Kitchen Lighting: How to Choose LED Lights for a Kitchen-Dining Room?

    Separate planning for kitchen lighting is no longer just a whim or a “nice-to-have” for clients. It’s practically a must: any interior designer will tell you that lighting requirements differ for each room (bedroom, living room, kitchen, hallway). This is not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functionality: since the kitchen is where food is prepared, everything needs to be as convenient as possible. Well-chosen lighting can transform a kitchen into both a comfortable workspace and a cozy dining area.

    Where to start?

    If you’re renovating, you should plan the lighting at this stage to allow cables to be laid without damaging the finish. If the finish is done first, setting up the lighting will be more complex and expensive. That’s why we recommend ordering a lighting calculation first. This will help determine the optimal number of fixtures for the kitchen, their type, power, and placement.

    What should kitchen lighting be like?

    The most universal option for both large and small kitchens is multi-level lighting. The days of a single chandelier are gone, and it wasn’t very convenient. Now, it’s common to install multiple light sources so that both the workspace and dining area are well-lit.

    You can also add extra decorative spots – there’s no such thing as too much light. However, keep in mind that the workspace requires brighter lighting – about 100 W/m², while 50 W/m² is sufficient for the dining area.

    Ceiling lighting for the kitchen

    There are several options: ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, magnetic tracks. Pendant models are very popular.

    The manufacturer “Barvanor” offers stylish LED fixtures (including for kitchens) in the STICK and FLUX models.

    STICK LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    STICK
    FLUX LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    FLUX

    If you’re interested in track spots, you can choose from the YARN, YODA, TENDER, TRIM, FOND, FINE, GLAZ lines and more – the assortment is huge, offering options for any taste.

    YARN LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    YARN
    TENDER LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    TENDER
    FINE LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    FINE
    GLAZ LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    GLAZ

    By the way, magnetic tracks are one of the best options. They allow you to install almost any number of fixtures, limited only by the length of the track and the power of the power supply unit. Each fixture can have different parameters, light color, and tilt angles, allowing you to adjust them as needed and move them along the track.

    Lighting for the kitchen workspace

    Quality lighting is essential in areas where food is prepared – above the countertop, stove, etc. This is known as local lighting, illuminating a specific area. Overhead fixtures are often used for this. “Barvanor” offers excellent solutions in the form of recessed LED models UNIQUE, PILL, ONE LIGHT, RINO, and many others, which can be installed into kitchen furniture.

    UNIQUE LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    UNIQUE
    PILL LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    PILL
    ONE LIGHT LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    ONE LIGHT
    RINO R LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    RINO R
    RINO S LED fixture by the BARVANOR lighting manufacturer.
    RINO S

    You can also use LED strips for workspace lighting, controlled by a remote or motion sensor.

    Lighting the Dining Area

    If you or your family eat in the kitchen, it’s worth arranging separate lighting for the dining area. Here, you can choose from pendant models like STICK, RAIN, OSLO JAR, UMBRELLA, BUBBLE, FLUX, and others. The chandelier or lamp should be positioned so that the light falls at the center of the table’s surface.

    LED lamp BUBBLE by lighting manufacturer BARVANOR.
    BUBBLE
    LED lamp RAIN by lighting manufacturer BARVANOR.
    RAIN
    LED lamp UMBRELLA by lighting manufacturer BARVANOR.
    UMBRELLA
    LED lamp OSLO JAR by lighting manufacturer BARVANOR.
    OSLO JAR

    For more versatility, it’s better to choose a model where the pendant length can be adjusted. If you don’t want one large chandelier, you can opt for several smaller pendant models. We recommend selecting spotlights with frosted glass to reduce glare.

    Tea table illuminated by OSLO JAR lamps from Barvanor.

    If the dining table is in the corner, try a wall-mounted sconce, such as UP & DOWN. You can also install a magnetic track above the table – a win-win solution.

    LED lamp UP&DOWN by lighting manufacturer BARVANOR.
    UP&DOWN

    Lighting Inside Kitchen Furniture

    It serves two functions:

    • Practical – better visibility of cabinet contents;
    • Aesthetic – it’s simply beautiful and stylish.

    You can install small lamps or LED strips inside cabinets – they are completely safe, as they barely heat up even during constant operation. So, there’s no need to worry about fire hazards! Also, don’t worry about energy consumption – LEDs are the most energy-efficient light sources.

    What Color Should the Light in the Kitchen Be

    The best option for kitchen lighting, furniture, work, and dining areas is white (daylight) or warm light. Interestingly, it’s believed that food looks much more appetizing under warm light, so for table lighting, warm light is the 100% better choice.

    Another tip: if the kitchen layout allows, maximize natural light penetration. Use translucent curtains for this purpose. If your kitchen is on the shaded side, pay special attention to keeping windows clean – wash them slightly more often than usual.

    Useful Tips for Organizing Proper Kitchen Lighting

    • Combine artificial light with natural light. Good lighting isn’t just about visibility but also about creating a good mood;
    • Don’t overdo the number of light sources: excessive light can be uncomfortable for the eyes and lead to extra electricity costs;
    • Forget about one chandelier for the entire kitchen! You need zoning, which means different lights in different places. Lack of light and dark areas are just as irritating as excessive lighting;
    • Don’t be afraid to combine – it’s trendy now to mix magnetic tracks, LED strips, ceiling, wall, and pendant lights of various types. With the right approach, it all looks classy and modern;
    • Stick to minimalism: small lamps, built-in spotlights, tracks embedded in the ceiling – all of these are almost flush, look neat, and are easy to clean;
    • And finally – don’t be afraid to experiment! Your kitchen is your kitchen. If you want the most modern lighting, order a lighting design calculation and get a complete estimate document.

    Kitchen work surface illuminated by daylight.

    Where to Buy LED Kitchen Lighting

    The manufacturer “Barvanor” offers everything for kitchen lighting:

    All of this can be ordered on the official website with delivery to your region. You can also purchase kitchen lighting by phone at +38(099) 963-72-24. Discounts are available for regular customers.

    Lighting Control Systems: how it works, types of systems

    Lighting control system is a solution that allows you to control the operation of lighting fixtures in an apartment, house, or other premises and buildings, as well as outdoors if exterior lighting is available. Besides convenience, lighting control also offers significant energy savings.

    Where does a lighting control system begin?

    The first step is project development.
    Once the organization of lighting is resolved, a processor is selected, which serves as the brain of the entire system.

    Sometimes the processor can be replaced by a set of other control devices. The flexibility and capabilities of the system depend on these devices (or the processor).

    After choosing the control element, the next step involves the execution components. These include relays, dimmers, switches, and other devices. These components are installed according to the project, resulting in an automated lighting control system, often referred to as “smart lighting.”

    What can “smart lighting” do?

    Its functions include the following:

    • Turning lights on/off in a room – if no motion is detected in a room for a specified time, the system automatically turns off the lights. Similarly, it turns them on when motion sensors are triggered.
    • Dimming – adjusting the brightness (intensity) of the lighting, allowing you to set it to your preference.
    • Presence mode activation – in “automatic” mode, lighting turns on and off based on people’s presence and the ambient light level.
    • Setting up various lighting scenarios – if the preprogrammed combinations don’t suit you, you can configure your own.
    • Turning lights on/off based on time of day or clock settings – you can configure the system to turn lights on depending on the intensity of natural light or specific times of the day.
    • Adjusting light brightness for specific times of the day – for instance, you can set the same fixture to emit different intensities: bright in the evening, dim at night.
    • Turning off all lighting in the house with just one button in a mobile app or a wall switch.
    • Integration with a “smart home” system.

    How to Control “Smart Lighting”

    There are several ways to control lighting. The simplest and most affordable is using switches, each assigned a specific function. A more advanced option is a touch panel on the wall, which works similarly but offers a more modern and convenient solution.

    You can also control lighting using a remote control, allowing you to move freely around your home and manage lighting zones.

    Tuya Smart

    The most convenient way, however, is through a smartphone or tablet. Here, the Tuya Smart app stands out as a smart home management solution where you can easily integrate “smart lighting.”

    Lighting control system - Tuya Smart

    This allows you to manage all “smart” systems via your smartphone. Moreover, with this app, you can control not only lighting but also sockets, appliances, and more, as it provides access to 13 categories (not types!) of electrical devices.

    Most Popular Lighting Control Systems

    1-10V

    The 1-10V protocol is one of the first lighting control systems, known for its simplicity and ease of use.

    Dimming is done by turning the switch: for maximum brightness, turn it clockwise to the limit – roughly 10V. Conversely, turning it counterclockwise decreases brightness. Turning it off requires a full counterclockwise turn until a distinct click.

    Dimmer for 1-10V lighting control system by Barvanor

    DALI

    The next step in lighting control is DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), one of the most widely used systems.

    DALI lighting control system logo

    It uses digital signals for more precise and flexible control via a DALI controller, which can be a computer-based system with software or a brightness regulator.

    A DALI system consists of the following components:

    • Controller
    • Bus power supply
    • Input devices – sensors, buttons
    • Control elements connected in a network

    Each DALI LED driver and light source is assigned a unique address to operate according to a specific scenario.

    A driver regulates the current supplied to an LED or group of LEDs, preventing overload. The system supports up to 64 control devices and the same number of monitoring devices.

    Zigbee

    Among the popular lighting control systems, Zigbee is also worth mentioning.

    Simply put, it’s a wireless communication method for devices, similar to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Zigbee does not require a controller – it is based on a mesh network where connections are maintained by wireless nodes (essentially small transmitters).

    Illustration of Zigbee lighting control system

    Even if one node fails, the system continues to work. The system supports up to 65,000 nodes. You can integrate devices from different manufacturers into one network, provided they support the Zigbee protocol. You can control everything right from your phone!

    Advantages of Using Lighting Control Systems

    Why many choose “smart lighting”:

    • Ease of use – control lighting conveniently via a smartphone, tablet, switches, or remote control.
    • Comfort – set various scenarios for different device groups to create a cozy atmosphere in your home, apartment, or office.
    • Energy efficiency – integrate motion sensors to ensure your lighting operates optimally, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
    • Home security – if the house is unoccupied for an extended time, you can set lighting scenarios to simulate presence, deterring intruders.

    How to Order a Lighting Control System

    “Barvanor” is a domestic manufacturer of track lighting and LED fixtures that also specializes in 1-10V, DALI, and Zigbee systems for residential and commercial spaces.

    You can place an order on the company’s website by submitting an online request. If you’re interested in this offer, click the “Get Price List” button to view the prices!

    Lighting for bars, cafés, and restaurants: ideas, tips, rules

    The commercial success of a café or restaurant largely depends on comfort.
    Lighting plays a significant role in creating it. Therefore, those who value their investments often pay separately for lighting design as an investment in the future.

    Lighting should highlight the establishment’s advantages, interior details, and create an appropriate atmosphere.
    Moreover, if the lighting is not right, you might lose customers — this has been proven in practice.

    In this article, we provide recommendations for lighting cafés, bars, and restaurants that we hope will help you make the right decisions.

    What tasks should lighting accomplish in a café?

    Café, restaurant, bar — it doesn’t matter.
    We are talking about a place where people can relax, drink, and eat.

    The primary task of lighting is its direct function, i.e., illuminating the space.
    But another key task is to divide the space into zones. To summarize, the tasks of lighting in a café, restaurant, or bar can be outlined as follows:

    • Attracting customers — this is the role of signage, façade and outdoor lighting, and entry lighting. Don’t forget to light up thresholds, stairs, and steps.
    • Creating a comfortable atmosphere in the hall — achieved by combining general, ambient, and local lighting fixtures.
    • Altering the interior — throughout the day, the use of lighting control systems (e.g., DALI or ZigBee) can change the look without moving furniture or decor.
    • Ensuring proper working conditions for staff in the kitchen, bar, and other workspaces.
    • Zoning — highlighting areas like tables, lounges, karaoke zones, dance floors, VIP sections, and bars with lighting (e.g., track lighting).

    Track lighting fixtures

    What should not be in bar lighting?

    For a classic bar, café, or restaurant — a place where people come to relax, chat, and spend time — bright lights are entirely inappropriate.

    Bright lighting suits fast-food places, snack bars, and quick-service restaurants where customers need to grab their food and leave quickly.

    For bars, cafés, or restaurants, softer, intimate lighting is ideal. For example, you can use “Barvanor” recessed spotlights from the UNIQUE, PILL, or REVOLVE MINI lines.

    LED spotlight UNIQUE by BARVANOR.
    UNIQUE
    LED spotlight PILL by BARVANOR.
    PILL
    LED spotlight REVOLVE MINI by BARVANOR.
    REVOLVE MINI

    What lighting fixtures are suitable for restaurants?

    For such establishments, wall-mounted (recessed or suspended), ceiling, floor, and table lamps, as well as track systems (magnetic rails with spotlights), are commonly used.

    If you prefer a large chandelier, it should be a single piece,
    for example, the UMBRELLA 1200 or 1000 mm model.

    LED chandelier UMBRELLA by BARVANOR.
    UMBRELLA

    Don’t like chandeliers?
    Then try another modern option — hidden recessed spotlights, grouped together to create the effect of a large light source.
    The light sources themselves are concealed with diffusing profiles.

    Recessed spotlights can be used in any quantity, as long as they’re appropriate.

    Lighting bars and restaurants: rules and tips

    • Lighting should highlight dishes and drinks attractively.
    • The bar should be well-lit to immediately catch the eye of someone entering from the street.
    • The atmosphere created by lighting is much more important than architectural design.
    • Each table should have its own light source.
    • Lighting should have a dimming function for intensity adjustment.
    • Multifunctional venues benefit from track systems.
    • Plan lighting activation and deactivation to avoid opening or closing in darkness.
    • Place dimmers and switches away from tables to avoid disturbing guests.
    • If natural light enters the venue, conduct a lighting calculation to understand how to combine natural and artificial lighting.
    • Consider the number of reflective surfaces in your design.
    • The best color temperature for restaurant lighting is neutral white (3200−4000 K).
    • Plan multiple lighting scenarios, utilizing lighting control systems.
    • A bright light source is necessary for cleaning and organizing before opening or after closing.

    Winning lighting ideas

    In establishments where people eat and relax, lighting levels matter.
    This means lighting each table individually rather than providing uniform light across the room, creating an “island” effect in the hall.

    Walls can also be softly lit. For this, we recommend subtle “Barvanor” UP & DOWN model wall lamps.

    LED lamp UP&DOWN by BARVANOR.
    UP&DOWN

    In lounge areas, soft lighting is best, with recessed spotlights.
    Entrances and decorative elements should also be lit with dimmer light than the main lighting.

    Diffused lighting works well in restaurants and bars, achieved with lampshades and fixtures set in recesses.

    For a romantic atmosphere, use adjustable colored lighting, which can create different moods by changing color and intensity.

    Mix light and dark zones. Generally, guest areas are darker, while bars and open kitchens are brighter. You can also play with light and dark zones on guest tables by brightening the center and dimming the edges.

    Where to buy lighting for restaurants, cafés, and bars

    In this article, we mentioned “Barvanor” — a Ukrainian manufacturer of track lighting and LED fixtures for homes, offices, and restaurants, cafés, bars, and other establishments.

    From basic, ambient, decorative, or zonal lighting, you can order everything on the company’s website, along with lighting calculations and control systems.

    Explore prices and the lighting catalog on the “Barvanor” website.

    To purchase tracks, fixtures, or other products, leave a request or call +38(099) 963-72-24.
    Delivery is available to Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities in Ukraine.