Blog>Expert Advice>Buying guide: Helping you to choose your kitchen lighting
Last updated: 24 September 2024
Buying guide: Helping you to choose your kitchen lighting
Kitchen lighting is one of the most important elements of kitchen design, but it can be hard to get right. Here, we guide you through the process, helping you to choose the best kitchen lighting for your space.
With so many options available, choosing the right kitchen lighting can feel like a lot of pressure. Especially if you don't know specifically what to look for when choosing your new kitchen lights.
Whether you're doing a complete kitchen renovation or are making a few updates, we're here to help you master your kitchen lighting project with ease!
The importance of kitchen lighting
Kitchen lighting serves many important purposes. Of course, you want a well-lit room for preparing food, but it also plays a leading role in the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
By combining the right types of lighting, you can make your kitchen feel bigger, highlight design features, and create your desired atmosphere. And we're going to show you how.
Planning your kitchen lighting project
Before you go wild in the aisles choosing kitchen light fittings and fixtures, taking a moment to think about what you need and why will help you achieve that showstopping finish.
Renovating your entire kitchen?
Your kitchen lighting should be integrated into your overall design from the start. This way, electrical work can be completed before your kitchen units are installed.
From cabinetry to worktops and appliances, a kitchen designer will help to make clever lighting choices.
Not only will well-considered lighting amplify your new kitchen, but it'll highlight snazzy new features, make the space a pleasure to use, and add value to your home.
Making a few design updates?
If you're swapping out old kitchen light fixtures for new ones of the same type, this should be straightforward. Just check the kitchen light fittings and their dimensions before you get started.
Changing kitchen light fittings yourself is possible, but the safest way is to hire a qualified electrician for the job.
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The three main roles of kitchen lighting
There are three main ways to light a room. Once you have a handle on this, you'll be better placed to pick the right kitchen lighting for your needs.
1. General lighting
General (or ambient) lighting provides overall illumination to make sure the whole room is well-lit.
Best for: Any kitchen layout, particularly large or open-plan kitchens where consistent lighting is needed across the entire space.
Types of general lighting: Ceiling lights such as pendants or chandeliers and recessed spotlights.
2. Task lighting
Task lighting does what it says on the tin - it helps you to complete a specific task. In a kitchen, for example, this could include cooking, reading recipes, or food prep.
Best for: Galley kitchens and areas where light will help to perform specific tasks, for example, worktops, sinks, and cooking areas.
Types of task lighting: Under cabinet lighting, cupboard and drawer lights, and spotlights.
3. Accent lighting
Accent (or decorative) lighting creates your desired ambience. Whether helping to set the mood, draw the eye to specific design features, or create the illusion of more space, it's more about feel than function.
Best for: Smaller kitchens or those with design features you want to highlight, for example open shelving, artwork, or the contents of a glazed cabinet.
Types of task lighting: Wall lights, cupboard lights, LED strips, or plinth lights - which brighten where cupboards cast a shadow on the floor, making the kitchen feel larger than it is.
Remember, it's not about picking one of these types of lighting - effective designs often use a combination of all three!
Types of kitchen lighting
We now know the purpose of each type of lighting (general, task, and accent), so let's take a look at the types of kitchen light fittings that'll help you achieve that.
Kitchen spotlights
Versatile, stylish, and functional
Easy to install with one light fitting into the ceiling
Multiple lights on a bar or plate to direct each bulb in a specific direction
Kitchen downlights
Clean, contemporary, and unobtrusive, either laying flush with the ceiling or adjustable on a tilt
Great for evenly lighting an entire space
Choose fire-rated downlights to maintain ceiling integrity
Under cabinet lighting
Practical and stylish, serving as both task and decorative lighting
Illuminates worktops to aid with food prep or the contents of a glazed cabinet for interest and ease of access
Select from individual lights, light strips, battery-operated, plug-in, or remote controlled varieties
Wall lights
Use as a stylish feature in itself or as a way to highlight displays or darker areas
Position near open shelving or in a nook such as a butler's pantry
Wall sconces can blend in for a 'barely there', subtle glow, while statement wall lights offer a stunning decorative touch
Pendant lights
Use as general lighting, to make a statement, or create a focus in a specific area
Pendants are popular as kitchen island lighting, either in a line or as a cluster, with rise and fall pendant lights giving the option to adjust the height
Opt for solid lampshades if you wish to direct the light onto one area of the kitchen
What you need to know about light bulbs
Whichever type of kitchen light fixtures you choose, the bulbs have a key role in the ambience created.
LED bulbs are more common nowadays, as a more durable, energy-efficient alternative to halogen bulbs
Warm or cool? LED bulbs are typically available in warm white and cool white. Warm has a yellow tint, best suited to cosy rooms; cool has a whiter tone, better suited to contemporary spaces
Brightness is best determined by lumens rather than wattage, especially when buying LED bulbs
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Choosing the right kitchen lighting for your space
The lighting you choose will depend on the size, shape, style, and design of your kitchen.
Open-plan kitchen
In a larger, open-plan kitchen, you'll benefit from combining several different types of lighting.
For ambient lighting across the whole room, opt for recessed ceiling spotlights
For ambient, decorative lighting in a particular zone, choose stylish pendant lights (a popular choice for kitchen island lighting), or a floor lamp next to a sofa or armchair
For task lighting above worktops, select under cabinet lighting to make food prep easier
Galley kitchen
In a narrow, galley-style kitchen, you'll be wise to consider two main types of lighting:
Recessed ceiling spotlights to illuminate the whole room, making the whole space feel lighter and brighter
Under cabinet lighting to provide essential task lighting
Kitchen-diners
Where your kitchen is combined with another room, such as a kitchen-diner, lighting can help to create distinct zones.
Dimmable pendant lights above the dining table or island highlight those areas as inviting dining spaces
Ceiling spotlights, once again, will make sure the whole space is well-lit
A table lamp might be useful if this room contains a desk for work or study
Style and design
A final note on selecting the right kitchen lighting for your space is about ceiling height and your design style.
Lower ceilings will benefit from lights that sit closer to the ceiling, such as recessed spotlights, keeping fixtures out of the way
Consider the overall look and feel of your kitchen and which kitchen light fittings would best suit your style
Head over to our lighting hub for plenty more ideas, inspiration, advice, and cost information.
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IP ratings and safety
When choosing light fittings in a room where moisture is created, such as a kitchen (or bathroom), safety needs to be a top priority.
IP ratings indicate how well a light fixture resists solid and liquid objects. They use the initials 'IP' followed by two numbers.
The first number shows its protection rating against solid objects. The second number indicates water resistance. The higher the number, the more protection, which is crucial in areas where splashes might occur.
Kitchen lighting costs
The cost of kitchen lighting will vary depending on the scope of the work you need, the type and quality of the fixtures you choose, and the complexity of the installation.
As a guide, to fit approximately six recessed ceiling lights will cost around £200. For an accurate quote, contact aqualified local electrician.
Request a quote for your lighting project
It's best to hire a qualified electrician for your kitchen lighting installation. Get direct quotes from our approved members through our request a quote feature.
Find a kitchen lighting specialist in your area
For a cohesive design, consider a kitchen designer to help plan your lighting as part of your overall kitchen renovation.
For safe and competent installation of the kitchen lighting fixtures, we always recommend hiring a qualified electrician.
To find reputable professionals in your local area, search your postcode, below.
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FAQs
Can I install kitchen lighting myself?
While you can install some fixtures yourself, all electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
How many lumens do I need for kitchen lighting?
Aim for between 5,000-10,000 lumens overall, depending on the size of your kitchen and the type of light fixtures you opt for.
How do I make my kitchen lighting energy-efficient?
LED bulbs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Dimmer switches can also help to reduce energy consumption.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job