There is nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of cooking dinner and realizing that you can’t see what you’re doing. A good kitchen light fixture can make all the difference in the world when it comes to visibility and safety. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best kitchen lighting options, as well as how to choose the right ones for your home.
Types of Kitchen Lighting:
Recessed Lights
One of the most popular kitchen light fixtures on the market today is recessed lighting. Recessed lights are installed into the ceiling and provide a focused, directed light that is perfect for task lighting. One of the benefits of recessed lighting is that it can be installed in a variety of locations, so you can choose exactly where you need the light the most. You can read our post on recessed lighting here.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are another popular option for kitchen lighting. Pendant lights hang down from the ceiling and provide a softer, diffused light that is perfect for ambient lighting. Pendant lights are often used in conjunction with other kitchen light fixtures, such as recessed lighting, to provide a well-rounded lighting scheme. Pendant lights are a great option for an eating area within a larger kitchen to delineate the space and provide a more intimate atmosphere when enjoying a meal.
Under Cabinet Lights
If you have cabinets in your kitchen, then under cabinet lights are a must-have. Under cabinet lights provide task lighting for countertops and other work surfaces. They are also great for accentuating certain areas of the kitchen, such as the backsplash or the island. Under cabinet lights can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match your kitchen’s décor.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are another popular kitchen light fixture. Wall sconces provide accent lighting and can be used to highlight specific areas of the kitchen, such as artwork or architectural features.
Flush Mount Light Fixture
A flush mount light fixture is a great option if you are looking for a kitchen light fixture that is both stylish and functional. Flush mount light fixtures are installed directly onto the ceiling and provide a sleek, modern look. They are perfect for task lighting and are an economical option, especially suited to smaller kitchens.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is a versatile kitchen light fixture that can be used for task lighting, accent lighting, or ambient lighting. Track lighting consists of a series of lights that are mounted on a track. The track can be installed in a variety of locations, so you can choose exactly where you need the light the most. Track lighting can offer a lot of flexibility in where you place your lights, often without having to install new wiring inside your walls or ceiling.
Chandelier
A chandelier is a classic kitchen light fixture that can add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Chandeliers are best suited to large kitchens with high ceilings. They most often have traditional styling, however there are many modern chandelier styles as well, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen’s décor. Chandeliers are typically used for ambient lighting, but they can also be used for task lighting or accent lighting.
Dimmer Switches
Although dimmer switches are not a fixture type, one of the best things you can do for your kitchen lighting is to install dimmer switches. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of your kitchen light fixtures, so you can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. For example you need bright light for food preparation when you are actually cooking or baking, but you may want to lower the light level when you are enjoying your meal. Especially if you have an eat-in kitchen, a dimmer switch will allow you to transition from task lighting to mood lighting at a moment’s notice.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Light Fixture
Now that you know some of the most popular kitchen light fixtures on the market, how do you choose the right one for your home? The first step is to determine what type of lighting you need. Do you need task lighting? Ambient lighting? Accent lighting? Once you have an idea of the type of lighting you need, you can start narrowing down your options.
Next, take into account the style of your kitchen. What is the overall décor? Is it modern? Traditional? Rustic? Once you have an idea of the style of your kitchen, you can start narrowing down your options to light fixtures that will complement the rest of the room.
Finally, consider your budget. Kitchen light fixtures can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. So, it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect kitchen light fixture for your home without breaking the bank!
Wiring and Installation for Your New Kitchen Lighting
If you’re not an experienced electrician, then it’s best to leave the wiring and installation of your new kitchen light fixtures to the professionals. Here at OHM Electrical Contracting, our licenced electricians can wire your kitchen and install any light fixture you have in mind. Contact OHM today to get started!
