Good lighting can radically change the appearance and functionality of any space, but especially the kitchen, which is a place that needs adequate planning so that any activity carried out there can be done efficiently and safely. Make sure to set up four independent sections of lighting, apart from the general lighting, in wide kitchens with islands, peninsulas, or office spaces, in addition to the essential lighting needed in work areas, over countertops, and reinforcement for the ceiling lights.

Discover the 15 key elements and ideas for proper kitchen lighting:

1-  Make the most out of natural light

Like in any home environment, adequate lighting should be a combination of natural and artificial light, so, if you have natural light in your kitchen, fully take advantage of it and you will save on your energy bill and create a more comfortable and appealing environment. Therefore, if you’re remodelling your kitchen, it would be an excellent idea to try to set up a distribution that favours the stream of natural light.

2-  Choose materials that multiply the light in your kitchen

If you choose lacquered surfaces, white colours, and coatings of steel or glass, you will multiply the kitchen lighting more easily. A Silestone’s countertop featuring bright tones such as White Zeus Extreme, Blanco Maple, White Platinum, Lagoon, or Ariel will help to reflect light, creating the sensation of a brighter and more open space.

Also, if you opt for one of the super-compact surfaces by Dekton, in the XGloss Natural or XGloss Solid series, their high-sheen reflective surfaces will allow you to create a brighter and more welcoming space.

3- Identify the activities you do in the kitchen

Apart from cooking, you should determine if you use the kitchen as an office space, as a place to eat, for work, as a place for the kids to do their homework, for breakfast, etc. This must be done so that each area has correct and specific lighting, thus avoiding shortages in places that need specific lighting.

4- Sign up for energy saving lighting

Although it is a more expensive option at the beginning, in the long run, you will save more, thanks to the increased durability of this option. Energy saving bulbs use up to 80% less than traditional bulbs, they do not heat up, and they are also more powerful.

5- General lighting

Start with planning the general lighting, distributing light bulbs throughout the kitchen. Try to achieve uniform lighting.

6- Ambient lighting

Try to light each area independently, with a different switch connected to each work, cooking, water, office area, etc. You’ll then be able to control the use of energy by only using the light you need for each occasion.

7- Choose LED lights for cooking

Food colors can be distorted by insufficient lighting or with the use of tinted bulbs. You should therefore choose LED lighting with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI), which will allow you to differentiate between foods, taking into account its original, untainted color.

8- A well-lit work space

To properly light up the countertop area, thus allowing you to safely handle your food, you will need to have a specific spotlight, located primarily under cupboards and tall units. Use energy saving halogen bulbs or incandescent light tubes such as Linestra bulbs.

9- Cabinet interiors

Ideal to have lights installed inside cabinets.

This is a highly practical solution, one of the simplest yet most transforming ideas, especially if you use the type of lights that turn on when the door is opened, allowing you to have light without turning on the main kitchen light. Opt primarily to install energy saving halogen lamps, an ideal lighting alternative.

10- Light options for islands and peninsulas

Both islands and peninsulas are designed to be multifunctional areas, so you should correctly light them up according to their functions: suspended lamps or wall lamps with swivel bulbs for the work area, or specific lighting for the cooking area, or using the light from the extractor fan, for example.

11- Comfortable lighting

You need lighting that makes a space visually comfortable, allowing you to properly transit light areas and create a comfortable atmosphere.

12- Column units with independent light

Columns with removable trays and shelves have become one of the most regularly used items of furniture, especially the ones that are set up to use as a pantry. So if they have their own lighting strip, you will benefit from an extra level of practicality, since it allows you to access and see the products stored in there, easily and efficiently.

13- Well-lit compartmentalized drawers

Compartmentalized drawer systems also have independent lighting systems. Choose the type that best suits your needs, and especially consider the energy-saving options that turn on automatically with a sensor when the drawer is opened. 

14- Extractor hoods with lighting

If you intend to update your extractor hood, choose a model that incorporates a spotlight which you can use to light up the cooking area in a safe and efficient way.

15- A cozy and comfortable office

If you have a space dedicated as your office, you’ll need to have lighting specifically for that area, depending on the size of the desk. To avoid unnecessary confusion, try to leave 80 cm between the light source and the desk.