Kitchen Lights & Lamps
To ensure the kitchen becomes an efficient and comfortable space for both cooking and dining, it's essential to introduce appropriate lighting divided into different areas. For general illumination in the kitchen, flush mounts or recessed light fixtures are the most suitable choice, providing uniform white light with a color temperature of 4000K throughout the space. In work areas such as countertops, kitchen islands, or stoves, it's best to use hanging lights, LED strips placed under the cabinets, or recessed light fixtures. These lights should emit a cold light with a color temperature above 5000K, which helps with food preparation and reduces the risk of domestic accidents. If there's a table or elevated counter in the kitchen, hanging lights are the ideal choice. You can opt for a single large light fixture for the entire table or multiple smaller ones. Proper distribution is key to achieving the perfect balance of light. LED lights are the most popular option nowadays due to their efficiency and durability. They also allow for easy adjustment and control of brightness and light tone according to our needs.
What should we take into account when lighting a kitchen?
When lighting a kitchen, it is essential to play with the intensity and distribution of light to create a space that is both functional and welcoming. Adequate general lighting is around 300 to 500 lux, as it provides sufficient brightness.
In work areas such as worktops or the central island, a more intense light of around 600 lux is recommended. Direct spotlights or tubular pendant lights are ideal, and LED lamps are the best choice because of their energy efficiency and long life. The recommended colour temperature here is 4000K to 5000K, which is a bright, neutral light that makes it easier to concentrate on culinary tasks.
Additionally, the installation of soft ambient lighting transforms the kitchen into a more welcoming space. This can be achieved with ceiling luminaires, such as ceiling or recessed luminaires, and LED strips under cabinets. For ambient lighting, a colour temperature of 2700K to 3000K is ideal, as it provides a warm light, perfect for enjoying the space.
It is crucial to ensure an even distribution of light to avoid shadows at key work points. Opting for bulbs with a high colour rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 enhances the display of true colours, both in food and kitchen décor.