Kitchen Lighting Fixtures:

Many people are surprised when they hear that kitchens are usually the busiest rooms in our homes. So many activities take place in the kitchen other than cooking and eating such as, entertaining, homework, reading, and watching the television. Kitchen lighting fixtures should be a priority in your home design plans.

Lighting for the kitchen normally consists of three layers:

1. General lighting - overall illumination.
2. Task lighting - helps perform specific tasks.
3. Accent lighting - add drama, visual interest, part of the décor.

Kitchen Lighting Design:

Kitchen lighting layout requirements are greatly affected by the size and complexity of the area. A small kitchen might only need a central 2 x 4 fluorescent cloud fixture and some under cabinet lighting. A larger kitchen may need recessed fixtures, lighting over the sink, breakfast table, kitchen island, and pantry. Task and accent lighting also become more important. Taller kitchen ceilings require brighter light bulbs. Cove lighting above kitchen cabinets provides a nice touch adding interest and ambience to the space.

If the kitchen opens into a living or dining area the lighting should be able to integrate with the adjacent spaces. Light dimmers and lighting controls allow for a smooth transition between different rooms with contiguous spaces.

Also, the color of kitchen counter top surfaces should be taken into account. Dark surfaces, such as dark marble, might need additional illumination.

General Kitchen Lighting Solutions:

General lighting allows for looking into cabinets and drawers and for cleaning up. The illumination should be about 20 - 35 footcandles.

Fluorescent ceiling mount fixtures provide the most light for the least cost with the lowest heat output. For a small kitchen up to 100 square feet a two lamp ceiling mount fixture will suffice. A four lamp 2 x 4 will do the job for kitchens up to 250 square feet.

Recessed downlights are particularly useful in irregularly shaped kitchens. Space incandescent recessed lighting 4' - 6' on center and allow about 2.5 - 3.0 watts per square foot. For compact fluorescents place the recessed lighting 4' - 5' apart allowing about 1.0 - 1.5 watts per square foot. Place downlights over counters 12" to 18" away from cabinets to illuminate countertops and wall wash the cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Lighting:

Fluorescent, low voltage halogen, xenon under cabinet lights provide the best lighting for counter tops.

A recessed downlight can be put above the sink for better illumination.

Kitchen Island Lighting:

A 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 fluorescent fixture center over the island provides good task and general lighting. If recessed lighting is being used for general lighting then mini pendant lights over the island is an attractive option.

Pendant light fixtures work well for a breakfast room attached to the kitchen. A pendant fixture provides some localized light, compliments the room's décor (from country to contemporary), and sets the space apart from the kitchen.

Lighting Controls and Dimmers:

Lighting controls, dimmer switches can be for each zone of lighting. It is convenient for under cabinet lights to be controlled by either end of the work surface. Separate controls are useful for nooks, pantries, breakfast room light, and cove lighting above cabinets.

Use three-way switches or dimmer switches for lighting control at each entrance to the kitchen. If the kitchen opens up directly to a living or dining room, place at least the general lighting on a dimmer.

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