Rules for organizing lighting in the kitchen, placement and selection of lamps

The choice of lighting in the kitchen depends on many characteristics. To create a harmonious and functional interior, you need to focus on the area of the room, the arrangement of furniture and the placement of household appliances. The color scheme of the kitchen components is not negligible. When choosing an interior design, it is also worth considering the type of lighting and choosing the right light bulbs.

Primary requirements

Previously, lighting with a chandelier in the center of the room was considered a popular option. However, today it is considered impractical. A more functional solution would be to use different types of lighting.For this, directional light, a point arrangement of lamps, LED lamps are used. As a result, it will be possible to create the required lighting in the right places. It is also allowed to use dimmers.

It is important to determine the number of lighting groups before starting repair work. To do this, consider the following features:

the size and geometry of the kitchen;
height settings and configuration features;
the number of strips and islands illuminated;
work area lighting.

Lighting standards

Lighting power is selected taking into account the parameters of the room - it should be done depending on the area. There is a special formula according to which it is recommended to divide the area by the number of lighting devices and add power to them. This corresponds to 20 watts per square meter.

There are also special tables that indicate the approximate level of illumination for different rooms and types of lamps. In the case of using an incandescent lamp in the kitchen, this parameter is 12-40 watts. If halogen lamps are used, it increases to 35 watts.

The color of the walls - light or dark is not insignificant when choosing a standard. It is also worth considering the location of the chandelier and the design of lighting devices.

Lighting rules

When creating an interior, the following parameters should be taken into account:

A perfect solution for the kitchen will be a chandelier, which has a movable bell. Thanks to this, it is possible to direct the light.
High quality cartridges should be preferred. Thanks to this, they will not burn.
Do not buy cheap lamps. Energy-saving and LED luminaires are much better suited. They are distinguished by a long period of operation. Thanks to this, they can be recovered.
When choosing furniture with built-in lighting, it is worth taking into account the presence of light bulbs in the kit. Once installed, it will be much more difficult to connect them.

Organization by area

When choosing an interior design, it is worth taking into account the principles of zoning. There are a number of interesting options.

General light

In the kitchen, one cannot do without general light. Instead of a centralized chandelier, it is recommended to use exposed or recessed ceiling lights.They will provide more uniform lighting. To ensure maximum comfort, it is worth choosing luminaires equipped with a diffuser. But it should be borne in mind that they generally cannot be rotated. Therefore, it is recommended to professionally arrange the light in advance.

Track or string instruments are considered as an alternative. Their advantage lies in the ability to move and turn in the required direction. If you plan to direct the lighting to the cabinets, it is worth considering the material from which they are made. There is a risk of glare when illuminating glossy facades. Matte surfaces are much easier to highlight.

Projectors

These lamps have excellent decorative properties and are very attractive. It should be remembered that such lighting is not always convenient for cooking. When choosing this type, you should give preference to LED lamps. They are considered more economical and practically do not heat up.

Halogen and fluorescent lights are considered less preferred options. They get hotter and use more electricity. The most unfortunate solution would be the placement of incandescent bulbs.

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Work zone

It is important to properly light the worktop and the sink area. It should be ensured that no shadow falls on the products. This will interfere with the cooking process.Ceiling lights are considered the best option for illuminating the area above the table. They fit easily into the bottom of cabinets and make work easier.

LED lighting, which is laid from the bottom of the cabinets, is also considered a good solution. This makes the work area more comfortable and safer. But the most unusual option is a backlit glass apron. The stove must be assigned to the working area. Luminaires that are mounted directly in the hood of the hood are suitable for illuminating it. However, ordinary lighting is sufficient for this area.

Dining area

The light above the dining table surface can be positioned in different ways. To do this, use a sconce, 1-2 lamps on a cord from the ceiling. The sconce is suitable when the table is located close to the wall. When choosing the location of a wall sconce, one should take into account the degree of illumination and convenience. It is important that the lamp does not create discomfort. To do this, it is placed at a height of 60-80 centimeters above the table. To achieve high-quality illumination of the table, a model that displays the shadow away from the wall is suitable.

To make your lighting bright and beautiful, all lamps should match the same style. It is important that it fits into the overall interior of the room.

In the cupboards

Lighting for cabinets and drawers is optional, but it adds value to the kitchen. Therefore, if you have financial capabilities, it is advisable to equip yourself with a kitchen set. To do this, you need to use LED backlighting or simple lamps. A great option would be to turn on the light only when you open a cabinet or drawer.When planning lighting, it should be borne in mind that light sources should not be on at the same time. This should only be done when necessary.

Decorative

When decorating the interior, LED lighting is often used. It is not only functional, but also has decorative properties. In this way, it will be possible to highlight the apron.

The right choice of lighting for the kitchen, which fits into the design, allows you to create a good atmosphere. In addition, various household appliances make it possible to ensure the correct zoning of the kitchen, to focus on the taste of its owner and to feel comfortable when preparing dishes.

above the bar

To illuminate the bar counter, various versions of lamps are suitable. To do this, use built-in fluorescent and LED lamps, spotlights, spotlights. A small lamp on the table is a good solution. It is advisable to choose a model with an unusual lampshade.

Above the sink

The workplace above the sink should be well lit. Sink appliances are usually attached to the bottom of kitchen wall cabinets. Lighting devices are placed in different ways. It is better to fix them closer to the outside of the elements.

About the location of sockets and switches

To feel comfortable, it is worth positioning sockets and switches correctly. The number of outlets is chosen taking into account the location of existing equipment. Therefore, it is of great importance to draw up a kitchen plan with the placement of furniture and electrical appliances.

In this case, the following characteristics should be considered:

Each kitchen has a refrigerator. The exit must be located behind. The rated current is 6 amps.
If you have an electric stove, you will need a 25 amp outlet. It should be placed behind or below the slab. If you have a gas stove with ignition, you will need a 6 amp outlet.
If you have an electric oven, you will need a 16-25 amp outlet. The specific parameters depend on the power. The socket must be placed under the kitchen furniture.
The microwave requires a 6-20 amp outlet. It depends on the power of the device. The location is chosen taking into account the location of the microwave. However, this is most often done under kitchen cabinets. The same goes for the dishwasher.
If a washing machine is planned to be installed in the kitchen, then the socket is placed behind it. The current is 10-16 amps.
One of the most difficult questions is the location of the hood outlet. It is best to place it under the ceiling. It is allowed to do it a little higher than the helmet or behind the ventilation. The current should be 6 amps.
In the working area, sockets are designed for connecting temporary devices - a combine, a mixer, a meat grinder. 2-3 sockets can be placed on the apron. It is better to choose a current of 10 amps.

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The location of switches is also important. It is worth determining the number of lamps and the type of lighting:

First of all, you need to focus on general lighting. To do this, use a chandelier with many lamps, ceiling lighting. It is also allowed to use wall lights. Conventional or point instruments are often used. Such lighting is often turned on with a switch at the entrance.If there is little natural light, use a two-button switch. It will help to include not all general lighting during the day, but part of it.
The room should have local lighting. It illuminates the work area. Directionals or spotlights are suitable for this. Sometimes a wall sconce is used. The switch should be placed outside the work area. It is often placed on an apron or directly on a piece of furniture. Rope switches are often used.
Area lighting is used to visually highlight the dining area. Table, ceiling or floor lamps are suitable for this. Switches are usually located in a dedicated area. To do this, use conventional switches attached to the wall. Fixtures mounted in lamps are also suitable.
If there are design elements, decorative lighting is used. It's not worth using separate switches for this. Typically, these luminaires are switched on at the same time as the main lighting.

How to choose the right bulbs

Lamps that provide neutral light are suitable for the kitchen. It can be white or warm. Therefore, it is better not to use cheap fluorescent lamps. They have too saturated bluish light, which causes increased anxiety.

When choosing a color temperature, you should focus on special indicators measured in kelvin. Neutral white light is indicated by the parameters 3300-5300 Kelvin. In addition, the box must be Energy Star certified. Bulbs marked A and B are more expensive but use less energy.

Types and selection of lamps

There are many types of bulbs, each with specific characteristics.

LED lights

LED bulbs are a good solution. They are considered quite economical and durable.The operating period reaches 100 thousand hours. These fixtures are considered very reliable and easy to mount.

When installing diode lighting, it is worth making holes for wiring and fixing the LED strip in the desired place. A separate switch is used for this type of work surface. Then a thread is laid by a hidden method. Then the tape is attached to the bottom of the cabinets.

Incandescent

The main advantage of these lamps is that their light is the most familiar to the eyes. However, they have many drawbacks. These include, first of all, a short service life - no more than 1000-2000 hours.

In addition, these bulbs are characterized by low light output. Only a third of the energy consumed is used for lighting, while the rest is devoted to heating the lamp.

Halogen

In the structure, these are all the same incandescent lamps. However, such devices have a long list of advantages. They are compact, do not fade and are durable. These bulbs are valued for their economy. Halogen lamps are available in linear, capsule or reflector versions.

Halogen CRI

These are the most requested lamps. They are particularly suitable for projectors. They are easy on the eyes and help bring any design idea to fruition. Their mechanism of action lies in the redistribution of the luminous flux generated by the lamp. About 60% of the power, which in other devices is spent on heat radiation, goes to the spiral. This allows you to reduce your lighting costs.

Luminescent

These light sources can be easily attached to the bottom of the cabinet. This requires an additional bar that protects the eyes from direct rays. The advantages of such lamps include affordable cost, ease of installation and economical energy consumption.They are also characterized by an excellent luminous flux and numerous powers.

Lighting characteristics

The choice of the type of lighting depends on the interior features of the room. Several common variations are known today.

Kitchen lounge

It is recommended to think over the lighting of such a kitchen before arranging the furniture. Wiring for key devices should be hidden. The kitchen-living room has a place to relax or sleep. It is lit by a floor lamp, lamps, sconces on the wall. In the areas that belong to the kitchen and the living room, the lighting sources are separated.

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Kitchen-dining room

Such a kitchen also requires bright zoning. A table is usually placed in the dining room. The height of the luminaire above must be changed with a simple movement of the hand or switched by remote control. Another option would be a high floor lamp or so-called floating lighting.

Kitchen with stretch ceiling

The glossy ceiling has a reflective effect. Therefore, it visually expands the space. High-quality lighting will help emphasize these features. It is desirable that the light beam be directed to the ceiling. Spotlights are a great solution for a shiny surface. A nice chandelier or LED strip will also work.

However, chandeliers or other open-top lamps will not work. In such a situation, all internal elements will be visible on the ceiling, which does not look very attractive. Matte stretch ceiling looks more like an ordinary whitewash with a perfectly smooth surface. It does not cause glare. For such a surface, a chandelier with shades directed downwards is suitable.

The satin ceiling is made from special materials that create an imitation of such a fabric. The special processing of the canvas makes it pearly.With different types of lighting, the shade of the satin ceiling changes. Built-in lights work well for this. It is also allowed to use an LED strip.

Concrete examples and organization options

To create a beautiful interior in the kitchen, it is worth thinking about the design of the lamps in advance. It is recommended to use ready-made solutions:

For a spacious U-shaped kitchen, a modern chandelier is suitable. It can be glass and metal. It is also allowed to make lighting around the perimeter and a comfortable suspension above the bar.
A small kitchen also requires several light sources. An integrated backlight is suitable for this. It is made above the worktop. It is also allowed to place spotlights. It is recommended to place them along the L-shaped headset. The best option would be pendant lights above the bar counter. They are made in the form of an island.
An excellent option is considered a non-standard lighting option without a ceiling chandelier. Instead, the bottom row of cabinets is complemented by solid recessed lighting. At the same time, spotlights help make work surfaces more practical. It is recommended to hide them in wall cabinets or transparent shelves.
For a kitchen without cabinets on top, decorative lighting from ceiling lamps is suitable. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve an interesting play of light and shadow. A strip of diodes should be drawn along the furniture. It is placed under the worktop. It is recommended to place beautiful table lamps in each corner from above.
For an island kitchen, it is worth considering luxurious lighting.In addition to spotlights, concealed lighting should be used along the corner set and the three pendant lights. It is recommended to hide it behind glass facades. In addition, the light is often placed under the wall cabinets.

Expert tips and tricks

The key principle of arranging lighting in the kitchen should be multilevel. Even in a small kitchen, a chandelier in the center of the ceiling will not be enough. When cooking or washing dishes, the person will have their back to the light source. As a result, a shadow will fall on the food.

In this case, the corners in which dishes, small household appliances, food are located, will be practically devoid of lighting. The number of lamps is selected taking into account the area of the room and its purpose, the location of the headset and other furniture.

In a small kitchen, where only food is cooked, the light is placed differently than in a large room, which is combined with the living room. In the second case, the room is used for recreation and the reception of guests.

In addition, the style of the interior influences the light in the kitchen. For high-tech, shiny metal chandeliers are suitable. If you plan to create an interior in a minimalist style, you should use barely noticeable, light bulbs integrated into the stretch ceiling... If the room is made in a country style, then many sconces are usually used in textile lampshades. For the Baroque style, a heavy composition with horns is suitable.

Kitchen lighting should be thought out to the smallest detail. To create an optimal interior design, it is worth taking into account the size of the room, the height, the color of the walls and the design of the furniture.

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