiling lighting fixtures: requirements
Light is very important for the kitchen, since we spend a lot of time in it.
Spot
Spotlights look very interesting
Spotlights are small luminaires with a narrow angle of flux dispersion. They are used in groups, products are included in any quantity and order. They can illuminate both the entire kitchen and part of it, for example,
Spot lamps come in two main types:
- Rotary- movable outer part. It is possible to direct the light to the desired location.
- Fixed- the light falls strictly vertically.
Fixed lamps are cheaper than rotating lamps, but their disadvantage is the inability to direct the light.
Spot products have undeniable advantages:
- Long service life- Manufacturer guarantees up to 4 years.
- Low power consumption.
- Resistant to damage and vibration.
- Radiation of pure color.
But at the devices there are disadvantages:
- Enough high price.
- Installation requires a special ceiling system that lowers it a few centimeters.
- A large percentage of fakes under well-known brands - the possibility of running into a low-quality product (low price), which makes the device unprofitable and short-lived.
It is better to give preference to spot products if you need to illuminate a specific place or create uniform lighting around the perimeter of the kitchen. The recommended layout is 1 unit per 1 m2.
LED Strip Light
LED strip is usually used to illuminate any area
The tape serves to illuminate a specific area, and not as full-fledged lighting. It is used for a work surface in the kitchen (countertop, apron, bar counter) or to decorate the ceiling cornice.
LED strip - a flexible board of various sizes with LEDs and resistors. They are made monochrome or simultaneously with different shades.
pros tape usage:
- Easy installation- base double-sided tape.
- Long service life - up to 15 years.
- No overheating elements.
- Affordable price - even if the cost is high, it pays off during the life of the product.
- Safety and environmental friendliness.
Minuses Applications of LED strip in the kitchen:
- Lighting is a definite part.
- If one element burns out, the entire product must be replaced.
The tape is not used above the stove: the appearance of moisture on it can shorten the contacts, which will lead to a fire.
LED lamps and panels
LED panels will help you create the right lighting
LED lamps can fit perfectly into the kitchen interior. The devices are practical to use. For the kitchen, products are used that are protected from high humidity and temperature changes.
Advantages:
- Low power consumption- savings on kitchen lighting are noticeable almost from the first day.
- Small dimensions- installation does not require much space, it can be mounted even in a small corner.
- Low heat transfer- panels are not subject to overheating.
- Wide range of colors backlight, so it is also often used for .
At classic design A crystal model or glass pendants will fit. Its sophistication will give the room a certain charm. The only drawback is the difficulty of care.
Lamps loft style- similar to street lamps.
Watch the video with stretch ceiling options and lighting design, you might like one of the options:
Do-it-yourself lighting and installation of light bulbs in a suspended ceiling
LEDs are used to create compositions. Designers often choose tape because of its cost-effectiveness during operation. Using the strip, a harmonious illumination of suspended ceilings is created.
Installation of tapes does not require special skills and consists of consistency:
- The installation surface is degreased.
- The protective layer is removed from the product.
- The strip is pressed against the ceiling.
When using tape without an adhesive surface, double-sided tape is used. To decorate a small kitchen, 3 strips of 5 m each are enough.
If there is a need for long compositions, then the LED strip is divided into parts of 15 m, and each of them is supplied with separate power.
A strip of LEDs is attached between the baseboard and the ceiling. The minimum bend of the tape is 2 cm.
Watch the video of installing a stretch ceiling with lighting. The expert’s advice will help you if you decide to do it yourself:
Care and possible breakdowns of ceiling light devices
Caring for lamps does not require special Herculean efforts. Light sources should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.
Lighting fixtures must be turned off before cleaning. Spotlights and panels are cleaned with cotton or linen wipes using an antistatic broom. These simple steps against dust removal are carried out at least once a month.
When grease settles, glass cleaners or soap solution are used. After the procedure, the surface of the product is wiped dry. The light can be turned on after 30 minutes.
Caring for a sconce or chandelier is more labor-intensive. Both the lampshade and other parts of the lamp are cleaned. Lampshades of different textures and constituent elements are washed with specially designed products:
- Glass- cleaning with an antistatic cloth or brush. To thoroughly remove dust, the lampshade is removed and washed in warm water with detergent compounds.
- Plastic, parchment and textiles - cleaning with an antistatic brush. The smooth lampshade is wiped with a damp cotton cloth and wiped dry.
- Metal components- removing dirt with a damp cloth, wiping dry and polishing with a dry cloth.
- Tree cleaned with a soft brush and treated with polish.
If lighting products are not cleaned, a build-up of soot, dirt and dust can cause the device to break down. And if in a chandelier, sconces and spotlights the lamp or lampshade often fails (replacement does not cause problems), then in an LED strip the contact shorts. Then you will have to change the entire strip, and this is quite expensive.
Stretch ceilings can be used in the interior of Scandinavian cuisine.
Lighting the stretch ceiling and other areas in the kitchen - a large selection of different options: from spot hidden devices to chandeliers.
See the secrets of designers on how to properly use light in the interior:
Properly organized lighting and illumination - comfort and harmony in the room, be it the kitchen or living room. The atmosphere is influenced by the location, intensity and nature of the light flux. During the cooking process, you can use both main and auxiliary lighting. For dinner or lunch, local light is sufficient.