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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where to Buy LED Kitchen Lighting
The manufacturer "Barvanor" offers everything for kitchen lighting:
- Magnetic tracks
- Ceiling lights
- Wall lights
- Pendant, recessed lights
- Spots, point lights
- Lights built into furniture and much more.
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.