How to create a fantastic and effective kitchen lighting design?
author: Ivan Huang
2023-02-01
The kitchen is the source of healthy food for the whole family. It has delicate operation tasks, such as cutting vegetables, washing vegetables, mixing dishes, etc.; there will also be a certain degree of oil fume pollution.
Based on these needs, the kitchen needs bright, uniform, no dark areas and easy-to-operate lighting methods. This is also the difference from other home spaces. Creating an atmosphere is not so important in this space.
1. The overall idea of kitchen lighting design
1.1 Kitchen lighting layout needs to consider two aspects, one is the lighting of the entire kitchen, and the other is the lighting of the washing and stove. The effect of the former is very easy to achieve. You only need to install a ceiling lamp suitable for your own kitchen on the ceiling, while the latter can generally arrange local lighting at the lower part of the wall cabinet and set up a convenient switch device. Generally, the range hood of the cooker also has lamps. The requirements have been met.
1.2 For an open kitchen, the lighting design is different during the decoration process. Since the open kitchen has a relatively large lighting area, you can choose spotlights or downlights embedded in the ceiling for decoration when repeating the overall lighting design. Of course, in order to facilitate the use of the console, some lamps will be installed under the wall cabinet for installation, and a convenient switch device also needs to be installed
1.3 It is very necessary to arrange kitchen lamps from the perspective of cleanliness, sanitation and safe use of electricity. Hanron Lighting suggests that the installation of lamps should be as far away from the stove as possible to avoid directly infecting the lamps with oily smoke and water vapor.
2. Basic lighting design of lighting
The ceiling lights that bring basic lighting to the entire kitchen are best designed with ceiling lights or recessed lights, but in the actual design process, even with ceiling lights (recessed lights) lighting, there are different lighting arrangements.
The light can be the lighting brought by a simple lamp, or it can be arranged in a combined lamp, but the latter can better reflect the professionalism and practicality of the lighting. In addition, if you think the ceiling light and recessed light are too ordinary, then the track light is also a good choice. But at the same time we should also pay attention to reasonably control the brightness of the ceiling light in the kitchen area, so that it is bright without being too dry and dazzling. And it is best not to use frosted lamps.
2.1 Simple and bright design
If the kitchen area presents a modern minimalist style, in order to match the lighting fixtures with the interior style, you can choose a simple fixed downlight group as the lighting fixtures, which will not destroy the overall minimalist style, but also achieve the effect of bright lighting.
In addition, even though only three recessed lights are used in the entire ceiling, the distribution of these three recessed lights is unique. Two recessed lights are installed on the side near the cooking table, and only one is installed above the dining area. Recessed lights, and this is also a design plan based on people's perception that the brightness of the lights in the cooking operation area is greater than that in the dining area.
2.2 Flexible Ceiling Lighting
In this open kitchen full of personalized colors, it is also a very good idea to choose a white track light as the basic lighting source. Since each rail lamp has an adjustable function, by adjusting the irradiation direction of the rail lamp, it can provide more reasonable lighting for the operating area below. This flexible lighting design has been widely used in modern kitchen design.
2.3 Sophisticated lamps
The track light is also used as the basic lighting fixture, but when choosing the track light for this kitchen area, considering the coordination between the light fixture and the environment, a set of clean white and clean track lights are deliberately selected to match the minimalist style of the entire kitchen.
The black metal rails and white inlaid independent spotlights echo the white tone of the lower cabinet and countertop area, all of which make you marvel at the designer's meticulous thought.
3. Lighting design of the operating area
As the core area of the entire kitchen, the lighting arrangement of the operating area (also known as the cooking table) requires more attention from us. But no matter how it is designed, bright lighting is the basic light requirement for the operating area.
Under normal circumstances, the operating area in the kitchen can be divided into two categories, one is an independent operating table with a partition function on the outside; the other is a conventional type with a side against the wall and a closet is often installed above it. Although the operating table belongs to the kitchen operating area, there is a big difference in the use of light between these two operating tables.
3.1 Close lighting
Since there are no walls around the independent operating table to install lamps, the chandelier becomes the best lighting equipment for this area. The chandeliers are arranged in order to keep the light source and the table at a relatively close distance, so that the soft light can be evenly and softly sprinkled on the cooking table.
3.2 The combination of function and personality
Above the free-standing operating table, this chandelier is installed, which perfectly combines functionality and personalized colors. The black chandelier, like a huge spider’s foot, not only ensures the illumination of the console below, but also brings the light to the surroundings of the console. So there will be no sense of confusion.
3.3 Tranquil recessed lighting
In the lighting design of conventional consoles, hidden light strips are also the most widely used lamps. Install a hidden light strip that emits soft white light at the lower corner between the closet and the wall, so that the light it emits can shine on every inch of the operating table, and its white light matches the white tone of the operating area. It infuses a quiet emotion into the whole kitchen.
4. Design of kitchen light source
In most kitchens, people are accustomed to setting the color of the lighting source to the daylight color with the best color rendering. In addition, some excellent designers will incorporate some new ideas and unique features into the treatment of the color of the kitchen light source without affecting the overall lighting to bring a distinctive lighting effect to the entire kitchen. But all of this cannot be separated from the guarantee of safety.
Color changing light source
For a cooking table that integrates dining and operating functions, the designer needs to pay more attention to the lighting design. Above the free-standing cooking table, the designer installed a row of extended pendant lamps as lighting equipment, but its uniqueness lies in the variability of the light source of the lamps. When cooking, the color of the light source can be adjusted to be close to white light. In daylight, during dining activities, the color of the light source can be adjusted to a warm color light that can promote people's appetite.
When multiple groups of lighting fixtures are selected in the kitchen area, the lighting circuits must be separated so that the occupants can choose different lighting fixtures according to their own needs and avoid unnecessary
6.1. What is the rule of thumb for kitchen lighting?
A common rule of thumb is that you use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. Doing so provides even, overall illumination. This is an important rule to keep in mind when you are going to rely exclusively on recessed ceiling lights to illuminate your kitchen.
6.2. What is the most popular kitchen lighting?
The most popular kitchen lighting is a mix of practical spotlights and wall lights with more decorative pendants and ceiling lights.
6.3. How many lights do I need for a 12x12 kitchen?
In general, a 12x12 kitchen will use a minimum of three to a maximum of nine recessed lights to illuminate the needed area. Exact lighting needs will vary, so keep your kitchen's layout in mind when deciding the number of lights you need for your unique space.
6.4. What is the most popular color for kitchen walls?
When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.
6.5. How do you coordinate lights in a kitchen?
Positioning Lighting Fixtures. Ambient light fixtures direct light evenly across the kitchen floor. If you are using a chandelier or lantern, then position it over the island or at the center of the ceiling. Task lighting should illuminate workspaces, so they should be placed directly above the sink or food prep area.
When designing kitchen lighting, in addition to basic lighting, we should also pay attention to the selection of local lighting and light sources. If conditions permit, a window should be opened in the kitchen space as much as possible, so that natural light sources can be effectively used. It can also ensure the air circulation in the kitchen. In addition, the use of some structured lighting can also add a lot of color to the entire kitchen.
Based on these needs, the kitchen needs bright, uniform, no dark areas and easy-to-operate lighting methods. This is also the difference from other home spaces. Creating an atmosphere is not so important in this space.
1. The overall idea of kitchen lighting design
1.1 Kitchen lighting layout needs to consider two aspects, one is the lighting of the entire kitchen, and the other is the lighting of the washing and stove. The effect of the former is very easy to achieve. You only need to install a ceiling lamp suitable for your own kitchen on the ceiling, while the latter can generally arrange local lighting at the lower part of the wall cabinet and set up a convenient switch device. Generally, the range hood of the cooker also has lamps. The requirements have been met.
1.2 For an open kitchen, the lighting design is different during the decoration process. Since the open kitchen has a relatively large lighting area, you can choose spotlights or downlights embedded in the ceiling for decoration when repeating the overall lighting design. Of course, in order to facilitate the use of the console, some lamps will be installed under the wall cabinet for installation, and a convenient switch device also needs to be installed
1.3 It is very necessary to arrange kitchen lamps from the perspective of cleanliness, sanitation and safe use of electricity. Hanron Lighting suggests that the installation of lamps should be as far away from the stove as possible to avoid directly infecting the lamps with oily smoke and water vapor.
2. Basic lighting design of lighting
The ceiling lights that bring basic lighting to the entire kitchen are best designed with ceiling lights or recessed lights, but in the actual design process, even with ceiling lights (recessed lights) lighting, there are different lighting arrangements.
The light can be the lighting brought by a simple lamp, or it can be arranged in a combined lamp, but the latter can better reflect the professionalism and practicality of the lighting. In addition, if you think the ceiling light and recessed light are too ordinary, then the track light is also a good choice. But at the same time we should also pay attention to reasonably control the brightness of the ceiling light in the kitchen area, so that it is bright without being too dry and dazzling. And it is best not to use frosted lamps.
2.1 Simple and bright design
If the kitchen area presents a modern minimalist style, in order to match the lighting fixtures with the interior style, you can choose a simple fixed downlight group as the lighting fixtures, which will not destroy the overall minimalist style, but also achieve the effect of bright lighting.
In addition, even though only three recessed lights are used in the entire ceiling, the distribution of these three recessed lights is unique. Two recessed lights are installed on the side near the cooking table, and only one is installed above the dining area. Recessed lights, and this is also a design plan based on people's perception that the brightness of the lights in the cooking operation area is greater than that in the dining area.
2.2 Flexible Ceiling Lighting
In this open kitchen full of personalized colors, it is also a very good idea to choose a white track light as the basic lighting source. Since each rail lamp has an adjustable function, by adjusting the irradiation direction of the rail lamp, it can provide more reasonable lighting for the operating area below. This flexible lighting design has been widely used in modern kitchen design.
2.3 Sophisticated lamps
The track light is also used as the basic lighting fixture, but when choosing the track light for this kitchen area, considering the coordination between the light fixture and the environment, a set of clean white and clean track lights are deliberately selected to match the minimalist style of the entire kitchen.
The black metal rails and white inlaid independent spotlights echo the white tone of the lower cabinet and countertop area, all of which make you marvel at the designer's meticulous thought.
3. Lighting design of the operating area
As the core area of the entire kitchen, the lighting arrangement of the operating area (also known as the cooking table) requires more attention from us. But no matter how it is designed, bright lighting is the basic light requirement for the operating area.
Under normal circumstances, the operating area in the kitchen can be divided into two categories, one is an independent operating table with a partition function on the outside; the other is a conventional type with a side against the wall and a closet is often installed above it. Although the operating table belongs to the kitchen operating area, there is a big difference in the use of light between these two operating tables.
3.1 Close lighting
Since there are no walls around the independent operating table to install lamps, the chandelier becomes the best lighting equipment for this area. The chandeliers are arranged in order to keep the light source and the table at a relatively close distance, so that the soft light can be evenly and softly sprinkled on the cooking table.
3.2 The combination of function and personality
Above the free-standing operating table, this chandelier is installed, which perfectly combines functionality and personalized colors. The black chandelier, like a huge spider’s foot, not only ensures the illumination of the console below, but also brings the light to the surroundings of the console. So there will be no sense of confusion.
3.3 Tranquil recessed lighting
In the lighting design of conventional consoles, hidden light strips are also the most widely used lamps. Install a hidden light strip that emits soft white light at the lower corner between the closet and the wall, so that the light it emits can shine on every inch of the operating table, and its white light matches the white tone of the operating area. It infuses a quiet emotion into the whole kitchen.
4. Design of kitchen light source
In most kitchens, people are accustomed to setting the color of the lighting source to the daylight color with the best color rendering. In addition, some excellent designers will incorporate some new ideas and unique features into the treatment of the color of the kitchen light source without affecting the overall lighting to bring a distinctive lighting effect to the entire kitchen. But all of this cannot be separated from the guarantee of safety.
Color changing light source
For a cooking table that integrates dining and operating functions, the designer needs to pay more attention to the lighting design. Above the free-standing cooking table, the designer installed a row of extended pendant lamps as lighting equipment, but its uniqueness lies in the variability of the light source of the lamps. When cooking, the color of the light source can be adjusted to be close to white light. In daylight, during dining activities, the color of the light source can be adjusted to a warm color light that can promote people's appetite.
5. Small knowledge expansion:
When multiple groups of lighting fixtures are selected in the kitchen area, the lighting circuits must be separated so that the occupants can choose different lighting fixtures according to their own needs and avoid unnecessary
6. FAQs About Kitchen Lighting Design
6.1. What is the rule of thumb for kitchen lighting?
A common rule of thumb is that you use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. Doing so provides even, overall illumination. This is an important rule to keep in mind when you are going to rely exclusively on recessed ceiling lights to illuminate your kitchen.
6.2. What is the most popular kitchen lighting?
The most popular kitchen lighting is a mix of practical spotlights and wall lights with more decorative pendants and ceiling lights.
6.3. How many lights do I need for a 12x12 kitchen?
In general, a 12x12 kitchen will use a minimum of three to a maximum of nine recessed lights to illuminate the needed area. Exact lighting needs will vary, so keep your kitchen's layout in mind when deciding the number of lights you need for your unique space.
6.4. What is the most popular color for kitchen walls?
When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.
6.5. How do you coordinate lights in a kitchen?
Positioning Lighting Fixtures. Ambient light fixtures direct light evenly across the kitchen floor. If you are using a chandelier or lantern, then position it over the island or at the center of the ceiling. Task lighting should illuminate workspaces, so they should be placed directly above the sink or food prep area.
7. Summarize
When designing kitchen lighting, in addition to basic lighting, we should also pay attention to the selection of local lighting and light sources. If conditions permit, a window should be opened in the kitchen space as much as possible, so that natural light sources can be effectively used. It can also ensure the air circulation in the kitchen. In addition, the use of some structured lighting can also add a lot of color to the entire kitchen.
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