subject: Kitchen Lighting For Work And Display [print this page] When it comes time to change the old light fixtures in your house, or you get to start from scratch with a new house, give some careful thought to kitchen lighting. Think about where you plan to do the most work. Also, what else will be going on in this popular room: home work? Tea parties and coffee klatches with girlfriends? Does someone you sit at the table doing cross stitch while watching TV? All of these situations require adequate lighting.
People often gravitate towards this room for cups of tea or coffee. Friends gather for a chat. Strangers sit here with tea while you call a tow truck or kids do their homework at the table to be close to mom while she cooks.
In other words, good lighting makes a difference. When teenagers are filling in graphs or writing essays parents aim to reduce strain on their eyes wherever possible. Pendant lights can give a powerful glow accompanied by either a simple pattern that lets the rest of your kitchen decor shine, or something high end involving crystals or stained glass.
Take note of kitchen style: busy patterns on tiles and flooring may call for modest choices of lighting patterns. Otherwise, highlight warm terracotta or espresso walls with Mediterranean or other painted glass options, some featuring brushed metal or bronze. Pendant lighting can take various forms including the upside down umbrella or custom made shapes. Lanterns and lamps come in so many creative possibilities, customers may even want to start from the light, matching colors and patterns from there. Just ensure that your wiring situation is compatible with decorative preferences.
For added ambiance consider low level lighting in other parts of room. This could include under-counter illumination or low wattage lighting within cupboards featuring glass doors. These show up fine china and offer a little bit of guidance on dark nights when you need to find a cold remedy for your child in the night or warm up a bottle for the midnight feed. Though not enough to work by, they provide decorative charm and also enable homeowners to highlight particular features such as kitchen ornaments, antiques or wall tile artistry.
If you expect hot weather or a few burnt casseroles, a ceiling fan does more than add style. It has a distinct purpose. Lights within these come in single or cluster arrangements. Ensure your wiring will accept a ceiling fan before making this significant purchase. Also spend some time thinking about the colors in your kitchen: a fan will add light fixtures and fan blade colors to your overall decor, so make sure everything goes together.
The kitchen island has taken North America by storm. Many homes have them for eating at by tall stools, preparing or presenting food. Ensure proper lighting right over the island. As with your under counter lighting, your chosen effect could be to showcase new counter tops or just the feature itself, as though displaying your kitchen like a work of art.
When you want the option to move lights around or even add some later, track lighting is the way to go. Run some along your ceiling and the effect may draw attention of its own. Lights can pivot around to illuminate whatever parts of the kitchen see the most activity.
