Share:

Kitchen lighting requires planning to execute properly.  Eating at the dining room table and prepping food at the counters require different levels of brightness for optimal comfort. Use this guide to learn more about layering kitchen lighting and to decide how to best light this space.


How to Layer Kitchen Lighting

The majority of modern kitchens act both as a cooking and eating place. A mixture of indirect and direct lighting is needed. Indirect lighting, also known as ambient light, is good for setting a mood or if a low amount of light will suffice. Direct lighting is overhead, utilitarian, and is best to use while completing a task.

Task Lighting

It's often best to start by installing ceiling fixtures, or direct lighting, along the edge of the counters for tasks, like cooking. This ensures the light is not behind you, and there isn't a shadow while you work. This placement lessens the amount of direct lighting you need as it will bounce to other areas of the room.

Under-cabinet recessed lights offer extra direct lighting for times when extra visibility is needed for prep or cleaning work. They can be used with or in place of the overhead lights. If you have a kitchen island installed that’s used as a workstation, consider adding track lighting in that area. 

Ambientdining room table

Ambient lighting works well while eating or socializing. Use this with your dining room table or over your kitchen island if it doubles up as an eating area. Usually, a combination of lights will come together to create a full ambiance in your kitchen. Ceiling lights can also be used as task lights if they have dimmer settings. Smaller hanging pendants with soft white bulbs provide a subtle, even light that won't cast shadows, and a chandelier creates a warm glow.

Accent

If you have a specific focal point you'd like people to notice when they enter your kitchen, use accent lighting. This could be soft under-cabinet track lighting to highlight your backsplash or LED strips under the dining room table. You might also use picture spotlights to showcase a piece of art on the wall, for example, or sconce lights to point out your wine collection. 
 


If you are updating the lighting fixtures in your home, visit BOVA Contemporary Furniture in Cincinnati, OH. For over 25 years, this furniture store has provided high-quality European-style furnishings at affordable prices. From dining room tables to bedroom sets, their contemporary home accessories continue to be at the forefront of design. Visit their online store or call them today at (513) 247-9100 to learn more about their available lighting products. You can also take a virtual tour of their showroom to see the pieces they carry.

tracking