Lighting plays a crucial role in every room of your home, but it’s particularly important in spaces
where you spend a lot of time performing tasks – like the kitchen. While you might think of lighting
as just a way to brighten up a space, its placement can have a significant impact on functionality,
comfort, and overall ambiance. One common issue homeowners encounter is poor lighting
placement, which can create shadows in areas of high activity.
The Problem with Poor Lighting Positions
In areas like the kitchen, correct lighting placement isn’t just about making the room look bright – it’s
about creating a well-lit, functional environment. If the lights are positioned incorrectly and spaced
too far away from bench tops, you can encounter shadowing and poorly lit areas of the kitchen that
need it most.
Common Lighting Issues
Outdated lighting, such as fluorescent tubes and halogen bulbs, can be problematic. Fluorescent
tubes often require frequent repairs, including replacing the tubes and starters. Additionally, they
contain ballasts that have a limited lifespan. When these lights age, they tend to flicker, which can
be visually disruptive. Halogen bulbs, on the other hand, emit a lot of heat, which is costly on energy
usage and posing potential safety risks, in some cases, have even caused house fires.
Solution?
Switching to LED lighting can brighten up your space while also saving you money on electricity
costs. LEDs last longer than traditional bulbs or tubes, making them a more efficient and safer
option.
Lack of Layered Lighting
For effective kitchen lighting, it’s important to incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and
accent lighting. Without proper layering, your kitchen may end up feeling too dim in some areas and
too bright in others, with shadows in between. Relying solely on one light source, such as an
overhead light, can result in poorly lit spaces like your countertop or island, making them harder to
use. Pendant lights, under-cabinet LED strips, and adjustable track lights can eliminate these
problems.
Under-cabinet lights are ideal for benchtops as they cast a strong light directly onto the surface,
preventing shadows from forming.
Pendant lights over your kitchen island can also provide direct illumination and at the same time
create a ‘high end’ looking finish. Opt for adjustable pendants, so you can position the light where
it’s most needed.
Ceiling-mounted lights should be paired with other lighting sources to ensure even distribution of
light across the room.
Recessed lighting add that clean ceiling finish and open spacious look.
Use Dimmers for Flexibility
The brightness of your lighting can be just as crucial as its placement. Installing dimmer switches lets you adjust the light intensity to suit the task or time of day. For instance, you might prefer bright,
focused lighting while cooking, but a softer glow for casual dining or entertaining. Dimmers provide
the flexibility to easily make these adjustments.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way!
If you’re unsure about your kitchen lighting setup, it’s always a great idea to consult with a lighting
professional or an electrician. They can help you choose the best lighting options and placements to
create the perfect ambiance while ensuring you have the illumination you need to work comfortably
and safely.
Ready to light up your kitchen the right way? Contact us today for expert lighting advice and
installation!