The lighting of a kitchen is very important for functionality and the look and feel of the space. Light layering is a must for kitchen design. Having a single light fixture in a kitchen can be overpowering and create shadows in work-spaces. Even if you have a small kitchen you should always include light layering in your kitchen. This will help add lighting to workspaces where it is needed and also add a warm and inviting look to the kitchen. A lot of families and friends gather around the kitchen when they get together so making it comfortable while functional is important. The four levels of kitchen light layering are task, ambient, accent, and decorative.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is installed over countertops to help illuminate workspaces where food preparation and reading take place. Installing task lighting in the proper areas, such as under cabinets, over islands, and anywhere else you will be working, is important. If task lighting is installed in the wrong areas this can create shadows and make it hard to see. This is the last thing you want when chopping food with a sharp knife or trying to read a recipe. The most common types of task lighting are under cabinet lighting and pendant light fixtures.
There are many types and forms of under cabinet lighting: linear tube, rope, puck, fluorescent, xenon, halogen, LED. Under cabinet light fixtures are usually hidden. This allows you to install as much under cabinet lighting you need without cluttering the design of the kitchen.
Task lighting can easily be turned into ambient lighting by adding dimmers.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient light is the general lighting of a kitchen. This soft, indirect lighting will add a warm glow to the kitchen making it inviting to friends and families. Ambient lighting is great for parties and relaxing after a long night of cooking. The most common types of ambient lighting are chandeliers, pendants, and recessed lights.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is meant to illuminate a decorative focal point in a kitchen. This lighting adds a dramatic effect to selected items in a kitchen. Accent lighting usually displays artwork, architectural features, and can also be installed in glass cabinets to display china or other decorative items. For accent lighting to properly illuminate a specific focal point in a room it must have a higher intensity than ambient lighting. The most common types of accent lighting are track lighting and wall scones.
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting is eye-catching light fixtures that add to your kitchens overall design. This is usually combined with task, ambient, and accent light fixtures. This type of lighting depends on the size of your kitchen. You should only buy decorative lighting that will look proportional to your kitchen. If you have a large kitchen you can install a beautiful chandelier or pendant light fixture for your decorative lighting. If you have a smaller kitchen you can still add decorative lighting by installing mini pendants, mini chandeliers and ornamental track lighting.
“The kitchen is often the hub of the home”, according to The American Lighting Association, so in most cases it is the most important room in your home. Light layering in a kitchen allows for functionality and design at the same time. Another thing you have to keep in mind when putting together a kitchen lighting design is to add dimmers and switches to change the level of lighting for different situations. Light dimmers by Lutron are great for adding more light when you need it for cooking and then lowering the light level when you want to sit back and relax in your kitchen with a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Lutron dimmers will also help you save energy and reduce energy costs. Having a proper lighting design will help you get the most out of your kitchen.
Kitchen lighting designs should always feature light layering which includes task, ambient, accent, and decorative lighting.
