Kitchen lighting: choosing the right lighting fixtures for the kitchen Helpful Kitchen Lighting Tips

In today's article, we will look at how it is better to organize the right lighting, what points to pay attention to and what mistakes to take into account.

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: working 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 a 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. It is very illiterate if the central chandelier is turned on along 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.

The disadvantage of such lighting fixtures is dimness. 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 work area with lamps. daylight because 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 decision- “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, solely for a 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 it upstairs Spotlights.
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.

Choosing the right lighting in the kitchen is not an easy task. With the help of light, you can visually expand the space, make it cozy and pleasant to stay. Then cooking will be a joy, and the food will taste better, and gatherings with friends in the kitchen will become a tradition.

To achieve a “wow effect”, it is enough to follow the basic rules:

  1. There should be light in the kitchen. Everything is simple and banal here - it's nice to be in a well-lit place.
  2. Don't overdo it. It is important to find a middle ground, as too bright lighting hurts the eye and is uneconomical to use.
  3. Multilevel lighting. It will allow you to organically distribute light in space, create a unique style of the kitchen.
  4. The more light sources - the less their power.
  5. Yes - simple forms. As plafonds, it is better to use simple, smooth shapes without sharp corners, bends, curls, because the kitchen is a highly polluted area, and an intricate chandelier will soon be covered with a layer of fat and it will take considerable effort to wash it.
  6. Big - with small. Large lamps go well with spotlights.
  7. Freedom of fantasy. Do not be afraid to experiment, and the end result will surely please you!

Multilevel lighting on

The combination of large fixtures with spot lighting on

2. Work surface lighting

Lighting options:

1. Built-in lighting under wall cabinets.

2. Illumination in the ceiling along working area(countertops).

3. Lamps built into the eaves.

4. Fixtures with automatic switching on when opening the doors built into cabinets with glass fronts.

5. Illumination over wall cabinets.

Example on

LEDs are most often used as lighting for the kitchen, as they consume little electricity and are durable. LED strip protected by silicone is not afraid of water, which is a significant plus in the kitchen. Halogen and fluorescent light sources are also used.

3. Dining area lighting

Often the main light source is deliberately placed above the table. Today steel trendy chandeliers on the long cords. A single ceiling or several in a row look spectacular and create a unique atmosphere of comfort and warmth.

Do not place the chandelier directly over the head of the seated person. The number of fixtures should be proportional to the size of the table.

As a chandelier for the kitchen, plafonds of a simple shape are mainly used: rectangular, cones, balls made of glass, plastic, crystal.

Single plafond above the dining area

4. Lighting in a small kitchen

The features of Khrushchev are, in the lighting of which there are some nuances.

  1. Large artsy chandeliers and ceiling lamps on long bases will not be appropriate here. The dimensions of lighting fixtures should be proportional to the size of the room.
  2. No need for in large numbers light sources. In a small kitchen, a compact single chandelier in the center of the ceiling will look great in tandem with LED lighting working area.
  3. To visually raise the ceiling, you can build LED bulbs into it, and the light from them is not directed down, but on the ceiling itself. Directed in this way, it will give the ceiling the effect of floating in the air.

5. Lighting in the living room kitchen

Often the problem of a small kitchen is solved by combining it with the living room. To visually divide the space into two functional zones, you can install a dining table or a bar counter on the border. Both require their own illumination. It can be a pendant lamp, a large chandelier, or spotlights.

In the living room area should be lighter than in the kitchen. Great solution there would be built-in spot lighting in the multi-level or single-level ceiling of the living room. If the kitchen and living room are separated by a difference in floor heights, you can install light sources in this difference. Such a technique will visually delimit the space and become the highlight of the interior.



backlight on

Illumination built into the floor height difference

6. Types of lamps

  1. LED bulbs. The main advantages of LED lamps are low power consumption, durability, more low temperature housing compared to an incandescent lamp, easy installation, small size, high mechanical strength. Also LED lamp is one of the most environmentally friendly light sources, its disposal does not require special conditions.

The disadvantages include the high cost (however, this is offset by long term services and low level energy consumption), if one of the elements fails, the lamp is unlikely to be repaired. In cheap LEDs, burnout from overheating sometimes occurs, especially in closed shades.

  1. Incandescent lamps. The main advantages of incandescent lamps include low cost, small size, lack of fear of low and high ambient temperatures, and condensate. Also, incandescent lamps can be found in a variety of voltages.

The main disadvantages are low light output, relatively short service life, brittleness, high heating at long work which is a fire hazard.

  1. Halogen lamps. The main advantage of halogen lamps compared to incandescent lamps is their compactness, longer service life and efficiency.

The negative side is high sensitivity to fatty contaminants and strong heating during operation. When installing such lamps, you should not touch them with your hands, as fingerprints quickly burn out during operation, leaving blackening. In case of accidental contact, wipe the lamp with a clean cloth (for example, microfiber) with alcohol.

IRC halogen lamps. A feature of such lamps is a special coating of the bulb, which transmits visible light, but delays infrared radiation, returning it back to the spiral. Due to this, heat losses are reduced, and as a result, energy consumption is reduced and the service life is increased.

  1. Fluorescent lamps. Positive side Such lamps are based on high luminous efficacy, long service life (compared to incandescent lamps), diffused light and a variety of shades.

The disadvantages include chemical hazard (fluorescent lamps contain mercury), low lamp power factor, uneven spectrum, unpleasant for the eyes.

7. The cost of lighting for the kitchen

And now let's try to figure out the cost of all the beauty described above. It turns out that "cheap" and "beautiful" can go together!

As an example, let's take small kitchen at 7 square meters:

  • The basis of lighting is a five-light chandelier located above the table. Since the kitchen is small, it illuminates both the dining area and the entire room as a whole. The cost of such a chandelier ranges from $ 80-200.
  • Next, we evaluate the illumination of the working area. Three to five built-in LED or halogen lamps will be enough. This is another $60-150 plus.
  • If you want something unusual, then the countertop lighting in the form of an LED is just right. RGB strips. A kit consisting of a waterproof five-meter tape, a control panel and a power cable costs about $30-50.

For rational and harmonious lighting of a kitchen of 7 sq.m, $ 170-400 is enough.

Spotlights can complement or even replace the central ceiling chandelier because:

  • The main plus is that they allow you to make the lighting in the kitchen uniform, diffused, soft, both separately and in combination with a chandelier or LED lighting. Ordinary ceiling lamp without additional illumination creates shadows and visually narrows the space;
  • The backlight on LED and halogen lamps is very economical, and the installation of spotlights with the ability to turn on in parts, that is, only where you need it at the moment, for example, in the work area when you are cooking, significantly saves energy;
  • Rotary spotlights and ceiling/wall fixtures can direct the light where you want it, making it possible to play with the advantages and disadvantages of a space – low ceilings visually raise, expand, zone, etc. How to do this will be described below;
  • In addition, you can use single-color or colored light bulbs, forming unusual design lighting, dividing zones and placing accents.

The disadvantages of spotlights include:

  • More complex installation compared to a chandelier;
  • The need to think over the placement of light sources on the ceiling even at the repair stage, and the placement of spotlights built into the kitchen set at the assembly stage;
  • Not everyone likes this modern type ceiling lighting in the kitchen, for some it may resemble an “office” lighting. But this is a big misconception, today spot lighting can be organically entered even in traditional interior kitchen as pictured below. The main thing is to choose the right lighting design.

  • Types of spotlights for installation are divided into: mortise, overhead, suspended. If mortise can only be built into suspended ceilings(, etc.), then overhead (external) lamps can also be installed on a conventional concrete ceiling, since on the basis of the body of such a spot there is a special mounting plate for screws;
  • Recessed models are the most popular type in the category of spotlights, so they are presented in a very wide range of colors, designs and sizes;
  • Mortise lamps can be completely recessed into the base and then they are practically invisible, or they can, on the contrary, decorate the ceiling, protruding above its surface with a beautiful decorative diffuser;

  • Spotlights can create local, basic and decorative lighting;
  • Each of installed appliances able to illuminate no more than two square meters of the room;
  • Modern appliances are fireproof, and therefore can be used in combination with any finish. And their body is made of moisture-proof material, which makes it easy to withstand high humidity;
  • There are designs with an internal or external location of the light bulb, which provides directional or diffused light, respectively.

Adviсe:

  • How simpler design spots, the easier it is to take care of them - to wash off greasy deposits, dust, etc .;
  • For stretch ceilings, it is better to choose round or rounded lamps;
  • For a more economical and rational consumption of electricity, install a dimmer, which is also called a rheostat or dimmer.

Types of lamps

Lamps are: LED, halogen or incandescent.

LED lamps enjoy well-deserved popularity. They are economical and consume very little electricity, and practically do not heat up. Therefore, LED devices can be used in combination with the most different finishes- their location, even near flammable materials, will not lead to fire.

LED recessed luminaires are swivel and non-swivel. Swivel lamps allow you to change the direction of light.

Appliances with incandescent lamps installed give a bright, pleasant light familiar to everyone, but they are much larger in size, so they require installation with a large margin, in addition, they short term services.

In terms of durability and energy consumption, halogen lamps are beneficial, but they are also considered the most expensive. They give bright, close to natural lighting, but have one drawback - the lamps get very hot, so choose fixtures with metal frame, glass diffuser and ceramic cartridge.

Please note that for spotlights with halogen lamps you need a transformer that converts the usual 220 watts into the required 12 watts. The power of the transformer should slightly exceed the total power of all halogen bulbs.

Installation of spotlights in the kitchen with stretch ceilings implies a limitation on the power of the installed lamps. So, the power of halogen devices should not exceed 35 watts, and the power of incandescent lamps - 60 watts. This is due to the properties of the material, which can melt from too high temperatures.

Placement of fixtures and the rules of "playing with light"

To create the main lighting in the kitchen, ceiling spotlights should be placed at a distance of at least 30-40 cm from each other. A distance of at least 20 cm is maintained from the corner of the wall. Experts advise setting one point per 1.5 square meters. m or follow the following recommendation - for every 1 sq.m of the ceiling there should be a lamp of 20 watts. If you want to install fixtures with a power of more than 20 W or plan to combine them with a chandelier, then their number can be reduced.

Using correct location spot lighting, you can easily change the whole perception of space.

You can visually expand a small, narrow or elongated kitchen if you install a group of several lamps along the center and on both sides of the ceiling of a narrow or elongated kitchen. That is, the main goal is to fill the space as evenly as possible with soft, diffused light without shadows.

In illuminating large spaces, the main task is to arrange light sources so that they perfectly illuminate all functional areas, but at the same time create coziness, intimacy and a pleasant atmosphere. Most often, the lamps are arranged as in the photo below: there are spots around the perimeter of the kitchen, and hanging chandeliers in the center above the table or island.

Most universal option placement of spotlights in the kitchen is as follows: in the center of the kitchen, above the table or bar counter, you can hang ceiling lights or a chandelier, and install spots only above the working area directly above the kitchen set.

But if the kitchen has low ceilings, then it is better to choose rotary models and direct their light up to the ceiling, as well as install lamps on the visor wall cabinets kitchen set. It is better not to hang a chandelier in a low kitchen.

In addition, spotlights allow you to perfectly zone the room, highlighting each of the functional areas. As a rule, in the joint spaces - in the studio apartment, kitchen-dining room, kitchen-living room, the work area, the kitchen area or the adjacent hallway is highlighted with spot lighting, and the recreation or dining area is illuminated by a chandelier and pendant lights.

Spotlights are simply created for decoration and illumination. two-level ceilings. In this case, as a rule, embedded models are used. You can highlight everything or only one level as on next photo on right.

How to properly mount spotlights

Installation of spotlights requires the preparation of certain tools and fixtures:

  • Terminals for connection;
  • Screwdriver with a flat end;
  • Crowns for wood or metal (the latter will be required to work with a slatted ceiling);
  • Mounting knife for stripping wires;
  • Drill;
  • wire cutters;
  • pliers;
  • Stairs.

Connecting spotlights is impossible without creating an appropriate electrical wiring. At the first stage, a lighting box is installed - it is mounted in such a way that it has free access to it all the time. This means that it is not worth putting the box behind the skin. After that, a separate wire is laid from the box to each lamp. Wires must be placed in a corrugated pipe, necessary for protection.

If you plan to stay in plasterboard ceiling, then the work is carried out in the following sequence:

  • The location of each device on the ceiling is precisely marked, while the location of the guides must be taken into account, the lamps should not be attached to them;
  • A hole of the appropriate size is cut out on a drill with a crown, and for square devices, a hole is made with a jigsaw;
  • The previously laid cable is taken out through the hole. Of course, during the work, the wire must be de-energized. In order to get the cable out of a small hole for sure, a wire hook is used;
  • The wire brought out to the outside is connected in accordance with the colors through the terminals. If use LED lights with screw terminals for the wire, no terminals are required;
  • This is followed by the location of the lamp in the hole, as a result of which it is fixed with special clamps-springs;
  • A lamp is screwed into the device, and after that a decorative ring is put on;
  • Perform a system performance test.

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;
  • dining area lighting;
  • 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.

No. 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 the false 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 lamps on adjustable suspensions 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 the dining table: in this way 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 provide additional soft light, and the panels will close 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 often suffer from an overabundance of light, so in this case it is better to use curtains dark shades or just blackout 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 sunlight 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 cuisines cannot boast high ceilings, so organize hanging or stretch ceiling does not make sense - the room will seem generally tiny. 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.

Unable to create harmonious interior without well-chosen lighting, which should correspond to the specifics, target orientation and overall design of the room. The kitchen is a special place in the house. Here we cook food, the whole family gather at the dinner table, receive guests, and sometimes alone enjoy the silence over a cup of aromatic tea. Optimal solution- multifunctional and multi-level lighting of the kitchen, which will help create the right conditions for both comfortable work and relaxing. Using various lighting, you can not only create cozy atmosphere, emphasize the advantages and hide the shortcomings of the kitchen, but also decorate the room in an original way.

Proper lighting in the kitchen - one of the conditions of comfort

How to arrange lighting in the kitchen

To the best way to place the lamps exactly in those places where it is really necessary, do not postpone this issue indefinitely. Once you have finalized your style, overall design and the placement of furniture in the kitchen, immediately proceed to the layout of the lighting of the kitchen. After finishing the walls and installing furniture, placing lamps on the walls, in wall niches or in kitchen set can be problematic due to the need to punch new channels for electrical wiring, so it is better to immediately provide for everything possible options. Upgrade lighting to old kitchen easiest way by using new ceiling lights, original table lamps and floor lamps. For a more radical upgrade, it is better to contact specialists.

The lighting of this kitchen is planned so that the light penetrates into all corners.

In the kitchen, it is advisable to combine the general light that illuminates the entire room (ceiling lamp, chandelier), with local work or decorative light (sconces, built-in spotlights in the cooking area). Priority in terms of organizing lighting are two main areas - working and dining, while the rest can remain in twilight. General light cannot be considered as a complete replacement for lighting work and dining spaces.

The unusual shape of kitchen lamps turns them into important element decor

Huge value has a radiation power and color palette Sveta. In the kitchen, natural spectrum lighting is most appropriate, which does not distort the color of the products. The radiation power depends on the atmosphere that you would like to create in the kitchen. Using special devices– dimmers, you can smoothly adjust the intensity of lighting. To make the kitchen more spacious and visually "raise" the ceiling will help spotlights built into upper part cabinets.

General and spot light in the kitchen

The traditional kitchen lighting scheme with one lamp in the center of the ceiling can hardly be called complete. To ensure uniform illumination, it is recommended to use several ceiling lights. It is better to avoid the use of luminaires for general lighting with a stream of light directed exclusively vertically downwards, which illuminate small space and create shadows. With properly organized local and decorative lighting, you can generally refuse central chandelier. And this is true for both small and large kitchen. Ideally, each functional area separate lighting should be arranged.

Usage modern technologies allows you to get an effective and unusual result

Work surface illumination

Since the person preparing food is usually located with his back to the main light sources, the work surface requires additional lighting. This will not only facilitate the cooking process, but also make it more enjoyable. For this purpose, local lamps are best suited: halogen spotlights built into the bottom of wall cabinets or wall lamps with a stream of light directed to the countertops, sink and stove. Local lighting carries not only a functional load, but also a decorative one, allowing you to focus on interesting decor elements. In addition, it helps to create a more welcoming and cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.

Additional lighting for the work surface - a convenient advantage of modernity

Light in the dining area

The lighting of the dining area requires special attention. Here, slightly subdued, soft lighting of the natural spectrum is appropriate, which does not irritate, does not “hit” the eyes and does not distort the color of the products. Optimal solution - pendant lamps on long cords with adjustable length, allowing you to change the height depending on the situation. High-mounted lights are ideal for formal occasions, while low-placed lights are ideal for intimate or family settings. It is desirable that the entire tabletop falls into the circle of light, i.e. so that there are no borders of light and shadow on the surface of the table. Above the dining table, it is best to use lighting fixtures with a direct directional stream of light, with a ceiling or lampshade that is open only from below. The main thing is that the diameter of the lampshade allows you to illuminate the entire surface of the tabletop. alternative ceiling lamp in the dining area there can be a floor lamp on an arched "leg", or a sconce, if the table is against the wall, with the horns pointing down.

Stylish lights above the dining area provide a soft, diffused light to create a pleasant atmosphere.

Decorative interior lighting

It is simply unforgivable not to use the aesthetic and decorative potential of the original lighting fixtures in the interior of the kitchen. You should choose lamps not “from the ceiling”, but based on the style decision of the kitchen, so that they organically fit into the design, harmoniously complement it, bring new fresh notes and place light accents in the most attractive places. If you want the kitchen to be unlike any other, pay attention to the original designer chandeliers and lamps, which exude creativity. Spotlights mounted inside kitchen cabinets with transparent facades look very impressive - the glare of light on the glass enhances the glow, and there is undoubtedly something charming and bewitching in this.

Modern ways of lighting the kitchen in photo examples

The multi-colored ceiling lighting that is popular today is actively used by designers to create kitchen interiors

At non-standard layout kitchens it is advisable to use several types of lighting

Pendant stylized lamps harmoniously fit into this Provence-style kitchen.

In this kitchen-living room, several lighting methods are used at once, creating an integral composition.

Fixtures with original lampshades for the dining area they serve not only as sources of light, but also as decorative elements

To illuminate the dining area, it is better to choose more sophisticated lamps, and for the work area - more functional ones.

original form this lampshade allows you to get an unforgettable light effect

Fixtures unusual shape made of natural wood suitable for interior in eco-style

In lighting the kitchen, it is very important to use the possibilities natural light, supplementing it with artificial