The number of windows in the room will also affect the kitchen’s lighting needs. Light tends to bounce off low ceilings and walls, so there are fewer problems with shadows. How high are the ceilings? Tall ceilings require brighter lights than low ceilings to dispel shadows. When selecting materials and colors, therefore, remember that a kitchen with light walls and cabinets and high-gloss countertops and flooring requires less light than one with dark or matte-finished surfaces and wood cabinetry. For example, white reflects 80 percent of the light in a room, while black reflects only 4 percent. Light colors and shiny surfaces are reflective dark colors and matte surfaces are absorbent. Think about how you want it to feel – perhaps cool and efficient while you work but cozy while you dine.Īssess the reflectance levels in the room – the amount of light reflected from a colored surface, such as a tiled countertop or painted wall. Before you do anything about buying lamps and fixtures, assess how you will use the kitchen in addition to the basic functions of cooking, eating, and cleaning up. The more candela (units) associated with the lightbulb, the brighter it will be.īut when planning a suitable kitchen lighting design, you must take other factors into consideration, too. Candlepower. When you’re looking for intensity produced by a lamp, try to determine its candlepower (Cp). You should be able to find this information on the bulb packaging. If you aren’t satisfied with the light provided by the bulbs you have been using, use ones with more lumens per watt (lpw). Lumens per watt. The light output of a bulb is measured in lumens.There are other aspects of lightbulbs that you should pay attention to for lighting in the kitchen. Wattage, however, is simply a measurement of how much electricity a lamp consumes. When a room isn’t bright enough, most people just exchange low-wattage bulb for high-wattage versions. The recessed general lighting illuminates down to the floors, while the countertop and range task lights brighten work areas ( House Plan #136-1030). Bottom: Seen from another angle, the same kitchen displays effective task lighting over the island and background dining table, as well as decorative lighting evidenced by the scones on the dining area wall. Top: The decorative lighting in the upper glass-front cabinets adds a touch of sophistication to this kitchen. Some examples include candles, chandeliers, sconces, neon signs, or strips of miniature lights. Decorative Lighting – deliberate and contrived lighting that is intended to draw attention to itself.Accent Lighting – lighting that highlights a particular element or decorative object such as a handsome range hood, elegant stemware, a basket or pottery collection, or wall art.Task Lighting – functional lighting for specific jobs: at the cooktop, over the sink, at the desk, above the laundry, above the snack bar and table.
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