5 key kitchen lighting tips for 2023 – and the mistakes to avoid
Is 2023 the year you finally create your dream kitchen? You’ll have lots to think about, but one of the most crucial elements of any successful design is lighting. Here are our top tips on getting kitchen lighting spot-on...
1. Never forget task lighting
Without carefully considered task lighting, your gorgeous new kitchen becomes an impractical space. You’ll always be in your own light when washing the dishes, or be struggling to see in dim light when chopping the veg (which could even be dangerous).
So think about your key work zones and add appropriate task lighting that you can switch on when you need it.
2. Match your light fittings to the rest of your kitchen
Kitchen lighting isn’t just about functionality. It’s also important to think about how your light fittings will blend in with the rest of your kitchen design. The styles should match or be complementary, ensuring a consistent palette of materials across the whole space.
One example of where this works (or doesn’t) is if you’re adding brass or metallic highlights to your kitchen. Taps, handles and lighting are a great way to incorporate these materials. It’s important that these materials match, but this can sometimes be difficult. You may need to order samples of brass light fittings to see if they’ll match your taps, or vice versa.
3. Choose the right size
Disproportionate sized light fittings will throw the balance of your whole design out. If you’re choosing pendant lights for a huge island or breakfast bar, make sure you go for a larger size fitting. Otherwise, your lighting will look out of place – and it may not even provide enough lighting either.
4. Get the colour temperature right
There’s a lot to think about with kitchen lighting. We’ve already looked at aesthetics, functionality and size, so now it’s time to consider mood and atmosphere. If you want to avoid a harshly lit, stark or overly bright space, you’ll need to pay close attention to the ‘colour temperature’ of the bulbs you use.
Look for the Kelvin (K) rating, where a lower number means a warmer, softer light. You’ll want this for feature lights which create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Save the brighter, whiter lights for task-oriented areas.
To make sure you get it right, it could be worth visiting the shop or showroom to see the bulbs in action for yourself.
5. Consider using lighting controls
Sometimes, you’ll want a different atmosphere in the kitchen. For example, if you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet night in or throwing an all-out party. It’s hard to plan lighting for all of these eventualities, but lighting controls could offer a solution.
Dimmer switches and smart lighting technology let you manipulate the lighting to suit your exact requirements. You can even pre-programme lighting schemes for each situation (i.e. family time, party, dinner for two).
Ready to turn your designs into reality? Get in touch with our expert Manchester kitchen fitters here at A&J Kitchens for a chat about your plans.
1. Never forget task lighting
Without carefully considered task lighting, your gorgeous new kitchen becomes an impractical space. You’ll always be in your own light when washing the dishes, or be struggling to see in dim light when chopping the veg (which could even be dangerous).
So think about your key work zones and add appropriate task lighting that you can switch on when you need it.
2. Match your light fittings to the rest of your kitchen
Kitchen lighting isn’t just about functionality. It’s also important to think about how your light fittings will blend in with the rest of your kitchen design. The styles should match or be complementary, ensuring a consistent palette of materials across the whole space.
One example of where this works (or doesn’t) is if you’re adding brass or metallic highlights to your kitchen. Taps, handles and lighting are a great way to incorporate these materials. It’s important that these materials match, but this can sometimes be difficult. You may need to order samples of brass light fittings to see if they’ll match your taps, or vice versa.
3. Choose the right size
Disproportionate sized light fittings will throw the balance of your whole design out. If you’re choosing pendant lights for a huge island or breakfast bar, make sure you go for a larger size fitting. Otherwise, your lighting will look out of place – and it may not even provide enough lighting either.
4. Get the colour temperature right
There’s a lot to think about with kitchen lighting. We’ve already looked at aesthetics, functionality and size, so now it’s time to consider mood and atmosphere. If you want to avoid a harshly lit, stark or overly bright space, you’ll need to pay close attention to the ‘colour temperature’ of the bulbs you use.
Look for the Kelvin (K) rating, where a lower number means a warmer, softer light. You’ll want this for feature lights which create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Save the brighter, whiter lights for task-oriented areas.
To make sure you get it right, it could be worth visiting the shop or showroom to see the bulbs in action for yourself.
5. Consider using lighting controls
Sometimes, you’ll want a different atmosphere in the kitchen. For example, if you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet night in or throwing an all-out party. It’s hard to plan lighting for all of these eventualities, but lighting controls could offer a solution.
Dimmer switches and smart lighting technology let you manipulate the lighting to suit your exact requirements. You can even pre-programme lighting schemes for each situation (i.e. family time, party, dinner for two).
Ready to turn your designs into reality? Get in touch with our expert Manchester kitchen fitters here at A&J Kitchens for a chat about your plans.
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