Lighting options in the kitchen

Kitchen lighting should be functional, and the secret of this phenomenon is layering. Each area of ​​the kitchen should be lit in its own way. When placing lighting fixtures, many factors are taken into account, such as the size of the kitchen, the location of the window, the style of the room. Let's try to figure out how to solve the kitchen lighting problem.

The lighting standards for different kitchen areas differ. So, the working area should be well lit, under the influence of such light all objects will be clearly visible, while in the dining area a slightly muffled soft light is more appropriate, which does not dazzle people sitting at the table. But even when the owner responsibly approached the zoning with the help of light sources, the common chandelier on the ceiling will not be superfluous. Its functional component remains almost unused, because it illuminates an almost empty space, but its presence will be able to even out the unevenness of illumination. If the ceiling is suspended or suspended, then the best solution is the installation of ceiling lamps.

Each room has its own lighting requirements. So, for the kitchen, this figure is 150 lux per m2. For example, a standard 12-meter kitchen requires 1800 lux.From the fact that 1 lx = 1 lm, it turns out that this room will need lamps that produce at least 1800 lumens. In watts, these data are not counted now, since a modern 7 W LED light bulb can emit as much light as a 50 W incandescent lamp.

When zoning a kitchen with light, it is important to calculate the above data for both zones separately. To do this, you need to draw up a floor plan, divide it into areas and count the number of lamps for each part. Keep in mind that one 100W lamp will give almost 3 times more light than a pair of 50W lamps. When choosing the type of lighting, give preference to the same type of lamps: halogen, LED, daylight. A combination of two types is allowed, but if you apply all three of these, then it will be overkill. All these options are characterized by different lighting, which means that it will be almost impossible to calculate the lighting rate for the kitchen. In this case, incandescent lamps are not mentioned, since they are now irrelevant due to the high power consumption and low illumination.

It is also important to use lamps of the same color, this indicator is sometimes called the color temperature. Lighting fixtures can produce blue, yellow, white shades. For human vision and comfortable perception of color in the kitchen, it is recommended to use warm or neutral options, and it is better to refuse the cold one altogether, although when lighting some work areas, a cold spectrum may be appropriate.

The most traditional option for kitchen lighting remains a chandelier. Not a bad option, but it does not always fit into the modern style of the kitchen. If the kitchen is made in a rectangular shape, then it is recommended to select an elongated copy of the chandelier. The slim shapes allow the light to be optimally distributed throughout the kitchen. If the ceilings are low, then it is better to refuse the chandelier. Alternatively, flat luminaires in a round or carbon shape are suitable. On a suspended or stretch ceiling, "scattered" spotlights will look harmonious. You can even create some abstract composition with them. The classic solution is to organize the lighting around the perimeter of the central zone of the kitchen. This option will visually make the ceiling higher and the kitchen more spacious.

Selection of lighting for the owners of Khrushchev is not an easy task. In such apartments, the kitchens are very small - 5-7 "squares". In this case, it is not recommended to use luxurious "flashy" chandeliers and long shades - the parameters of lighting devices must be selected in accordance with the dimensions of the room. And also in a small kitchen you do not need to place too many lighting fixtures. The best option is a small single chandelier and LED lighting for the work area.

Not only the convenience of cooking depends on the lighting, but also the mood of the hostess, since this element creates a general tone for the entire room. The location of the fixtures can vary.

• The bottom of the cabinets. A fashionable solution that attracts customers with its decorative component and practical function. The LED strip is passed along the bottom of the wall cabinets, so the entire work surface is well lit. While working in the kitchen, the hostess does not have to dodge so as not to obscure the light.

• Wall. An interesting option is the location of the lighting fixtures above the working area. This is possible if wall units are placed on the opposite side. In this situation, you can use ordinary spots or an exquisite sconce - the choice is determined by the style of the room.Position the equipment so that the light is clearly directed onto the work surface.

The light above the work area should be clear and expressive. Lamps should not emit diffused attenuated light. Therefore, the already mentioned devices are suitable for the working area.

• LED Strip Light. A discreet but practical solution with rich lighting. The advantage is the durability of the device, as well as the ability to adjust the brightness. You can even get a remote control that can control the tape from a distance.

• Spots. Small lighting fixtures resembling spotlights. An excellent option for use as a lighting of the work surface. The advantage of spots is the ability, if necessary, to fix the luminous flux in the desired direction.

• Sconce. Any type of sconce is suitable for the kitchen. This could be a lampshade or wall-mounted equipment, but it is important that a bright lamp is inserted. Such a copy is usually selected for old and classic styles.

When choosing lighting units for the dining area, more attention is paid to their aesthetic function. The lamp is no longer used to supply light to the surface of the table, but for zoning the room. Light sources can be located in different places.

• On the ceiling. The most natural option. This solution is especially suitable for a large kitchen where the table is installed in the middle of the room. Overhead lighting will create dim, softened lighting, visually accentuate the table, and brighten the entire dining area. This arrangement is also convenient in that the appliances will not interfere with the diners, that is, for example, a hanging chandelier cannot be knocked over or flooded with liquid.

• On the table. In this case, even an ordinary table lamp will do. This option is best used for a compact, unpretentious kitchen, where there is no need to focus on the dining table. Naturally, the table is then located against the wall, and not in the center; moreover, it has large dimensions - when the lamp is installed on a small table, it will interfere with eaters.

• On the wall. This solution is also only suitable when placing the table against a wall. It is recommended to use lamps that can be directed both downward and upward.

Various lighting options can be used in the dining area.

• Ceiling chandeliers. The stores offer a wide range of these fixtures that never go out of style. Among the variety of styles and design options, each customer will easily select an item that is most suitable for a particular kitchen interior. For example, for the Japanese style it is recommended to give preference to samples with a paper lampshade, for Provence - chandeliers with a floral print, for the shabby chic style - a crystal copy with hanging elements. In the case when the kitchen room has a long table or bar counter, the option of placing two chandeliers at once is quite relevant.

• Table lamp. It is also selected according to the style of the room. For English classics, designers recommend choosing metal products with glass details, for high-tech - all-metal lamps, for Chinese style - wooden or even paper lighting devices. When choosing, it is important to take into account the stability of the unit, since during the meal someone will certainly knock it over, and it is necessary to foresee in advance that the equipment does not break.

• Wall Light. As already mentioned, it will be convenient if the owner can control the direction of the light flux on the wall. Therefore, sconces, spots or LED lighting will do. Brightness indicators can be neglected, the main thing is aesthetics.

In this case, we mean types of lighting that do not perform practical functions. Their main purpose is decorative. Soft pleasant lighting can create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the kitchen. Luminaires can be located in the most unexpected places.

• Between the kitchen unit and the ceiling. In this case, an LED strip is usually used. In this case, backlighting is some kind of design trick. For example, a tape between cabinets and the ceiling in a miniature kitchen visually increases the height of the room.

• Illumination of the base of the furniture set. Also an interesting technique when lighting a small room. This design gives the impression of a kitchen floating in the air.

• Illumination of decorative elements. This refers to the placement of additional LED strips or sconces to focus attention on paintings, photographs, souvenirs and other details.

• Internal lighting of lockers. This is a very aesthetic option, in perfect harmony with frosted or stained glass facades. You can illuminate wall cabinets, shelves, drawers from the inside. In this case, the decorative function is combined with the practical one - it is much more convenient to use illuminated cabinets. The best option is to use an LED strip. This device does not heat up, is safe to use, consumes little energy and illuminates interior cabinets well. You can configure the equipment to work permanently or to turn on only when the drawer is pulled out.

• Illumination of the stove or hob. Quite a rare variant, which is again used mainly as a decoration. To look after the pan, the hostess has enough general light. Usually, such a lighting is built into the hood of the hood, although most modern models already automatically come with this type of lighting.

• Floor lighting. Used as a division of functional space. It is also used very rarely, but it looks very sophisticated.

Take a look at interesting kitchen lighting projects.

• Illumination built into the floor height difference. A good idea for zoning a kitchen space. The floor lighting does not carry a special functional load, although it will not allow the guest to stumble over a step. Looks very stylish, bright, modern. Pay attention to the classic illumination of the working area.

• In this case, the work surface and dining area are highlighted with hanging lampshades.while the compact kitchen table is illuminated by a separate ceiling fixture. And also spotlights are "scattered" on the ceiling. The overall composition is very harmonious and accurate.

• Despite the compact kitchen space, the owners of this kitchen managed to arrange and zone the kitchen according to all the rules... A wall lamp is installed above the table, spotlights are mounted in the ceiling around the perimeter of the working area, and, finally, a common chandelier, made in the style of a wall lamp, makes the illumination of various devices uniform, as if smoothing it out.

For information on how to choose the right lighting in the kitchen, see the next video.