Kitchen lighting is something many of us probably don’t tend to think about when it comes to our homes but it is so important. The right type of lighting is key for seeing what we are doing and not using too dark a light.
LED Lights can dramatically transform a kitchen environment. Not only do they look great but they are energy efficient which, in this day and age, is something we are all looking for – for both environmental and personal financial reasons! They are also incredibly versatile – they can be put absolutely anywhere in a kitchen where lighting is suitable. Not only that but they are really durable and are known for their longevity – there’s no need to worry that they are going to break or stop working after only a couple of weeks.
Common kitchen lighting challenges include ensuring you have a safe environment. Poor lighting can not only cause accidents but can also interfere with food preparation which can lead to being ill. LED solutions are a great answer to this as they are so versatile and can be put anywhere lighting is suitable plus offer just the right amount of lights.
Benefits of LED Lights For Kitchens
Energy Efficiency
There are many benefits to LED lighting in kitchens and energy efficiency is a big one as we mentioned above. These lights consume less energy compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs which is not only great for the environment but also helps cut costs on our electricity bills – something we are all looking for.
They last a long time, having a longer lifespan than more traditional bulbs and this means you are replacing them less frequently. Their durability cannot be beaten either.
Versatility and Design
Unlike traditional lighting, LED lighting can come in various designs and colours so it is important to choose the colours that best suit your kitchen. You may choose this type of lighting in your kitchen for different reasons to others – some use them for task lighting – ensuring they can complete tasks effectively – and others use them for ambient lighting, choosing to illuminate a whole room.
Environmentally Friendly
We have already touched on how their energy efficiency helps to cut costs but this also makes them more environmentally friendly than traditional bulbs. They offer a lower carbon footprint than other bulbs and reduce waste.
Types of LED Kitchen Lighting
There are many different types of LED kitchen lighting. We’ve discussed a few below.
Under-cabinet lights
These come in a variety of installations including strip lights or puck lights and are perfect as task lighting. As many cabinets are installed above countertops, this lighting as task lighting means you can complete kitchen tasks with ease.
Recessed ceiling lights
These look great – they are sleek, they are modern and can provide great lighting. These offer plenty of illumination and can be used throughout the room however is ideal for countertops. It can be used for general lighting however!
Pendant lights
Pendant lights are not only effective but they look great. They have particular aesthetic appeal when used over a dining area or kitchen island. However there are so many designs to choose from so choosing the right one can be tricky. The larger the area, the bigger the light should be.
Track lighting
This is one of the more flexible lighting options and is incredibly innovative. The bulbs can usually be moved to direct light where needed and these can be placed directly above places you’ll be using most to ensure you are using the kitchen to its full function.
LED strip lighting
LED strip lighting has many benefits. These can be used creatively across the whole kitchen, accenting kitchen features such as the top of cabinets or on toe kicks. Installing is fairly easy but you may want to consult a professional however these come in a variety of colours too. You may want to consider warm white or cool white.
Choosing The Right LED lights for your kitchen
When it comes to choosing the right lights for your kitchen, there are a few things that you need to consider.
Colour temperature is extremely important. To create the desired kitchen atmosphere, you need a decent colour to suit it. There are warm white, cool white and daylight options. Warm white aren’t as bright as pure white strips but give off a more cosy effect. Cool white appears closed to daylight and is best suited to busier areas of the home such as kitchens. Daylight is the closest to actual daylight and is also popular in kitchens.
You also need to take notice of brightness levels. Choosing the right brightness or lumens is essential and you don’t need to have the same for the whole kitchen. Task lighting should definitely be brighter than ambient lighting as you need to ensure you have as much light as possible when doing your kitchen tasks to avoid mistakes and accidents.
You might also want to consider dimmable options. Adjustable lighting is great so that you don’t always have to ensure harsher lighting the whole time you are in the kitchen. Brighter lighting is essential when completing tasks but having the option to dim them is great too. LED lighting is perfect for this as you can pair them up with existing dimmer switches and smart home systems if you have them and know how to install correctly.
Installation and maintenance tips
Installing LED kitchen lights yourself may seem like a big task but it can be done. You will need the correct tools such as drills, brackets and wiring tools. You need to clean the surface for installation, potentially drill holes for where the light will go, peel and stick to the surface then connect the wire to the LED controller or driver before writing it to the mains circuit.
As this may seem quite a big task, it is important to know that you can also consult a professional. Choosing a reliable electrician to complete this job for you is a great idea and picking the right one is easy. Check reviews online of local electricians and make sure to get a couple of quotes before you hire someone for the job.
Maintenance is important so make sure you are keeping them clean to ensure their longevity and always research any issues that may arise so you can deal with them quickly.
Inspirational lighting ideas
There are many different types of decor that certain lighting may look great in.
The modern minimalist style gives off a clean and uncluttered look which ensures that your kitchen looks great at all times and almost like a show home.
Rustic charm is another decor type and warm and inviting LED lighting offers a cosy atmosphere. The less harsher colour tones (so avoid cool white and daylight) will complement the vintage and wooden elements of this decor type.
If you have a high tech kitchen, you may have a more futuristic looking kitchen and utilise smart lighting solutions to your full advantage. Brighter lights work best here and you can easily integrate this lighting with your existing smart home systems for control and automation.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using LED lights in a kitchen. Not only are they aesthetically appealing and come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours but they are also incredibly energy efficient making them both environmentally friendly and cost effective.
They are usually easy to install and are incredibly versatile making them perfect in any part of the kitchen.
You should definitely consider LED solutions in your home with this many benefits. If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen lighting, you’d be a fool not to give LED lighting a try. What kitchen lighting do you currently have and do you have any tips you’d like to share?
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