The Various Types of Kitchen Lighting You Should Know About

Kitchen lighting is an important element of any kitchen renovation […]

Published On: 14th February 2023
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Kitchen lighting is an important element of any kitchen renovation or design. That said, you have many different types of lighting to choose from. From traditional ceiling lights to under-cabinet lighting and even spotlights, there are various lighting fixtures available to suit any kitchen design.

It is important to understand the different types of lighting and how they can be combined to create the right atmosphere and ambience in your kitchen.

1. Accent Lighting

Use an accent light to draw attention to a piece of art or unique architectural detail. Most of the time, they serve a purely aesthetic purpose, adding to the overall ambience of the place. Using accent lighting can also help you get the desired result, such as making a smaller area appear larger. Depending on its placement, accent lighting can also serve as task lighting. The various forms of accent lighting are:

â—Ź Outdoor lighting
â—Ź Picture lights
â—Ź Sconces
â—Ź Track lights
â—Ź Under-cabinet lighting

2. Ambient Lighting

The term “ambient” refers to a space’s general or background illumination. It can illuminate the entire room without relying on any other fixtures. To illuminate the most area possible, ambient light “bounces” off the walls. Natural ambient light is available through windows or glass doors in many spaces. Although there are task lights, there are also ambient lighting options like:

â—Ź Ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures
â—Ź Chandelier
â—Ź Floor and table lamps
â—Ź LED downlights
â—Ź Track lighting
â—Ź Traditional recessed fixtures

3. Cabinet Lighting

Lights within cabinets can be used for both ambient and focused illumination. The use of this kind of lighting in private residence kitchens is on the rise. Under-cabinet lighting systems typically consist of spotlights installed in the ceiling or walls to illuminate work surfaces, such as countertops, sinks, and food preparation areas. To make it easier to find specific items, such as pots and pans, or to draw attention to a display that is hidden behind glass or open doors, many people opt to have lights installed inside their cabinets.

4. Kitchen Island Lighting

This kind of light is typically installed over a kitchen island. Lighting fixtures, such as pendants for chandeliers, are often hung over an island in groups of two or three to provide adequate task lighting for this high-traffic area. They are installed straight into the ceiling and can be adjusted to different levels of brightness.

5. Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting consists of a light fixture that is suspended from the ceiling by a rod or chain. While they do belong to the category of surface lights, their purpose is not to illuminate a wide area. They combine the qualities of both general lighting and focused work lighting. A pendant lamp is a way to go if you need to see what’s on a table, sink, kitchen island, or counter. Pendants may be found in a wide variety of designs and colours, making them perfect for use as eye-catching focal points in your kitchen.

6. Recessed Lighting

When recessed lighting is placed, it is hidden from view in the ceiling, wall, or other surfaces. A large portion of the light fixture is concealed in the wall or ceiling. You can keep your kitchen’s airy and open feel with these lights. If you want to install recessed lighting, you’ll need some unobstructed space above the ceiling for the housing and wiring to come down. The presence of ceiling joists constrains their installation options. But as background lighting, they shine.

7. Surface Lighting

Surface lights are often used lighting devices for this purpose. Larger rectangular fixtures with several fluorescent tubes are also common, as are smaller, mushroom-shaped fixtures holding a single bulb. These lights can illuminate a broad area and are installed directly into the ceiling.

8. Task Lighting

In a room where there is already ambient lighting, task lighting can be installed to provide more light where it is needed for a specific work. It improves your vision, especially at low contrast or when looking at microscopic details. Lighting that is specifically designed for the task at hand can assist in preventing eyestrain and improve visibility. These are some of the most common types of task lighting fixtures:

â—Ź Pendant lighting
â—Ź Portable or desk lamp
â—Ź Recessed fixture
â—Ź Under-cabinet lighting

There are many types of kitchen lighting to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. Ambient lighting is a must-have in any kitchen as it provides general illumination, while task lighting is ideal for specific areas where you need more light for cooking or preparing food. Accent lighting can also be used to highlight certain elements in your kitchen, such as artwork or a beautiful backsplash.

Indeed, when it comes to choosing the right type of lighting for your kitchen, it’s important to consider the different functions of the space and how you want it to look.

If you are looking for a great source of high-quality kitchen lighting, look no further than our amazing selections here at TLW Global. We are a market-leading LED lighting manufacturer and supplier of innovative lighting solutions. Call us today for more information about our lighting solutions and their prices.