Learn the dos and don'ts of kitchen lighting layout
Creating a new kitchen can be exciting, and you should not forget about lighting in the layout. Often, it's best to create a custom layout for kitchen lighting to increase the room's brightness and functionality. You may want to call in a professional to help you figure out the right layout for lighting to boost the function of your kitchen.
While you may be able to work out the layout for yourself, a professional can help with details you may not think of. Additionally, they may be able to help with price, installation, and design, along with the layout. Finally, you can have the kitchen of your dreams with the perfect lighting layout to turn your home into your haven.
How do you create a layout for kitchen lighting?
The first step is to draw a mock-up of your kitchen. From there, you can figure out how to light your kitchen using the three main types of lighting: ambient, accent, and task.
Ambient lighting provides the main source of light in the kitchen. It hangs from the ceiling to light the larger spaces such as the floors, island, entrances, and walls. Accent lighting goes in cabinets or under cabinets to highlight a specific area. Finally, task lighting gives you brightness in a targeted area to illuminate a specific work area.
From here, you can determine where you need light the most. Start with task lighting to focus on the areas where you work the most. Next, you want to consider how you want the kitchen to look when not actively cooking so you can decide how much natural light you want in the room. Now you can decide where you want ambient lighting.
Accent lighting comes last and focuses on areas not targeted with ambient or task lighting. This could include areas under the cabinets to work for low light in the evening, or in cabinets to turn your glass cupboards into a showcase. Now you will have a basic plan to lay out the lighting in your kitchen.
What are the different kitchen lighting layouts?
As every kitchen differs dramatically in layout, it's hard to create one standard lighting layout. Furthermore, no one uses their kitchen exactly the same, which can further change the need for lighting. However, the basic layouts would include options with the three main types of lighting ambient, task, and accent.
A professional can help you to come up with a plan for adding the proper lighting into your kitchen. Layouts are a very personal decision as only you know your style and needs. However, a professional can help you figure out what you need and where for the best possible layout.
Why does lighting placement matter for kitchen design?
Correct lighting placement can make the kitchen more functional for easier cooking. As the kitchen is often the hub of the house, it needs to function properly. For example, if you have a kitchen island but no lighting over the island and it happens to be dark outside, cutting vegetables can be dangerous.
Kitchens include hot items, sharp items, and heavy objects that can all cause harm if not properly seen. Also, entering a kitchen at night and only having the option of one extremely bright light may obstruct your sleep if simply going into the fridge for a glass of water. The right lighting can prevent all of these problems and much more.
Families often sit around the table to eat, play games, do work, or even just relax with a drink and snack. Proper lighting will help to create the perfect mood for holidays, family dinners, or even work. Lighting goes a long way in making a house a home ready to serve families the way they need.
What layouts are best for small kitchens?
Appropriate lighting can brighten a room and make it seem larger without increasing the square footage. With small kitchens, you will want to shine a light in every corner. Consider recessed lights in multiple locations to increase brightness and a pendant light over the sink and working countertop.
Small kitchens can also benefit from task lights under the cabinets to increase light, especially if the kitchen does not have access to natural light from a window. Linear lights are a fantastic option for small kitchens, too, as they spread the light farther but require less installation and take up less space on the walls. Leaving the space free allows for other items that need to be hung in a smaller kitchen.
If you want options on more than just the ceiling, some smaller kitchens may require creative lighting because of limited wall space. Semi-flush mounts are fabulous for smaller kitchens, and the heads are adjustable so you can have light in multiple directions. Long narrow galley kitchens operate best with flush mount ceiling lights.
What kitchen lighting designs are trending right now?
Kitchen lighting options are endless to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Here are some of the current popular options.
Pendant lights are popular right now as they offer unlimited variations, from glass to domed and even metal.
Track lights provide brightness with fewer fixtures and work well in a modern kitchen for a streamlined appearance.
Chandeliers improve both the style and the function of a room with a focal point that provides light.
Accent lighting inside of cabinets or under cabinets can turn your kitchen into a showcase and will improve visibility.
Wall sconces can go on the wall to provide light at lower levels and add some charm to a kitchen.
Industrial lighting has taken over the lighting market by adding old-world charm along with newer technologies and smart bulbs for a vintage effect.
Mixed material lighting can improve the attractiveness of a room and add depth for a more comfortable space.
Metallic lighting returns to the spotlight with subtle mixed material for an elegant and timeless style.
Lantern lighting allows for simple structures with more options for bulbs while adding to the room's ambiance.
Glass light fixtures improve visibility and can help improve the dimensions of the room by increasing brightness.
Many lighting options have come into style and your selection will depend on the style of your kitchen. Whether you are going with a modern style or a farmhouse, you can find popular options to improve your kitchen.
What are the best kitchen lighting layout tools online?
Skipp uses advanced technology to help families to create a 3D measurement of their room and a personalized layout. Both professional designers and clients can work together with technology to find the best lighting options without the hassle. We can help you try out different options digitally to figure out what you need and want to improve the lighting in your kitchen.
Where can you get a professional designer to plan custom kitchen lighting layouts?
You have come to the right place! Skipp offers professional designers to help you create a custom lighting layout for your kitchen. Using the latest technology, we can help to create a layout to work for your needs and how you cook with your family. Get exactly what you want for less money and work.
Conclusion
Kitchen lighting makes the room you cook in safer and more enjoyable for gatherings. The right layout can take the room further and turn your kitchen into the home's focal point for a true family hub. Save time and money by choosing Skipp to help you create the kitchen lighting layout of your dreams for a room that more than functions but turns your house into a home.
