5 kitchen lighting tips you need to know

Whether you're planning a full renovation or just installing a new light fitting in your kitchen there are a few things to consider before the electrician starts putting holes in your ceiling.

Taking a moment to consider how your kitchen is going to function before making lighting decisions will help ensure that your kitchen gets light in all the right places. If you have ever had to cook in an older style kitchen, many of which were designed with one central light, you'll know the agony of working in your own shadow. So you don't make lighting mistakes like this with your new design it's important to examine what you'll be doing in the kitchen, where and when.

Tip 1 - Make the most of natural light sources

Naturally bright kitchens which maximise the use of natural light are a dream to work in. They're also cheaper to run, as they utilise free lighting from the sun throughout the day. How do you achieve this?

• Clear obstructions from windows - this could be heavy curtains covering the window, overhanging tree branches or overgrown bushes outside or clutter on the window sill. Use window coverings like Roman or roller blinds which will retract to allow the most light in but still provide privacy or shade when you need it.
• Look at the option of installing a skylight.
• Use reflective surfaces in your kitchen design - the use of glass splashbacks, shiny tiles, gloss cabinet finishes, polished benchtops or light coloured paint in the kitchen will boost the natural light to all corners of the room.

Tip 2 - Cut through the shadows

Task lighting directly lights the areas where you work, such as the sink, benchtops, and stovetop. Good task lighting will provide light without shadows so you can cook and prepare meals in a safe, well-illuminated area. Under cabinet lighting is perfect for benchtops around the edge of your kitchen. Pendant or down lights (or a combination of both) add task light to the island benchtop and breakfast bar area's or through kitchens without wall hung cabinets.

LED strip lighting is gaining popularity in kitchen designs as it's cost effective to run and can be placed just about anywhere. Under cabinets, inside pantries or around kickboards, if you've got a dark spot, LED strip lighting can fix it.

The size of your kitchen will determine how many task lights you need and where they are positioned. Take a look at friends kitchens, display homes and lighting retailer showrooms for examples of effective task lighting.

Tip 3 - Create your style

Ambient lighting provides general lighting for an area or room. This style of lighting in a kitchen can add a homey feel or class it up a bit. There are so many light fixtures on the market you can have some fun and create a one of a kind look for your kitchen. Use a chandelier, multiple small pendants or creative track lights to produce the perfect style.

Take care not to over-do the ambient lighting as it can cause shadows over the work area's if it is brighter than the task lighting.

Tip 3 - Feature aspects

Feature or accent lighting is often left out of kitchen planning. Modern kitchen design regularly incorporates aspects such as artwork, a feature wall, a beautiful French provincial stove mantel or even a cookbook stand, all which benefit from accent lighting. Why not draw attention to the special characteristics of your kitchen?

Tip 4 - Save the planet and your purse

By using economical and environmentally friendly light bulbs in your kitchen you're not only doing your bit for the planet, you'll also have more to spend on entertaining and less on the power bill. Energy efficient lighting options, like LED and CFL (compact fluorescent lamps), will last longer and cost significantly less to run.

Tip 5 - Professional help

You may have carried out exhaustive research on all styles of lighting, poked around every home you could get into (and many you probably shouldn't have), visited all the lighting stores within 100 km's, but neglecting to seek a professional opinion from your electrician or a lighting expert could cost you dearly. These experts look at hundreds of kitchens, with a myriad of designs each year, they will be able to point out many aspects you may not have considered. Insider tips can give you the edge to ensure your kitchen lighting design ticks all the boxes.

Looking for some extra help with your Brisbane kitchen lighting plan? Give our electrical team a call on 07 3883 2119 or complete our service request form today.

‍