Lighten up your Kitchen
As a kitchen designer I am often asked "how do we brighten up our kitchen"
These are some really quite simple ideas that you wont regret investing in, infact if you dont you’ll wish you had. This is worth a read …I promise you wont regret learning about these tips, ideas about lighting your kitchen.This maybe not ALL you need to know, but its going to be close!
1) Let’s talk style! Lighting is an accessory, end of story. Think of it as such. It says something, a big something. Whatever you want it to say, it says it, and says it loudly. Do you want to pick something safe? It will say safe. Do you want style that’s “out there”? That’s your message. What’s the point? Take your fixture design SERIOUSLY please…put TIME into choosing your lighting accessories.
2) Pendants – hang ‘em LOW! Low is cozy. Low is dining table-like. Low is cool. If your mother tells you they are too low, you know they’re close to perfect, and maybe a little bit lower will do. If your contractor says they’re too low, lower them two feet! And, no, you need not worry as much as you think you need to worry, about the fixtures bumping your head. See? I knew you were thinking that!
3) Pendants – hang ‘em HIGH! Some pendants look okay hung high, and they would be wider/bigger/fatter fixtures, please, not the small ones hung high. Please! They will look lost, or worse, insignificant. I can think of lots more adjectives of an unfortunately negative nature for small pendants hung high!
4) Pendants – hang ‘em CLOSE TOGETHER! They do not have to be hung 3′ apart (yawn) over the island. Put a few close together, especially on a smaller island. Where you’d normally put 2, put 3 closer together.
5) Does the island have a seating area? Put two different types of fixtures on the island…pendants on the work part, a larger fixture to feature the seated part.
6) Mix your metals, finishes, colors…do it with care, I don’t want the lighting police banging on your door, but get creative with complementary styles and color.
7) Don’t forget the dimmers.
8) Recessed lighting – Save the planet and use CFL (flourescent fixtures)
9) Recessed Lighting – There are two schools of thought…the recessed lighting plan is either
a) Equally spaced in a logical grid type pattern.
b) Positioned over certain elements without a strict grid pattern.
Give thought to which you prefer, keeping in mind if a light is off center close to a featured cabinet, it could look like a mistake. Take care in your planning. Me, I usually look to see what features are important in the kitchen, and sometimes use a particular feature as a starting point and then move off from that, like the hood, for example. Then, of course, get ready to do it all over again once the electrician says, “lady, there’s a beam in the way!”
10) Under cabinet (not under counter as it is typically called) lighting – There are several choices I like the Kitchler fixture with xenon bulbs. LED lighting is another choice its crazily energy efficient!
BOB'S BONUS - for the many people like me that left on the light over the stove for years so they could find their way to the refrigerator at 2 am or the client that likes mood lighting. I recommend putting and extra couple of outlets above the wall cabinets and plug get some wonderful uplighting with inexpensive rope lighting. These can be controlled manually or with automatic timers either way it provides and upscale look for a bargain price!
Get more information at KraftMaster
Bob Gockeler
- KraftMaster's blog
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Great info coz me and my husband are planning to remodel our kitchen. I was thinking to install pendants and recessed lights to generally create an aura of welcome for our guests or family as well as to make our kitchen look wonderfully sophisticated. Is it still okay to install flush mount lights on a kitchen?
Of course its Ok to install flush mounted lighting! I would recommend incorporating a lightrail, which helps hide the source but still allows the effects to dazzle your kitchen.
Here is a copy of a recent blog post I did on kitchen lighting, at www.kmrenovate.com
What is Under-cabinet Lighting?
Under-cabinet lighting is often added to kitchen and pantry cabinets to provide task lighting on the countertops that is complementary to the general lighting of the room. The underside of cabinets provides an ideal location for task lighting because the light source is near the task and can be easily concealed to avoid glare. Under-cabinet lighting also can reduce shadows cast by the cabinets from the overhead lighting. Illumination on the backsplash creates a bright surface that enhances the appearance of the kitchen. In some instances, under-cabinet lighting also doubles as a night light, especially if the light is dimmable or if the fixture has a low light level for this purpose.
Types of Under-cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting can be purchased at home improvement centers and specialty lighting showrooms, as well as from online distributors. The fixtures available from these suppliers may use one of three types of bulbs:
The type of lamp influences the performance of the fixture, including the amount of light, the light's color, the life of the lamp or fixture, and its energy use. The type of lamp also often dictates the style of the fixture.
Incandescent Lamps
Incandescent lamps are the most common light source found in homes Incandescent lamps comes in a variety of styles for under-cabinet lighting.
Incandescent lamps are readily available, inexpensive, and easy to replace when one burns out.
However, they typically have the shortest life (2 years on average at 3 hours per day) and highest energy use for equal light output of the three types of lamp available.
Fluorescent Lamps
Under-cabinet fluorescent lighting is available with linear fluorescent lamps or compact fluorescent lamps. Linear fluorescent lamps are the most popular type of fluorescent lighting for under-cabinet fixtures because they are thin, allowing them to be concealed behind the cabinet trim. Newer fluorescent lamps have many improvements over older designs, including choice of light color (from warm to cool), good color rendering, instant-on, no flickering, and no buzzing or humming.
Fluorescent lamps have the advantages of high efficacy, long life (7 years on average at 3 hours per day), and bright, uniform lighting. Fluorescent under-cabinet fixtures are sold as both plug-in types or as fixtures to be hard-wired.
LEDs (light-emitting diodes)
White LEDs have become popular for a variety of task lighting uses because of their low energy use. Some LEDs may be quite small, they still require other components that enable their proper operation, making the size of an LED fixture about the same as other fixtures used for under-cabinet lighting.
LEDs are also popular for their long life. Properly designed LED fixtures can last longer than 10 years. Unlike incandescent and fluorescent lamps, LED lamps typically do not burn out. Rather, they get dimmer over time to a point where they do not produce enough light to see by, even though they are still operating.
White LEDs are generally a bluer-white in color appearance than incandescent lamps, though warm-white LEDs that mimic incandescent are becoming more common. White LEDs are generally available in the same color range as fluorescent lamps.
Selecting and Installing Your Under-cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting should be considered the workhorse of the kitchen, but it is too often underestimated by kitchen designers in relation to the benefits it can provide. It should be smooth, uniform illumination for a variety of tasks and purposes ranging from reading the faded handwriting on an old recipe, to mincing and dicing meats and vegetables, to simply displaying a colorful blown glass decanter or a piece of kitchen art. With good under-cabinet lighting, colors of food are vibrant and textures are enhanced. As the social center of the home, kitchens are often the primary location for family activities and parties. Adjustable light levels allow for a transition from a bright, clear visual environment, to a lively setting, to one that is quiet and relaxed when the day's activities are over.
The variety of under-cabinet lighting fixtures available can make it hard to choose what is best.
Getting the Best Lighting for Kitchen Counters
There are two main criteria for good task lighting: the amount of light falling on the work surface, called illuminance level, and the evenness of the lighting, called uniformity.
The illuminance of a kitchen counter is measured using an imaginary square grid laid out on the horizontal surface of the counter. Measurements are taken at each spot on the grid and then averaged to determine the average illuminance of the work surface.
Uniformity is a measure of the evenness of the lighting. Uniform lighting is easier to work under because the surface has a constant illumination, rather than "pools" or "spots" of light and dark areas. Uniformity problems may be created by the fixture spacing or the design of the fixture itself. Irregular light patterns will hinder performing tasks, detract from the counter and backsplash design, and create an unattractive overall appearance.
Each cabinet features an LED fixture. The fixture on the right provides poor uniformity and distribution, creating a central pool of light on the counter, poor lighting on the backsplash, and dark areas on the counter.
Incandescent Puck Lighting
Puck lights, so named because they look like a hockey puck, are round or oval fixtures good for cabinet and display lighting. They are low-profile (less than 2 in. depth) and can be concealed under cabinets easily. The fixture housing comes in several colors (generally black, white, or metallic finish) to match different decors. Some puck lights can be mounted in different positions to aim the light either straight down or at the backsplash.
Because of the nature of their design, puck lights can create scallops, spots, or pools of light, rather than even illumination across the counter, especially when spaced far apart from each other.
In general, one puck light is needed for every 8-12 in. of cabinet length. This spacing will provide the best uniformity and distribution of light and avoid any dark areas under the cabinets.
Incandescent Linear Lighting
Incandescent linear lighting comes in two forms: as a light strip or as a linear fixture or light bar. They can be normal voltage (120 volt) or low voltage (12 volt).
Light strips
Light strips use 5, 6, or 10 W festoon lamps and may have 20 W halogen MR11 lamps added as well. Light strips are quite narrow (less than 1 in.) and have a height of less than 1 in. They are sold by the foot and can be cut to length during installation. The space between lamp sockets can be anywhere from 2 in. to 6 in., though a spacing of 2-3 in. between sockets is best for under-cabinet lighting. Some light strips include reflectors for each socket, which help direct the light down toward the counter, rather than up toward the cabinet. Reflectors reduce wasted light and help put the light where it is needed.
To illuminate countertops evenly, cut the light strip to fit the full length of the cabinet. For a low voltage system, allow room at one end of the run for an integral electronic transformer; alternatively, the transformer can be located in a remote location, such as the top of a cabinet. Flexible or straight connectors can link the light strip from one cabinet to the next, depending on the cabinet layout. If the counter space will be used to perform a variety of tasks, use frosted festoon lamps. These will provide more uniform lighting. If the counter will be used as a display space, use clear festoon lamps, which provide accent and sparkle.
Linear fixtures
Linear incandescent fixtures or light bars typically use 18-35 W xenon lamps or 20-25 W halogen lamps. The lamps may be shielded behind a lens to create a uniform illumination across the length of the fixture, similar to those used with fluorescent lamps. Or they may look like individual puck lights installed side by side into one fixture. As an alternative to dimming, some fixtures have two light level settings, high and low.
As shown in the images below, the 18 in. xenon fixture produces a more uniform distribution of light than the 12 in. halogen fixture. Fixtures should be sized according to the length of the cabinet. Mounting should be at the front edge of the cabinet; if the fixture is lensed, the lens should face the backsplash.
Fluorescent Linear Lighting
Linear fluorescent under-cabinet fixtures are available in a multitude of lengths and depths. A limited selection is available at home improvement centers, while more lengths can be found through online distributors or special order. The lenses or housing may be adjustable to different aiming positions. As an alternative to dimming, some fixtures have two light level settings, high and low.
For linear fixtures, a slim profile not greater than 1 in. high x 4 in. wide is recommended to conceal the fixture behind the cabinet trim molding. For the most uniform lighting, use fixtures of the same length for the entire kitchen. Select the longest length that will fit in the shortest-length cabinet and then use multiple fixtures of the same length to cover the cabinet. If the entire length of the cabinet cannot be covered by fixtures mounted end to end, try to cover at least 2/3 of the cabinet with each fixture spaced at even distances over the entire length of the cabinet.
Compact Fluorescent Puck Lighting
CFL under-cabinet fixtures typically use 9 W replaceable lamps. These fixtures produce more light than an incandescent puck light and also use less energy. The fixtures are usually linkable and can be plugged in or hard-wired. Based on the light distribution shown in the photo below, fixtures can be spaced 16 inches on center, so one fixture would suffice for a 12-18 in. cabinet, two for a 27-30 in. cabinet, etc. Mounting toward the front of the cabinet is recommended to cover as much of the front edge of the countertop as possible, while still lighting the backsplash uniformly.
LED Puck Lighting
These fixtures use several LED lamps, either 5 mm or high-power, inside one puck light fixture. In most cases, the LED lamps cannot be replaced if one burns out; the entire puck light has to be replaced. However, a well-designed LED puck light may last 20 years or longer.
The recommended installation for LED puck lights is the same as for incandescent puck lights. The selection of LED puck lights should be carefully considered, however, because they may not provide the same amount of light as incandescent puck lights. Unfortunately, most product packaging will not state the light output of the fixture.
LED Linear Lighting
LED linear fixtures use either clusters of many 5 mm lamps or several high-r\-i power lamps equally spaced 1-4 in. apart. Like LED puck lights, the LEDs cannot be replaced if one burns out; the entire fixture has to be replaced. Lamp failure is generally not an issue with LED fixtures, however.
Fixtures should be sized as closely as possible to the length of the cabinet. As in most cases, mounting toward the front edge of the cabinet is recommended. If the fixture is lensed, the lens should face the backsplash. Some fixtures have adjustable switching to provide higher or lower light levels.
Because heat is an issue for LEDs and can affect the overall life and light output of the fixture, LED fixtures should not be mounted flush with the cabinet. Mounting brackets can be used to create a small gap between the fixture and cabinet where air can circulate, allowing heat to escape. This will ensure a longer life but will increase the overall height of the fixture.
Designing Your Under-cabinet Lighting
Here are a few issues to consider when designing your under-cabinet lighting:
Countertops
1. Countertops with a matte finish will produce a smoother lighting effect than those that are glossy, greatly reducing reflections.
2. Light-colored surfaces will have a higher reflectance, resulting in a brighter appearance, than dark-colored surfaces.
3. Glossy surfaces, reflections can be minimized by using a fixture that includes a lens over the light source, rather than having a bare bulb.
4. Dark-colored counters and backsplashes mav require fixtures that produce more lumens.
Lighting Color
Since people are working at the counter, colors and textures of foods and surfaces need to be well enhanced. The appropriate correlated color temperature (CCT), or color appearance, depends on the decor and personal preference. For wood tones, warm-colored tiles, copper-toned metal backsplashes or warm-toned walls, warm CCTs in the 2700 to 3500 kelvin (K) range are appropriate. For decorative glass tiles, glass shelves, cool-toned tiles or gray-toned metal colors, cool CCTs in the 3500 to 5000 K range are appropriate. Some manufacturers also label their product packaging with the CCT. When trying to match lamps for the same color, it is best to choose lamps from the same manufacturer.
Brightness and Glare
Under-cabinet lighting should not be glaring to anyone, especially someone in a seated position elsewhere in the room. Fixtures mounted under the cabinets should be well shielded; if the cabinet does not provide enough of a recess to conceal the fixture, a piece of trim molding approximately 1 in. wide should be added to the bottom of the cabinet. Installation toward the front of the cabinet or shelf with the light source facing the back is generally recommended. This produces the most even light distribution on both the countertop and the backsplash. This location is also useful in reducing the potential for direct view of the light source, typically resulting in the least glare.
Dimming Capability
The ability to control the brightness of the under-cabinet lighting adds greatly to its value. The tasks being carried out and their difficulty will dictate the light level required. People of different ages with different visual needs performing various tasks will use this space, so flexibility could offer benefits. Incandescent and LED lighting can be dimmed easily, but having this feature may add to the fixture cost. Dimming fluorescent lighting is costlier than dimming incandescent lighting
Bob Gockeler
Kitchen Design | New Jersey Renovations
www.KraftMasterRenovations.com
Wow.. Thanks for that link.. You will surely helped us decide what lighting we will install for our kitchen. I will check on your idea about incorporating a lightrail coz it looks gorgeous.