by Fix Flip Staff Writer
Kitchen lighting done well transforms even an average looking kitchen from drab to homey elegance. With some strategic planning and creativity, you can light your kitchen for improved functionality and a sense of well-being.
A single overhead kitchen light fixture is too stark for accommodating all that goes on in a kitchen. To add warmth and illuminate all corners of the room, you need to add layers of light sources.
Laying Out a Kitchen Lighting Plan
With all the lighting options available, you could get overwhelmed. A professional victoryag.org lighting the best of the best online casinos in designer can Australia help you plan cutting-edge lighting solutions and save you money in construction and energy efficiency. But even on your own, you can find simple ways to incorporate both direct and indirect efficient kitchen lighting – for subtle and dramatic effects. Before you decide where to place lights, take the preparation time to study the unique interplay of details in your kitchen – layout, ceiling height, space above and below cabinets, surface finishes and natural lighting. As you consider dimensions and way in which you use each space in your kitchen, you can identify where to place direct lighting for task areas and where to add degrees of indirect lighting for ambience.
Direct Lighting for Kitchen Tasks
Effective direct lighting is necessary for the many tasks, which go on in a kitchen, from reading books to prepping food. For hanging kitchen light fixtures, many experts recommend low-voltage pendant lights, usually hung in versatile sizes and shapes about 35-40 inches above surfaces of sinks, islands or tables. Recessed ceiling lights can be aimed to highlight particular spots in a kitchen. If you don’t want to deal with extra wiring, ceiling track lighting is another possibility. Recessed lighting under cabinets directs lighting precisely where a person is working on a countertop.
Indirect Lighting for Kitchen Ambience
Indirect lighting creates an ambient effect by concealing the light source from view. Hidden lighting above and below kitchen cabinets is an effective way to add upscale warmth and ambient glow to ceilings, counters and floors. Miniature track lights are inexpensive and easy to install. For a soft glow from the ceiling, install indirect lighting around an existing soffit or build in a new soffit. For decorative touches, try in-cabinet lighting or other accentual lighting touches to small areas.
Keep Control of Switches and Dimming
Part of the magic of blending indirect and direct kitchen lighting is the ability to adjust each light level for different tasks and occasions. Be sure to design switches so each type of lighting can be dimmed and controlled separately. You gain optimum functionality, as well as save on energy. When you are done with cooking, you can dim the lights to enjoy your meal.
Whether you want simple or elaborate, take the time to design a plan. A well-lit kitchen will increase functionality and comfort, as well as save you money and energy over time. It will also increase the perceived value of your home. Visitors or buyers will linger over the homey and elegant atmosphere created by your uniquely designed kitchen lighting.
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