How to choose kitchen lighting

When it comes to choosing the lighting in your kitchen design for a renovation, the choices can be endless. There's sizing, colours, types and brands... and that's before you even look at what will fit in your space.

To help you along the way, we have put together some things you should consider when choosing kitchen lighting and some lighting strategies to use, as well as a range of other bits and pieces to give you some assistance.

What should you consider when choosing kitchen lighting?

Kitchen layout

The layout of your kitchen will affect the lighting choices you make, as not all layouts are suited to all lighting options. Whether you are creating a U-shaped kitchen, L-shaped kitchen, galley kitchen or anything in between, the layout alters the lighting options available.

Position of lighting

Position of lighting is a big one for so many reasons. Ensuring your kitchen is both functional and visually appealing is largely dependent on the lighting position around your space, from cabinet lighting to pendant lighting to feature lighting and a variety of other options. Being able to use your kitchen, as well as entertain and look good, is super important.

Style of lighting

The style of lighting in your kitchen can offer a range of aesthetic benefits, as well as ensure continuity of theme throughout your home. This is especially important if your kitchen is open-plan, as you should consider whether your lighting style should remain related throughout (not identical though).

Size of lighting

The size of kitchen lighting varies from home to home, and there are so many options to consider when renovating. From large-scale, feature pieces to small downlights, it really depends on your kitchen plans as to what is suited to your needs. This is also related to your lighting positioning, kitchen layout and lighting style choices, so make sure you consider all points together to get the best result.

Budget

When considering lighting, you need to also consider your budget. There is a huge range of lighting options that suit almost any budget, so you will likely be able to find something that fits!

Feature lighting

When completing a kitchen renovation, a big decision is whether to include feature lighting or not. Feature lighting can offer a mood or character to a space that very few other aspects can, and a kitchen can be bought to life with the right lighting.

Smart lighting

Another consideration is smart lighting and its addition to your kitchen. Smart lighting has plenty of benefits when it comes to a kitchen space, as you can have full control of all lighting at all times, however, it isn't an option that is suited to everyone. We also recommend speaking to the team assisting with your renovation to know more.

Dimmers

Finally, dimmers. Dimmers can offer a great range of flexibility when it comes to mood and appeal, however, it is also easy to upset the lighting balance if the lights aren't dimmed just right. To avoid this, consider installing smart lights that offer preset 'scene' options, so you can easily reset the lights to a favoured setting if changes are made.

Remember, this is just a small collection of things to consider - there are many more aspects that can apply to you, your kitchen and your renovation plans that aren't listed here. Feel free to give Haddon Kitchens & Cabinets a call and we could be happy to assist further.

Layered lighting schemes

When it comes to kitchen lighting, if you have been completing some research you will have likely come across the phrase 'layered lighting schemes'. Kitchen spaces are used for so many things, there isn't one light that does it all - you may have lighting that is used over a countertop, under a cabinet or even in a cabinet. A layered lighting scheme, which is a commonly used approach for kitchens, takes into account 4 different lighting styles:

• Accent lighting: Used to bring attention to particular areas of the kitchen, such as artwork or detailing. Example: Wall sconces, uprights and track lights.
• Ambient lighting: Used to create a mood or a particular feel in the room, such as welcoming.
• Decorative lighting: A main feature and adds a particular feel or character to a room. Example: Chandelier.
• Task lighting: Installed to allow actions to be completed, such as prepping meals, cooking and cleaning up. Example: Downlights in a pantry, strip lighting under kitchen cabinets, downlights over a benchtop.

Kitchens can have one or more of the above options incorporated into their layout. Remember, having various lighting sources and types allows you to adapt to aspects such as time of day and use, as the lighting needed to make a coffee at 7 am is likely to be different to the look of the kitchen when you are entertaining guests on a Saturday evening before dinner.

Lighting strategies for your kitchen

To help your kitchen lighting information gathering, here are a few lighting strategies to consider for your space:

• Pendants: Pendant lights are a common choice over a kitchen counter or island, and can become a statement piece if chosen correctly. Figure out whether you are wanting one or multiple pendants in your kitchen, and then look at the options available.
• Under-counter lighting: Installing lights under the lip of the counter helps when you are trying to open the draws below and it is dark - there's nothing worse than not being able to find what you need in a drawer!
• Light shapes: Take a look at the different lighting and fixture options available. There's the traditional oval shape, however, there are also box- and drum-shaped choices (among others) that add some character.
• Fixture style: Fixtures are usually opaque, however choosing translucent options instead can help hide the bulb from view but not interfere with the glow.
• Look at the overall picture: This is a big question when considering the layout of your kitchen - is it open plan? If so, what rooms does it connect to or oversee? Ensuring your lighting choices in your kitchen relate to the surrounding rooms ensures a smooth transition between different spaces. They don't have to be identical, just within the same theme.

Why is lighting so important in your kitchen renovation?

When it comes to lighting and kitchen renovations , ensuring you have as many arrangements installed during the renovation is crucial. Aspects such as skylights are tricky to have installed following the completion of a kitchen renovation and some options, such as under-cabinet lighting, are basically impossible. There is also the cost factor, with lighting that is installed during the renovation process being cheaper and easier to arrange than following completion.

Always speak to a professional regarding your ideas to ensure your kitchen space and its lighting is being bought to life in the way you'd like!

Your professional kitchen renovation specialists

If you have any questions regarding the appropriate lighting for your kitchen renovation, give Haddon Kitchens & Cabinets a call on 07 3204 0399 and we can discuss the options available to you. We are the experts in Brisbane when it comes to all parts of kitchen renovations, get in contact now!

Resources:

Domain (How to choose the right lighting for your kitchen): https://www.domain.com.au/living/kitchen-essential-need-get-right

Houzz (How to choose kitchen lighting): https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/expert-advice-how-to-get-kitchen-lighting-right-stsetivw-vs~26465360