How to Plan Kitchen Lighting Design

The lighting design in the kitchen is as important as the flooring or appliances. One single light in the center of a room plunges the kitchen into shadows, when a bright and functional workspace is needed. Providing the best kitchen lighting means the heart of the home remains just that.

1.       Use graph paper and make a map of the kitchen. Put in the cabinets and any appliances on the map. This will help you to pinpoint areas most in need of lighting. The best kitchen designs have multiple lighting sources for optimal livable, social and workable spaces.

2.       Use ambient lighting for general atmosphere. These are lights that illuminate the majority of the room. Design options include recessed lighting, chandeliers, ceiling mounted lights or track lighting. A two-lamp fluorescent light should suffice for areas of 100 square feet or less.

3.       Add task lighting to various areas of the kitchen. Task lighting illuminates areas where detailed kitchen prep or clean-up is done. The sink, cooking areas, food prep areas and island may benefit from task lighting.

4.       Select a light fixture to hang over the dining room table. Dining areas should be well-lit. While chandeliers are beautiful in a formal dining room, eating off the kitchen doesn't need such extravagance.

5.       Add accent lighting to bring attention to architectural details or special works of art. Mini-spots, in-cabinet lights, wall sconces and directional lamps are all good lighting choices.

6.       Add dimmer switches to control the light level of the ambient lights and dining room lights. You will be able to add drama and atmosphere to the room, making entertaining a breeze.

7.        Use different light switches to control the various lighting systems. Keep everything from being controlled by one switch.