Before you begin installing lights in your kitchen, read the following tips to help you get the most out of your kitchen lighting.
Before you begin installing lights in your kitchen, read the following tips to help you get the most out of your kitchen lighting.
Identify Areas That Need Light
Turn the lights on in your kitchen and note were you would like more lighting. For instance, if you stand at the counter, do you feel the work area is in the dark? Or do you stand in front of the stove only to cut out the light behind you? Once you find these dark spots, list them out for your reference. Note the location, number of lights needed and the tasks preformed there.
Accent The Positive
Once you have identified problem areas that require more light, look around the kitchen to see what you want to showcase. Do you want to show off your cabinets with their glass doors? Or do you want attention drawn to a collection overhead or artwork on the walls? After you have decided on your focal points, add them to your list of lighting needs.
Start Planning
Now that you have a list of your lighting needs, you can begin to plan how you will install the light fixtures. It is easiest to simply replace existing light fixtures with more efficient ones. You can also easily mount fixtures that plug into electrical outlets.
If you want to add or move light fixtures, you will need to determine the location of electrical wires, plumbing and studs. Light should come between you and what you want to illuminate; otherwise, you will be working in shadows. Once you know where and how you will install fixtures, you will have a better idea of what to look for when you go shopping.
Shopping For The Right Fixtures
Light fixtures come in so many different styles that you will be able to find one that meets your needs. If your light fixture will be visible, consider picking one that will be decorative. Pendant lights with their colorful glass or metal shades are popular over kitchen islands or dinning areas. Ceiling fixtures also come in updated styles to match the rest of the look of your kitchen. Track lighting is also a popular choice since it blends in with your ceiling and the fixtures can be easily moved along the track.
For task lighting under kitchen cabinets, use energy efficient fluorescent fixtures. Under cabinet fixtures can give you a small spot of light or a larger area. Remember to mount them at the back of your cabinet to reduce glare on your work surface.
For accent lighting, you can use low wattage halogen lights or rope lights. Halogen lights are ideal to highlight key spots such as a collectable or piece of artwork. Rope lights can be tucked under trim at the top or bottom of your cabinets to give a general glow to the area.
After you have found light fixtures that meet your needs and are attractive, begin installing them to add warmth to your kitchen.
