Lighting in the kitchen. What is the ideal light for the kitchen? Professional advice

Lighting in the kitchen is different from lighting in other rooms. It should not only please the eye, but also answer cleanly. practical requirements: be bright enough to work comfortably, soft enough not to hurt the eyes, and still be properly positioned. One light bulb under the ceiling is definitely not enough. Consider the materials of the fixtures and their location, and the result will definitely be good.

Location

The basic rule to follow is that all zones must be lit separately. Your own light in the work area, your own light in the dining room, a couple of decorative lamps.

You need to start with the illumination of the working area - it will set the general tone, and besides, you simply cannot do without it. Cooking in the dark is below average pleasure.

It can be located in different ways:

Dining area lighting

If in the case of the working area, lighting should be primarily practical, then in the case of the dining area, beauty comes to the fore. Here, the lamp not only illuminates the table and the contents of the plates, but highlights the area and serves as a decoration.

It can be placed in different ways:

Additional lighting

In addition to lighting fixtures in the dining and work areas, you can equip additional illumination, which is intended for the most part in order to highlight the accent in the interior. It could be:

  • Niche lighting. In this case, in the niche itself, you can place a funny figurine, a favorite photo or a poster of a group that your child is going crazy about.

  • Surface illumination. An LED strip stretched under the table top near the table or cabinets looks magical - thanks to it, the furniture seems to soar in the air. The effect looks especially interesting if you make the tape colored.
  • Cabinet lighting. Here, the purpose is not only design, but also practical - looking into the illuminated closet, you can always easily determine where everything is and whether it's time to clean. Such a backlight looks interesting if you make a glass door in the closet - then it will look like a showcase illuminated from the inside.

A small lamp can be placed on the windowsill so that it illuminates the colored curtain from the inside. And you can install glass shelves in the room and make a backlight for them.

Advice

The main thing is not to overload the interior with light. The kitchen should be well lit, but there should not be too many accents, and the light should not hurt the eyes.

Luminaire materials

It is important not only to correctly position the lamps, but also to choose them correctly. They should be beautiful, stable and last more than a couple of months.

Base material

The bases of any lamps are usually made of either plastic or metal. Sometimes there are designer lamps with bases made of glass or wood.

Each solution has its pros and cons, of course:

  • Plastic. The plastic base breaks easily - this is its main disadvantage. If such a lamp falls, the base will crack or bend. In addition, over time it will fade, afraid chemicals for cleaning and does not look too chic. But plastic is cheap, it comes in bizarre shapes and its colors are bright.
  • Metal. A metal base can serve for years - for example, spots and spotlights that are installed in metal serve for a long time. Doesn't break, doesn't rust, looks just fine, can also be bizarre shapes. The only negative, besides the price, is that such a lamp will be heavy. If it falls on a child or pet, injury cannot be avoided.

  • Glass. Fragile but very beautiful material, which looks magical as a base. Not afraid of anything but blows. Expensive.
  • Wood. Rare, but looks good - polished, carved wood fits well into eco-interiors. Doesn't work well with incandescent bulbs. Over time, it may require restoration - replace the varnish, repaint.

Advice

If your design doesn't call for wood or glass, choose fixtures with metal base. Metal is expensive, but fully pays off. In addition, it fits perfectly into modern styles.

lampshade material

Not all lamps have a lampshade, but for those that do, its quality largely depends on the material. It could be:

  • Plastic. If it is made poorly, it may start to melt and smell unpleasant, therefore it is better to buy lamps in a store where you can complain. But it can look interesting, be of any color and have any shape.
  • Glass. The materials are fragile, even more afraid of careless handling than the base. There may be problems with cleaning - if washed without skill, stains may remain on the glass. But it is not afraid of anything and can beautifully refract light if you choose a lampshade with patterns or relief.

  • Tiffany glass. A separate type of glass, which is most similar to stained glass. It looks elegant, the light not only refracts, but also colors in different colors. Looks great in classic interiors- for example, on the table in the colonial classic.
  • Metal. Metal lampshades are beautiful, reliable and long lasting, but heavy and expensive. If you drop such a lampshade on your foot, bruising will be the best possible outcome.
  • Wood. Lampshades are rarely made of wood - yet most lamps heat up during use. But such lampshades look very interesting, they are suitable for eco-style interiors and, as a rule, embody a certain design idea.
  • Textile. Fabric lampshades are a kind of classic. You can make them with your own hands, if you have a penchant for this, and then no one else will have such a lampshade as yours. The fabric looks nice, looks good in classic interiors, but collects dust and fades over time, especially if the sun's rays fall on it.

  • Paper. A rare solution that is usually used to make lamps in Chinese or Japanese style. Such a lampshade serves for a long time, since the paper is specially processed. But over time, it fades and, if dropped, is likely to break.

Advice

Choose the material of the lampshade, based on the requirements of the style. So, Provence will not do without a flowered fabric lampshade, and high-tech - without a simple metal one.

Bulb

And, of course, we must not forget about the light bulb - it depends on what kind of light it will be:






  • incandescent lamp. Gives a warm pleasant light of the yellow spectrum, can have any shape and look interesting. But it warms more than it shines - only five percent of the energy consumed is spent on light. It burns out during power surges, it can burst, scattering fragments around. However, it has the lowest price.
  • Halogen lamp. They look like incandescent lamps, but inside the flask is filled with iodine or bromine vapor. As a result, the efficiency is increased three times, the light can be of different brightness, as well as the shape. Minus - they do not work in closed lampshades, because they quickly burn out. They can only be installed with gloves, because they cannot stand contact with sebum.

Good lighting is important in any room, but especially in the kitchen. Much depends on how correctly you plan the light here: the convenience of kitchen worries, the mood of the hostess, and even the quality of the cooked dishes.

And if your kitchen also serves as a dining room, you certainly can’t do without hospitable lighting.

How to choose this important element and foresee everything in advance? About this is our detailed guide, including 25 best advice lighting in the kitchen. You will learn:

  • why diverse lighting is so important in the kitchen, when and how to plan it;
  • what is the difference between local (local) light for the food preparation area and dining table lighting;
  • what types of lighting are optimal near work surfaces, and which ones are for cabinets;
  • what types of fixtures designers choose for different purposes (spotlights with halogen lamps, LEDs, spotlights, pendant lamps etc.);
  • how to choose the right lighting for a small and large kitchen;
  • how to ensure sufficient luminous flux to save energy;
  • how to make a lighting plan if you are your own designer.

Find out the answers to these questions and more, and see a large collection of examples - 85 photos of examples of lighting in the kitchen.

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Let's start with the main thing: when to plan lighting?

Best of all - at the time of repair. This is how you can save yourself from additional chasing of walls and ceilings, as well as from regrets about insufficiently comfortable light.

The most important thing is the location (output of wires) and the presence of switches. And with the type of lamp, the power of the lamps and the design of the lampshade, you can decide much later. Including when the repair is already completed.

How to make a lighting scheme in the kitchen for builders (electrician), if you are not a designer and do not repair professionally?

This, of course, is more complicated than the plan of partitions. But a simplified version is better than its complete absence. But the nuances (the ability to do what you want, and the price of the issue) are very desirable to discuss in detail with your electrician. More on this at the end of this guide (section "How to make a kitchen lighting plan").

1-1. Miscellaneous lighting- for different purposes.

Before planning your lighting, ask yourself: what is your kitchen used for, besides cooking? Coffee on hastily, unhurried lunches and dinners, meetings with friends - or all together? The more zones in your kitchen, the more light should be. The ideal option is general lighting + as many additional fixtures as needed.

Look at the photos of these kitchens: the lighting in them is planned very well - each for a different purpose. This, by the way, is also practical - in terms of saving electricity without sacrificing light comfort.

1-2. General (top) lighting.

In the kitchen, it is very important to provide a uniform "background" ceiling light. And it is better if such lamps are distributed throughout the kitchen. For general (background) lighting, one 40-60 W luminaire is recommended per square meter. However, there may be more if the ceiling is very high.

1-3. Local (local) lighting.

Even the smallest kitchen needs local lighting. And the more different zones- the more lamps should be. At the same time, their power can be much less than if only general (ceiling) lighting was used. Yes, and less energy will be spent if the light is turned on only where it is needed.

Read more about what zones can be in the kitchen and how to properly light them in the following sections of this guide.

1-4. Decorative light.

Who said that lighting should only be practical? Decorative (accent) light is ideal if you want to rid the kitchen of a purely utilitarian look.

The flow of light here is usually minimal, but spectacular and fashionable look- guaranteed. The bottom and top of cabinets, shelves in the cupboard - you can choose both a neutral shade of light and color. LEDs work best for this.

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kitchen work area lighting

The main part of the kitchen and a place where the need for comfortable light can be equated to lighting a desktop. If possible, separate several sections. How larger size kitchens - the greater the scope for variations with the lighting of the working area.

2-1. Pay special attention working surface.

The food preparation area must be ideally lit - this is not so much an aesthetic as a safety requirement. There are two optimal solutions, choose which one seems more convenient to you:

  • wall lighting (on the "working apron" between the upper and base cabinets), photos 1 and 2
  • suspended directional, mounted on the ceiling, photos 3 and 4.
2-2. The second level of the ceiling or cornice.

If there is no free space on the wall, but there is (or is planned) a second level of the ceiling, install spotlights in it. They will perfectly cope with two roles - (a) task lighting and (b) general.

2-3. Extractor hood with built-in lights.

Another light option for convenient cooking. The lamps in the hoods do not use much energy, but they are powerful enough to light both the stove and small space around her.

2-4. Light near the sink.

This technique is not often used, but the hostess is provided with additional comfort. If you decide to make such lighting, be sure to make sure that the lamps are well protected by shades (glass or plastic).

2-5. Light under open shelves.

In the next section, we will talk in detail about lighting around cabinets, including under them. What if wall cabinets No? Or do you want softer illumination of the work area? There is an elegant solution - use shelves with bottom lighting.

Usually it's not cheap design solutions. And if you want to save money, install LEDs under the shelves, similar to those you will see in the LEDs for cabinets section.

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kitchen cabinets and lighting

In this section - everything related to the light around kitchen cabinets(under them, inside and above them). And also - about what type of lamps is useful for different purposes.

3-1. Spotlights (halogens) under cabinets.

Here we are talking about furniture spotlights. There is a common misconception that they will cope with the role of "work lighting". This is far from true.

Judge for yourself: the depth of hanging cabinets is usually about 30 cm, the lamps are located in the middle (i.e., approximately at a distance of 18-20 cm from the wall). The depth of the tabletop is 60-65 cm. The stream of light is directed downwards and is slightly scattered. And now count: what part of the countertop will remain unlit? More than 2/3, moreover, on the side where you need it.

Do they make any sense at all? Of course, they are perfect for other purposes:

  • night and evening "orienting" lighting (when there is no need to turn on the overhead light or work);
  • cozy lighting for preparing simple food and drinks;
  • a comfortable light option for those who "wake up" only at breakfast, but quite early (when it is still dark outside the window or just getting light).
3-2. LEDs - for the cooking zone.

Modern professional chefs are sure: when cooking, it is important not only the abundance of light, but also its correct “color temperature”. Simply put, the lighting should not distort the colors of the products.

If you consider yourself a gourmet, while treating cooking as an art, the best option For you - LED lamp with a high color rendering index.

They are usually mounted under cabinets. And such lamps will successfully replace other types of “working” lighting above the countertop.

3-3. Interior lighting for kitchen cabinets.

Hard-to-reach areas need lighting no less, if not more. In addition, you will not need to turn on the overhead light, just a couple of small bulbs that will light up when the door is opened (special sensor).

The ideal lamp for the inside of the cabinet is small, 10 - 20 watts. If the cabinet is high or the distance between the shelves is large, you can choose furniture lamps with halogen lamps. If the cabinet is small or there are glass shelves, choose overhead spotlights with LEDs. The third option (quite rare) is thin fluorescent tubes.

3-4. Illumination in drawers.

Also very convenient. Miniature lamps are mounted on the walls of the box and turn on automatically when opened - using a motion sensor. Such lamps are durable, consume little energy, which makes them indispensable assistant mistresses.

3-5. Mini soffits over cabinets.

This solution is often found in new version kitchens IKEA METHOD. Optimal if you have a lot of cabinets with blind (not glazed) doors. These directional spotlights (mini spotlights) are mounted on the top cornice and illuminate the inside of the cabinets well when you open them.


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directional local lighting

As a rule, these are “spotlights” - lamps with a narrow stream of light directed to a selected area. They usually have a conical ceiling (metal or glass) and can be rotated to different directions. This makes them especially convenient for the kitchen, allowing you to illuminate the desired area.

4-1. Ceiling spotlights.

Usually used for general (top) lighting. The most convenient is a module of several spotlights on a single base (“ceiling rail”), photos 1 and 2. The luminaires can be deployed in different sides(the kitchen is more evenly lit), but there is only one electrical outlet (economical in terms of electrical costs).

Sometimes there are variations: single spotlights are sometimes hung on the ceiling at different points (photo-4) or several modules with a thin base and small shades - for a large kitchen with high ceilings(photo-3).

4-2. Wall directional light.

This solution is used for directional lighting at a height of 1.50-1.80 m from the floor. In case of successful placement, it can serve as a working light.

4-3. Swivel wall lights that change the angle of inclination.

A rather rare solution in our country, but very popular in Europe. This is a wall modification. working lamp with long adjustable tripod. Allows you to illuminate the far section of the table or near. More compact version- wall sconce with a swivel base (photo-3).

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lighting of various additional areas of the kitchen

The number of zones is usually determined by the size of the kitchen. See what lighting designers recommend for different areas.

5-1. Warm light - for the dining area.

If your kitchen also serves as a dining room, take care of warm and cozy lighting above the dining table. Pendant lights are best (one of a pair - according to the size of the table). To prevent the light from hitting your eyes, make sure that there is at least 80 cm between the lamp and the table.

5-2. Pendant lights above the bar.

In addition to a special atmosphere, such lamps can bring a touch of your favorite style to the kitchen. Or emphasize the one that is already there. It is very convenient if the cord of such bar lamps is adjustable in length, allowing you to raise or lower the light relative to the bar counter.

5-3. Don't forget about the kitchen island.

This piece of furniture can fulfill a wide variety of roles, and each requires special lighting. Think about what suits you best: pendant lights, halogen lamps or a sconce with the possibility of adjustment.

5-4. Light in the closet.

Whatever size your pantry is, it should have a very good light. If this - separate room with a door, you can install lamps with a motion sensor (eliminates the need to put out the light when your hands are busy with food).

If your pantry is just a very large compartment (or closet), install lights on the side to illuminate all the shelves.

If there are glass doors between the kitchen and the pantry, less light will be required (you partially use the light in the kitchen and natural light during the day). If the ceilings are high upper shelves may need to install more powerful lamps.

5-5. Home Office in the kitchen.

It's simple here: approach lighting the same way you would choose lighting for a desktop in any other room. Desk lamp connected to the nearest outlet — best option. If there is not enough space on the countertop, look for a directional lamp on the wall (a working version of the sconce).

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And a few more design secrets on the topic of lighting, which do not concern the choice of fixtures, but other related issues.

6-1. More natural light.

Ideal lighting for the kitchen - a combination of natural and artificial light. Of course, we cannot control the power of sunlight. But to plan the kitchen so that nothing interferes with the circulation of daylight rays is quite.

6-2. Cozy light.

If you want to see the kitchen not only practical, but also comfortable, choose diffused light. Or hide the lights behind the eaves of kitchen cabinets. They do a great job of illuminating the aisle and walls.

6-3. Reflective materials.

Lacquered surfaces, steel, glass and anything white are the materials that will help fill the entire kitchen with light. However, do not forget about safety: the kitchen is not the place where dazzling brilliance is appropriate.

Designers usually make one lighting plan, moreover, for the entire apartment. We advise you to make three and only for the kitchen. So you do not get confused yourself, and the electrician will understand you correctly.

So, here is your algorithm:

1. Draw 3 identical kitchen plans with the proposed arrangement of furniture (in any graphic editor with respect to scale). For general idea about lighting, plan number 1 is useful to you. For ceiling lighting - plan number 2, for wall lighting, lighting inside cabinets and switches - plan number 3.

2. Imagine where you would like to have fixtures (about the choice, zones and examples - all this is a guide, we will go into detail below). Mark these points on plan #1. In the same place, designate the places of the switches.

3. Copy the ceiling lighting and switch locations for it to plan No. 2 (“Ceiling”). Draw lines from each light to the switch.

4. Wall and what will be inside the cabinets (+ switches for them) transfer to plan No. 3 (“Walls”). And then connect the lines of the places of the switches and the lamps.

5. Now we are working with plan number 3. You need to specify the height of the wire outlet for each of the fixtures. Mark this on the plan with callouts, taking into account the clean level of the floor (with flooring) and the arrangement of kitchen furniture.

6. A few words about switches (discuss with an electrician!).

It is best to place them not at the entrance to the kitchen (even if it is small), but at arm's length from the corresponding zone ( work zone, cabinets, bar counter lighting, light above the dining table, etc.). From the first day of use, you will see how convenient it is.

If at one point of the plan to the switches you have several lines from the lamps, use 2- and 3-key switches.

If it is more than 2-3 lines, you can combine several switches in one "frame". If there should be sockets nearby, combine switches and sockets in one frame (for example, between cabinets in the working area of ​​​​the kitchen).

Kitchen lighting is important point, because here at the same time there is a working and dining area, the illumination of which should be comfortable, economical and at the same time beautiful. Next, we tell readers information portal how to properly make lighting in the kitchen and what are the secrets lighting design exist today!

First of all, it should be noted that for kitchen lighting Ceiling, wall and furniture lamps can be used. How to combine them and where to install, we will talk further.

Primary requirements

To carry out correct installation lighting in the kitchen, first of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements that combine questions regarding the comfort and safety of being in this room.

So the main requirements are:

  • light should not create shadows from various objects;
  • brightness should not blind a person;
  • different types of fixtures should complement each other;
  • for reasons of energy saving, lamps should be fluorescent, halogen or LED. Classic variant– have low efficiency and short service life;
  • when creating a lighting project in the kitchen, consider color finish walls, because the efficiency of using lamps depends on it. For example, light walls able to reflect up to 80% of light, and dark only 12%;
  • correctly calculate the number of lamps, as well as their power. There is an opinion that for the working area the power should be at least 100 W / m 2, and the norm for the dining area - from 50 W / m 2;
  • the distance from the lamps and switches to the water (in our case, the sink) should be at least 60 cm;
  • one powerful lamp on the ceiling will not be a substitute for local and general lighting in the kitchen.

Backlight Options

As we have already said, today it is customary to illuminate the work surface, the area above the dining table and individual objects that require illumination. Now we will talk about the most effective options.

General

General lighting in the kitchen serves to illuminate the entire room soft light, not burdening the eyes, but at the same time covering all the dark corners. Most often, in this case, ceiling lights are used, installed in the center or around the perimeter of the room.

Popular products include:

  • spotlights with;
  • chandeliers with three or more bulbs;
  • hinged lamps;
  • LED strips.

Concerning spotlights, they are mounted in a suspended or stretch ceiling. The advantage of products in neat appearance, easy installation and long service life. This option can also be installed in furniture (for example, in a kitchen cabinet).

decorative

Well, here we come to last option kitchen lighting - decorative. In this case, the functionality of light fades into the background, because we can only dilute the interior in various ways.

We recommend that you use a hidden ceiling and that works from diode tapes. Such products are self-adhesive. All they need is a special cornice. The only caveat is that the shape of the room should be rectangular or square. On curved sections of the ceiling, LED strip does not always look good.


In addition to this, in big kitchen you can install designer floor lamps, selected according to the style of the room. You understand that in small kitchen(from 9 to 12 sq. meters) none floor lamps should not be. Interesting options You can also see kitchen lighting in the video below:

Review of the best ideas

The role of natural light

Applying some features natural light kitchens are possible by making the most of daylight. For this, windows must be created large, curtains - translucent, and wall decoration as light as possible.


Please note that natural light can also be in excess, thereby reducing the comfort of being in the room.

  • If the windows face north, they must be perfectly clean, because. dust can absorb up to 1/3 of all natural light.
  • The southern location of windows is very often the cause of an overabundance daylight. In this case, it is recommended to close the windows with curtains. dark shades.
  • Most effective fixture to adjust the illumination of the room - blinds. Install them on the windows so that you can adjust the intensity of the light.
  • Don't forget about color scheme walls, it also affects a lot. For the southern location of the windows, you can reduce the illumination using the right color of the wallpaper (or tiles). It is recommended to give preference to lilac, blue and green shades.
  • If during the daytime natural light does not do its job, install daylight, they are worthy alternative and also save energy.

You can’t compare rooms in an apartment in terms of importance, but the kitchen is certainly one of the most visited, because food is constantly prepared here, the whole family gathers here and welcomes guests. In order for the room to be multifunctional, cozy and comfortable, regardless of its area, it is important to pay special attention to its lighting. Competently organized, it is able to transform the kitchen from a “hot shop” into a cozy dining area in the blink of an eye, conducive to long and pleasant family gatherings. That is why it is so important to think over the design of the future kitchen and all lighting points, and our tips should help you with this.

No. 1. What types of lighting should be provided?

A couple of decades ago, the most popular option for organizing kitchen lighting was one, located in the center of the ceiling. This solution cannot be called the most convenient, because in this case all the most remote areas, an important part of the working area and the dining table, were not illuminated. Today it is even necessary to provide for several types of lighting. There are such main types of kitchen lighting:

  • general, which is still necessary;
  • illumination of the working area;
  • backlight dining area ;
  • decorative lighting.

Purely decorative lighting in the kitchen can be dispensed with, but the right functional lighting can also fulfill decorative role, a modern lamps- These are real works of art, made for every taste.

No. 2. What should be the lighting?

To create right project lighting, you need to know the basic requirements for it. And they are:

  • the light should be located so that people in the kitchen do not cast a shadow on the work surface and in the dining area;
  • in the same time, light sources should not be too bright so as not to blind a person;
  • it is important that some light sources complement others;
  • necessary take into account and color scheme cuisine. So, light walls and furniture will reflect up to 80% of the light flux, and dark ones - only about 12%;
  • for the dining and working area is necessary different power lighting. Approximate norms are as follows: lighting power for the working area - 100 W / m 2, for dining - 50 W / m 2;
  • when arranging the lighting of the working area, you need to monitor the distance from the water sources to the lamps. It must be at least 60 cm.

Number 3. Arrangement of general lighting

It is impossible to do without a common main room, so a chandelier can be provided in the center of the kitchen or in the area. Chandelier alternative for small kitchens– flat luminaires, as well as built-in lighting in suspended ceiling. Great if there is rheostat provided, with which you can adjust the intensity of the flow of light and change the atmosphere in the kitchen.

No. 4. Work area lighting

Above the working area, where all the processes of cutting meat, peeling vegetables, kneading dough and the like take place, it is necessary to equip sufficiently bright lighting. Best placement of light sources on hanging cabinets so that the light from them falls directly on the work surface. If there is no such lighting, then when working, the entire space in front of you will be in the shade, which means that you will have to strain your eyesight. It is also important that the light is directed directly at the work surface and does not hit the eyes. It is possible where the manufacturer has already provided holes for installing lamps, but the issue can also be resolved with the help of separate lamps.

Great replacement for conventional lights LED Strip Light, which is also attached to the bottom surface of the cabinets. This is one of the most economical and uniform lighting methods. Besides, it is great way decorate the kitchen separate zones, create a smooth transition to .

Not only the work surface needs lighting, but also, and also, if any. Above the stove, you can use only the lighting that the hood gives - this is quite enough.

No. 5. Dining area lighting

Dining table artificial lighting largely depends on its location in the kitchen, as well as on the owners. So, if the table is against the wall, then you can use a couple wall sconces. Ceiling lights on adjustable hangers will also look good, but they are best suited for dining tables that stand in the central area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. One or more of these lamps with interesting shades and with the ability to adjust the height of the location - perfect option for any kitchen.

If the kitchen is very small, it is better, of course, to use over the dining table wall lamps. Alternative - small lamps or fixtures which can be installed directly on dinner table: thus the interior will only change and become even more comfortable. For the smallest kitchens, it is allowed to combine the general light with the lighting of the dining area so as not to clutter the ceiling and walls with lighting fixtures.

No. 6. decorative lighting

From one name it is clear that in this case we are talking about lighting that does not perform any specific function, but serves only as an interior decoration. With the help of several light bulbs, you can not only give a zest to the kitchen, but even visually expand the space.

So, as additional lighting, you can use backlight kitchen cabinets . It looks especially impressive when they have transparent doors. Such lighting, by the way, not only has a decorative function, but also helps to quickly find necessary items in deep cabinets.

You can highlight the space between the ceiling and the kitchen set. A small gap between the hanging cabinets and the ceiling can be closed with a Plexiglas panel, and placed behind it. As a result, we get an interesting design technique, which is great especially for small kitchens, as visually. In addition, such lighting will give additional soft light, and the panels will cover the exhaust pipe and other unsympathetic communications.

You can also do basement lighting. As a result, a feeling is created that it seems to be floating in the air, and this visually enlarges the space. Another great option for small kitchens.

Do not forget about such a light source, like candles. Their very appearance already gives special atmosphere kitchen interior, and lit, they give a soft warm light that turns any dinner into a festive one.

In order not to make a mistake, you need to follow the following rules:

  • windows facing north, must be kept absolutely clean, because the dust on them can take away about a third of the sunlight;
  • cuisine with windows facing south, in the daytime they often suffer from an overabundance of light, so in this case it is better to use curtains of dark shades or just thick curtains, at least for the summer period;
  • also for kitchens with south windows it can be advised to use cold shades in wall decoration;
  • best way to regulate the flow of sunlight - blinds, and they are suitable for any kitchen;
  • if the light in the kitchen during the daytime is still not enough, then you can use fluorescent lamps daylight: they are a good alternative sunshine and do not use much electricity.

No. 8. Features of lighting a small kitchen

The basic principles of lighting do not differ from the general ones, but the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room must be taken into account when choosing lighting devices. Many mistakenly believe that if the room is small, then only one chandelier in the center of the kitchen will be enough. It will not be able to illuminate all areas of the work surface, so it is better to use several light sources.

Can be used as general lighting precision fixtures, because they do not take up space, spotlights or swivel spotlights. The latter are generally unique for small spaces, since the direction of the light is very easy to change, illuminating certain areas.

Some kitchens cannot boast of high ceilings, so it makes no sense to organize a suspended or stretch ceiling - the room will seem tiny in general. In this case, spot lighting disappears, and you can choose a chandelier, but you need to pay attention not to all models. Yes, perfect for a little one. kitchen fit compact and very concise a model that will not overload the space. It is important to remember that the lamp should be precisely compact, and not small, otherwise it will emphasize the main disadvantage of the kitchen - miniaturization.

Hanging lamps are not suitable for small kitchens: the closer the ceiling will be located to ceiling surface, all the better. Lamps are well suited, the light of which is directed not down, but to the ceiling, but the ceiling lamps in the form of plates and boxes create a too dim glow.

In today's article, we will look at how best to organize proper lighting what points to pay attention to and what errors need to be considered.

What is the main secret of kitchen lighting?

The most important thing to consider when planning the placement of a light source is layering.

Perhaps this is the most central detail that you should pay attention to, since one light source will not be enough.

You have to think about separate lighting kitchen areas: work surface, dining area and other places where you perform some kind of manipulation (for example, the backlight above the dishwasher).

Do not try to fit the entire light stream into one, albeit a large chandelier for the kitchen. Yes, it can shine brightly, but do not forget about such a “little thing” as a shadow. That is, if you are facing the kitchen table, you own body just block the light output.

Cooking in the evenings will be extremely uncomfortable, therefore, remember the main rule - everywhere and a little.

That is, let's say:

  • Chandelier common in the middle
  • A couple of sconces above the dining area
  • Spots around the perimeter of the kitchen in the working area
  • Illumination over the kitchen "apron"

How to make the general lighting of the kitchen?

Here we describe a few common mistakes that people allow when planning general kitchen lighting.

First, never make a light without buying kitchen set. Until you have purchased it, you do not know exactly which areas will require enhanced lighting, for example, in the form of an addition to the central chandelier of a number of spots.

Second, be sure to plan correct work switches. Very illiterate if central chandelier turns on with spotlights. This is an overexpenditure of electricity, and excessive brightness when it is not particularly necessary.

What are the best ceiling lighting options?

To date, many lamps have been created for the kitchen and, let's look at the most popular of them and highlight their pros and cons.

Illumination only in the form of spotlights

This is quite bright lighting, if you put them in such a way that there is a spot for every 1.5 meters.

Some people like this option quite well, as it is convenient, modern. But you must also take into account the fact that ceilings without any chandelier look rather austere and not very comfortable.

Also, it is suitable for high-tech and minimalist kitchens. But for other styles, we would recommend you a different solution, more homely.

Illumination in the form of LED strip

This is also from the category modern solutions. As a rule, such tapes are placed around the perimeter of the kitchen, and luminous tape creates additional light.

But, you can do it a little differently: let's say, place the tapes randomly, in the form of a kind of "web" right under the stretch ceiling.

The tapes are placed inside, they literally lie on the canvas and form a very interesting view lighting. Getting into such a room it seems that you are in the hold of a spaceship.

It's beautiful, but, again, very amateurish and to a certain style. Such a ceiling will not tolerate any Provence and copper pans nearby.

Surface-mounted plate lamps

Quite a popular option now, due to cheapness and versatility. Such a lamp can be placed in absolutely any environment, and it will look out of place.

Minus such lighting fixtures- dullness. Due to the ceiling, you will not be able to get the flow of lumens that the purchased lamps guarantee. Therefore, if you decide on this option, it is better to put two or three small "plates", and not one that will be in the center of the kitchen.

Also, it is impossible not to notice the inconvenience of changing lamps. If you screw a lamp into an ordinary chandelier - a matter of a couple of minutes, then the overhead lamp must be disassembled, then assembled.

But, these are not significant disadvantages, therefore, you should not refuse this type of illumination if you really like the external effect.

Chandelier or pendant lamp

In our opinion, although this is not original solution in appearance, but the most functional, and at the same time - cozy. There are just a lot of types of chandeliers for kitchens now and, if desired, you can always find something special.

What is the optimal color of the light flux?

In the USSR, it was quite popular to illuminate the working area with fluorescent lamps, since there was no other choice. Now, you can choose any lamp you want and it will shine in different ways.

There are white light lamps, there are “warm”, that is, yellowish, and there are even colored ones. In our opinion, the most the best solution- “warm” light both in general lighting and in the working area. If you put two different lighting solutions, then the “cold” light will drown out the “warm” one, which may make the kitchen look gloomy.

And, in general, the “warm” spectrum is more homely and comfortable for the eyes. As for colored lamps, we do not recommend it, since cooking something in such lighting is quite problematic. If you really want something bright, then it is better to place a multi-colored led strip around the perimeter, purely for decorative effect.

And do not forget to put a separate switch for this element, as the constant color glow will become annoying very quickly.

Illuminated kitchen cabinets from above

This, of course, is already super-convenient, but why not, if it does not contradict the design of the kitchen? In fact, it is very convenient when the work area is lit from above (on furniture eaves) and directly above the apron.

If you have just such a variant of the kitchen, then be sure to put spotlights upstairs.
Here it is very important not to “overdo it” with brightness: be prudent, otherwise, the sensations will be unpleasant.

The more lights you have on the ledge, the less power they should have.

In conclusion, we can say this: in the case of kitchen lighting, it is better to overdo it than underdo it. It is wiser to put an additional source and turn it on rarely than to overlook and suffer from darkness.

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