Kitchens can be small, cosy and timeless or modern with large counters and open spaces, either way they fulfill an important role in your home. Therefore there can’t be just one right answer to this question, because it varies depending on how big the room is, whether or not it has a dining table or a kitchen island and many other aspects… However, here are some key points to remember, because setting up the wrong illumination is easier than you think.
Lamps and any other light sources, like spotlights or table lamps, should be positioned so that they can shed light on every corner of the room: the sink, the cooking counter, the stove, your breakfast or lunch spot etc… Each one of these spaces needs a light source to fit their purpose. Just think about how enjoyable it is to read through a recipe book without squinting your eyes, or simply being able to see clearly when chopping vegetables, cooking, decorating a birthday cake or preparing a romantic meal.
Since this lamp will be the kitchen’s primary source of light, the ideal spot for it would be above the dining table or counter. This will make your meals more enjoyable and enhance those spaces, shifting the focus to the room’s statement pieces. Imagine a kitchen filled with laughter, a table brimming with food and drinks, whether it be dinner with the kids or happy hour with your friends. In either case the best option would be a diffused lighting set up: soothing, warm and welcoming.
The frequent solution to this is a purposefully designed illumination system under your cabinets, very common in most kitchens. If you’re feeling creative or if you find yourself wishing for something different, you can choose from our selection of customizable spotlights, based on your home’s decor and style. Fun and original, but pay attention to where you install them in order to avoid shadow zones or awkward reflections. This is why in our opinion the best option would be to install light sources that remain central, so that the light beam is perpendicular and central compared to the counter’s surface.
The perfect lighting should illuminate the chosen area properly: insufficient lighting will tire your eyes, whilst too much of it will bother them. The decision depends on the kind of kitchen you have, on its colours and on the amount of natural lighting. The most important thing is to make sure you have light in the right places, without overdoing it: in fact most of the times 4-5 Watts focused on the spots you need can do more good than 20 Watts diffused in the room.
Don’t forget that many lamps and chandeliers provide the option to regulate brightness levels to your liking: achieve the perfect illumination by dimming. You might not deem this feature as useful when you’re making delicious treats on a sunny summer day but let’s not forget the important, unspoken fourth meal of the day: late night cravings!
Usually light bulbs with warmer tones help the eyes feel less fatigued since they produce less UV rays compared to light bulbs with colder tones. In some settings light hues are more important than others: an example can be cooking, that needs the lighting to be as neutral as possible. When it comes to light sources the ideal level is between 2700 and 3000 Kelvin.
Your creativity in day-to-day life should know no boundaries, and the kitchen is no exception! We’re not talking about gourmet dishes and elaborate presentations, but decor and light design. If you’re torn between different lamps for your kitchen, keep in mind that some materials are subjected more easily to grease and smells, both very common when cooking, whilst other materials are much easier to clean and sanitise. So big yes on our part for metal and varnished materials, and think twice if you’re going for trickier finishes like textile.
Open spaces can be a beautiful way to move freely around your kitchen, but it’s best to make sure that each part of the room complements the other; one way to do that is to use the same kind of suspensions, or coordinated lamps or chandeliers. Your lighting style should complement the rest of the setting, otherwise it will feel chaotic and messy. This of course applies to all rooms and all furniture!
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to kitchen lighting is to underestimate the amount of light sources one will need. The usual reasoning behind this is that one dazzling light bulb should be more than enough to light up a room, whilst diffusing the light beam with different sources is really the better approach. When it comes to installation, if you have doubts always seek out professional help (feel free to branch out to our team of professionals here).
… a modern kitchen
Essential and elegant lines, neutral colours. Here are some options for minimal lamps or lighting.
… a shabby chic kitchen
Pastel tones, or white and beige, with soft lines.
…a nordic or scandinavian kitchen
Clean and minimal lines, simple and functional design. Colours? White, or beige.
…a colourful kitchen
Do you love pops of colour in your home and on your lamps? We laid out a few ideas for you.
…an ethnic-styled and Boho chic kitchen
Inspired by the hippie movement and the 70s, with references to nature and exotic lands.
…an industrial styled kitchen
Iron, raw finishes, exposed bricks, for an edgy design.
…a classic and traditional kitchen
Sturdy wood and ceramic handles, framed doors with warm tones.