subject: Kitchen Lighting Is Important [print this page] In home decoration, lighting plays an important role. A beautiful chandelier provides a focal point but will be noticed only upon sitting down at the dining table. Likewise, attention will be directed towards the other people around and the cuisine prepared on the table. Other ornaments will capture interest as well, like a nice painting on the wall or a view out the window. So nobody really gapes at the chandelier. The most essential function of any light fixture is the illumination it provides, although the style of the chandelier should reflect the resident's personality and decorating preference.
Lighting in the kitchen, more than any other area in the home, illustrates the role light plays. When all the kitchen lights are turned off in the evening, the room feels very unusual. It is customary therefore to leave a small light on all the time to serve as a night light to guide family members coming into the house or going downstairs for a midnight snack.
Three types of kitchen lighting are popular:
* General lighting. These light fixtures hug the ceiling or could be recessed into the ceiling so they do not take up space while providing basic lighting.
* Task lighting supplies light in work areas, i.e. over the kitchen sink. To insure there is sufficient brightness when performing chores on the counter top, lights are installed under upper kitchen cabinets.
* Accent lighting is ornamental and adds to the kitchen's personality. It also helps to create a mood, especially when put on a dimmer. Depending on kitchen space and budget, accent lighting can be either over-cabinet lighting to expand visual space or toe-kick lighting at the bottom of base cabinets that make the cabinets appear to float.
To maximize the use of lighting, careful planning for the location of switches is also critical. Before picking out and buying lighting fixtures it helps to prepare a lighting design strategy.
A quick assessment must be undertaken before an attempt to improve the existing lighting in any kitchen:
* Determine if there is enough illumination at the ceiling.
* List the top 5 kitchen activities and where they happen. There should be adequate lighting for each activity.
* Turn on all your lights, take some photos and visit a lighting store to get some expert help.
It is important to have a lighting design strategy before you start picking out light fixtures. If you feel something just isn't right in your current kitchen, do a quick assessment of the room - do you have enough light illumination at the ceiling. List your top 5 kitchen activities and where they happen. Do you have enough task lighting for each activity? Still not sure? Turn on all your lights, take some photos and visit a lighting store to get some expert help.
