The humble kitchen, that place of dish-scrubbing drudgery and midnight snacks, has become a glamour spot in many of today's homes. Granite countertops, Viking stoves, shimmering glass tiles – there are plenty of investments to put in the spotlight.So it should be no surprise that the market for kitchen light fixtures has grown and good design is now more affordable, Today, you can get pretty high-style lighting even at your local Home Depot.
But choosing new lighting can be more complicated than other home improvement projects. You can't really test the samples. And there's a range of variables – from style to cost to energy efficiency and safety – to consider.
For those approaching the project without input from an interior designer, here are a half-dozen tips on good kitchen lighting:
Observe the room in daytime and evening, keeping goals in mind.Think about how your room functions, how to set the mood you want. You don't have to buy a ton of lights to get the effect you seek.
Consider the available daylight and how light may bounce off light-colored or reflective surfaces. One crucial detail: Determine where you'll be standing while cooking to make sure you won't create a shadow in your work area by having your head between the light source and work surface.
Think vertically.
Check ceiling height and the distance from cabinets to counters. With high ceilings, lights must be fairly powerful and illuminate a wide enough area. The spread of light from different fixtures and bulbs will vary. Lower ceilings bring up the question of heat: With halogen lights in a 7.5 foot ceiling, you may start feeling like your head's gonna cook.
Also, check whether ceiling fixtures will shine on you at a table or breakfast bar. Sitting directly underneath that light, with it shining on your head... that will bug you for the rest of your life.
For chandeliers, the rule of thumb is five feet off the ground regardless of ceiling height.
Save cash by combining beauty and function.
Under-cabinet lighting gives a soft glow, while also illuminating preparation areas and drawing attention to textured countertops.
You'd better use dimmers, especially for the room's main lighting. Dimmers are usually inexpensive and offer huge flexibility, allowing each fixture to contribute both bright light for cooking and a soft glow during parties.
