Choosing the correct lighting for a kitchen can sometimes feel like a daunting task. There is now such a vast range of solutions, with a fitting to suit every shelf, cabinet and drawer, and a selection of designs to choose from, it can be difficult knowing where to start. Taking the time to compile together the perfect lighting scheme can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any kitchen, allowing every element of the design to be illuminated.

First things first, because the kitchen is the hub of the home, it needs to be a space where daily tasks such as cooking can be carried out, but also an area which can be used for social occasions too. It’s therefore important to think carefully about where task lighting which will aid with food preparation is to be positioned, as well as which mood lighting solutions you’ll add to the scheme to create atmosphere.

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Something that can sometimes be overlooked when deciding upon light sources for a kitchen is the lamp colour that is chosen, resulting in the shade of light not complementing the material, colour or texture of worktop and cabinets in place. The colour of the lighting will differ in accordance to the design of the kitchen. Whereas LED’s were once criticised for producing a cold, blue light, this is no longer the case as they are available in a choice of warm or cool white temperatures.  Opting for a warm white light, for example, will provide a yellow glow similar to that produced from halogen bulbs.

For a more traditional style of kitchen, warm white lighting is well suited as it will highlight the grain of the wood in the cabinet doors. For a more contemporary kitchen design, cool white lighting will be better suited. Providing more of a clinical, bright light, cool white works particularly well against glossy doors and the crispness suits the clean lines and minimalist style of a modern kitchen.

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Even when thinking about the colour of task lighting it is important to take into consideration the material, colour and texture of the worktop as this will be the surface illuminated.

It’s also important to consider which type of bulb to incorporate into your design scheme. LED’s are a popular choice nowadays and are considered the future when it comes to lighting the kitchen. Not only are they a far more cost-effective and eco- friendly solution in comparison to alternatives, but they also last much longer; LED’s last for up to 30,000 hours compared to the 3,000 hour lifespan of halogens, for example

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