Do you need natural lighting in the kitchen? Ideal kitchen lighting: what is important to know? LED illumination of the working area

The kitchen is practically the heart of any living space. The fact is that in the kitchen they prepare delicious food, as well as receive important guests.

Therefore, any kitchen should have its own unique and original look, while there should be a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The kitchen should not have unnecessary and unnecessary items that will spoil the interior of the room, while the design of the kitchen must meet the highest requirements.

It should be noted that the kitchen should be equipped with everything you need: tables, chairs, stove, refrigerator, extractor hood, sink. However, the lighting in the kitchen is not unimportant, it contributes to a better perception of the room.

At the same time, when installing lighting in the interior of the kitchen, it is necessary to pay attention to the dimensions of the room and its features, it is imperative to take into account the color scheme of the entire interior, as well as the degree of illumination by natural light.

Thus, choosing lighting elements for the kitchen is a very troublesome business, so in this article you can see illustrated photos of lighting in the kitchen.

Small kitchen and lighting

Kitchens with a modest size of their area focus on the place for dining, in this case, the lamp has its location above the place where the dining table is located.

This is a classic version of the location of the lighting element. In this case, it is best to use a conventional lampshade with height adjustment, which is very convenient and practical.

One more is not enough important point is that kitchens with small areas do not have a lot of extra space for installing pendant lights, since a lot of space is occupied by wall cabinets due to which lighting does not get to the working area of ​​the countertop.

Therefore, in this case, such lamps must be installed in certain places, for example, under the bottom of wall cabinets.

Same way additional lighting can give a modern hood, which has built-in lighting elements.

Features of lighting the kitchen-living room

In a room of this type, it is mainly necessary to focus on zonal areas, while emphasizing their contrast. In this case, it is best to use an ordinary chandelier or a small sconce.

For convenience and simplicity, the switches are installed in several places, and each switch has its own section, where the lighting elements illuminate a certain area of ​​the room.

Kitchen-dining room and lighting of its space

In this case, the location of the dining table is usually in the center, which means that the lighting should be exactly above this place.

But, you can also additionally install small decorative-type lamps that additionally illuminate darkened areas.

ceiling lighting

In this case, the main task is to equally illuminate the entire room as a whole. Therefore, in this case, it is recommended to install the so-called “spot lighting in the kitchen”, which will cope well with this task and will be able to brightly scatter light over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

But, if there is no desire to install spotlights, then you can install an ordinary hanging lamp. Only such a lamp, they say, will it be able to brightly illuminate the entire room, so you will need to install a few more lighting elements.

The secrets of highlighting the working triangle

The place where there should be the greatest and most intense lighting is the work area, or just a tabletop. However, if your kitchen has an individual project, then the lighting elements will already be included with the kitchen.

At the same time, it should be noted that this option is very costly in financial terms.

Not to mention the special LED lighting in the kitchen, which is mounted in an aluminum or plastic profile. At the same time, the countertop will have a bright and saturated light around the entire perimeter of the working area and not only.

This type of lighting can also serve as a decor, which is certainly very beautiful and elegant.

LED lighting has one distinctive feature from other lamps, it is the ability to adjust the brightness and saturation of light, and all this can be done remotely at a distance, which is very convenient. But you can install a regular switch.

How to light up a dining table

Many designers believe that kitchen lighting design is a very complex operation. Therefore, in order for the place where the dining table is located to have bright and rich lighting, designers use their secrets to achieve this goal.

However, the most common question is a pendant lamp, usually a stylish lampshade that needs to be adjustable in height. At the same time, the height at which the lamp should be installed should not exceed one and a half meters from the surface of the dining table.

It is clear that the illumination of the kitchen must meet high requirements, it is necessary to use lamps that are made of special glass, while the material itself must be almost transparent or matte.

It is not recommended to install lampshades and lamps that are made of various fabrics in kitchens. The fact is that in the kitchen during cooking, a lot of steam and moisture are released, which negatively affects the fabric of the lamp. In addition, such lamps cannot be cleaned.

In kitchens with a large area, you can install not only a hanging lamp, but also modern spotlights.

All these lighting elements will illuminate the room very effectively, as well as brightly and contrastingly illuminate the place where the dining table will be located. As a rule, spotlights are installed in special recesses made of drywall.

Additional lighting in the kitchen: where and why

Kitchen lighting should not be provided solely by outdoor lighting alone; you can additionally use special lighting elements that are built into the structures of the wall cabinets themselves. Therefore, this type of lighting in the kitchen is considered very practical and convenient.

Also quite an interesting way of lighting is the interior lighting of furniture located in the kitchen. Lighting of this type is carried out using a special tape, which has bright diodes.

At the same time, the use of such elements is very safe from a fire point of view, since the LEDs do not heat up during prolonged use.

In addition, lighting of this class has a high energy savings, which ultimately saves money on electricity bills. Therefore, the LEDs can be left on for a long time.

Currently, LEDs are very popular, the fact is that such a backlight, in addition to its main lighting function, also performs a decorative function.

Also, the diode tape can be installed almost anywhere, which makes it universal. It can be easily installed on a plinth or under a tabletop, but in both cases the lighting effect will be quite amazing.

If you want to install lighting elements yourself, then you will need to pay special attention to: the height of the room, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen, the structural features of the room.

Do not rely solely on only one light source. The fact is that even one large chandelier will not be able to completely cover the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room with its light.

Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to make a variety of lighting equipment, while choosing the necessary lamp model that is suitable for your room.

Last but not least is energy conservation. Lamps of this type are much more expensive, but on the other hand they have a high percentage of energy saving.

Conclusion

Making your right choice of kitchen lighting is not always easy and simple. This article will help you make the right kitchen lighting, as well as introduce you to additional subtleties and practical tips.

If misunderstandings arise somewhere, then in the article you can see various options for photo lighting in the kitchen.

Photo of lighting in the kitchen

Traditionally in our country, the kitchen is not only a place where food is prepared, but also a place for eating and private gatherings. Therefore, the lighting in the kitchen should be not only practical, but also beautiful and comfortable.

Principles and Requirements

A kitchen is a room in which there are at least two zones with different purposes - a working area for cooking and a dining area. From different purposes, different requirements for lighting the kitchen follow: in the working area there should be bright lighting that allows you to see everything clearly, and in the dining area - softer.

But zoned kitchen lighting does not exclude the presence of a chandelier. Its functional significance is small, since the light spot is obtained in the center of the room, which remains mostly empty. But from the point of view of leveling uneven illumination, this method is very good. Alternatively, you can use several spotlights, as in the photo above, or install built-in ceiling lights if the ceiling is stretched or suspended from.

It is necessary to think about lighting the kitchen even at the stage of repair, when it is assembled, the wiring is pulled, the places for installing sockets and switches are marked. Later, after the repair is completed, it is very problematic to do this - you have to lay the wiring on top or in.

Illumination standards

When you are just planning lighting in the kitchen, the question arises of how many fixtures are needed and how much power. It's simple: there are lighting standards for each room for the kitchen, this is 150 Lux per square meter. Considering the illumination in Watts is no longer relevant, since a 7 W LED lamp can produce light like a 50 W incandescent lamp or 650 Lm.

For example, let's calculate how much light is required for a 12 m2 kitchen. To do this, we multiply its area by the norm: 12 m2 * 150 Lx = 1800 Lx. And since 1 Lux is equal to 1 Lumen, it is necessary to install light bulbs, which in total give at least 1800 Lm.

If you decide to do zoned lighting, that is, the work surface will be illuminated separately, there will be your own light source above the table, it makes sense to consider everything separately. To do this, the kitchen plan must be divided into zones, calculate the area and, based on these figures, select the number of lamps and lamps for them. Just keep in mind that two 50W lamps in total will not give as much light as one 100W lamp, but about 1/3 less.

Lamp type, color and light

Another important point. When choosing lighting, it is best to choose the same type of lamps: halogen, LED, daylight. In extreme cases, you can combine two types, but it is better not to use all three. They give different lighting and it is almost impossible to get a sane result. We are not talking about incandescent lamps, since they are already used very rarely: they require too much electricity, giving out a small amount of light.

In addition to the type of lamps, it is necessary to choose lamps that give light of the same color, which is also called the color temperature of the lamps. They can give light with a blue, yellow, white tint. In principle, you choose, but the best option is natural or neutral. It is better for the eyes and for the perception of colors.

General lighting in the kitchen

Now let's figure out what ways you can make general lighting in the kitchen. The traditional option is a chandelier. But it does not fit into every modern interior, however, it has a place to be.

Traditional general lighting - a chandelier in the middle of the ceiling

Often kitchens are not square, but rectangular in shape. In this case, you can find a chandelier, elongated in length. For a long and narrow room, this is the best option, which will provide optimal light distribution.

With low ceilings, it will not be possible to hang a chandelier - it will interfere. The way out is to find the lamp almost flat. It can be square or round - which one is more suitable for the selected one.

If you are going to make a suspended or stretch ceiling, you can “scatter” spotlights over the surface or create some kind of pattern from them (read about ways to place spotlights and more). You can also make the backlight around the perimeter of the "central" zone. Such lighting in the kitchen visually helps to raise the ceiling, making the room a little more spacious.

All these methods can be combined, so the number of options is very large. But it is important not to forget that there is still lighting for two other zones and look for lighting fixtures for her at once, because they must match in style.

Dining area lighting

The light near the dining table can be made in just two variations: a sconce story, one or more lamps on a long cord from the ceiling.

You can use the sconce if the table is near the wall. When choosing the location of a wall lamp, there are two considerations: the degree of illumination and convenience. The lamp should not interfere, for which it is placed at a height of 60-80 cm above the table top. In order for it to illuminate the entire table, it is advisable to find a model that allows you to bring the ceiling away from the wall.

To ensure that the lighting in the kitchen is not only bright, but also beautiful, all lamps, chandeliers, sconces are selected in the same style, which should also be in harmony with the overall design style.

Work surface illumination

There are more nuances in lighting the working area in the kitchen. First of all, you need to decide where to place the fixtures, then choose their type, type and shape of the lamps.

Location selection

When illuminating the working area in the kitchen, lamps are usually placed on the underside of hanging cabinets. And this is the best possible option. Because everyone else is much worse. For example, if the light source is on the ceiling (position 1 in the photo), standing with your back to it you block the light. Even if the luminaires are located along the line, but high - on the ceiling or slightly above the level of the upper cabinets (position 2) - only a narrow part of the working surface from the edge is illuminated, the rest is in the shade. Therefore, the illumination of the working area in the kitchen is done by fixing the lighting fixtures at the bottom of the cabinets. Then the lighting in the kitchen has a pronounced zonal character, but it is much more convenient to work this way.

Here again there are options: the lamps can be placed closer to the wall, in the middle, closer to the outer edge of the cabinets. The best option is closer to the outer edge (position 4). So the lighting is most effective with fewer shadows in the work area. The third option is also good. It is somewhat worse in terms of illumination, but more practical in implementation.

So that the lighting in the kitchen does not interfere

If the illumination of the working surface in the kitchen is done at the bottom of the cabinets, other problems arise:

1. Not everyone is satisfied appearance lamps attached in this place.
2. The light hits the eyes of people sitting at the table.

Both of these problems have one solution: it is necessary to put a decorative bar that will cover the lamp and limit the spread of light. It turns out that the lighting in the kitchen is softer and the lighting fixtures themselves are not visible.

The location of the bar, its height, the position of the lamp must be selected on the spot: light sources have different heights, different brightness, the luminous flux can also be directed in different ways. Therefore, you select the parameters of the bar experimentally. Ideally, if the light does not fall even on the floor, but will only illuminate the countertop.

Alternatively, the bar can be designed as a small shelf for various kitchen trifles. Usually decor or jars of spices are displayed here. If you don't like this idea, just do the plank. If you think that even the plank spoils the look or it just doesn’t fit into the style, make a double bottom in the cabinets, hiding the light sources inside. In this case, you can install frosted glass, which will soften the light.

The door in this case is made along the entire length, although this is not necessary. In order to avoid problems with fastening the glass, an aluminum corner can be installed around the perimeter of the bottom, on which you can simply lay a piece of frosted glass or translucent polycarbonate cut to size.

Spot lighting

When organizing lighting in the kitchen in the working area, you immediately need to decide what type of light sources you will use. There are two options - point and tubular. In the case of using spotlights, it turns out such a “zebra”, the contrast of which can be negated by more frequent installation of light bulbs.

The advantage of this solution is that the lamps are quite decorative and such lighting looks beautiful. Minus - it is not always convenient when cooking. Another drawback: spotlights are quite high and they can only be installed with a second bottom in the cabinets.

If you choose this way to make lighting in the kitchen, take LED lamps. Now they are the most economical - with low power consumption they give a lot of light, they last a long time. In this case, their undoubted plus is that they practically do not heat up, so nothing threatens the furniture. The option is a little worse - halogen lamps (they heat up, "pull" a little more electricity), even less economical - fluorescent lamps with a conventional cartridge, and the most unfortunate - incandescent lamps.

Linear light sources

When using linear fixtures, the illumination is almost uniform, since the lighting fixtures can be mounted with a distance of a couple of centimeters between them.

When choosing light sources for linear lighting, there are even more options and the range is expanding all the time. Perhaps there are already new tools that few people know about yet. In the meantime, there are three of them: LED strip, LED and fluorescent lamps. There is also neon lighting, but it is quite difficult to install, and it costs more. Therefore, lighting in the kitchen with neon tubes or flexible hoses is almost never done.

LED Strip Light

Tape and LEDs can be mounted simply on furniture, as it has a sticky layer. But this layer is unreliable, therefore they prefer to fix it in some way - with double tape, staples from. If you intend to fix the tape directly on the furniture, choose models with a high level of protection - IP44 and higher. But it is better not to take those that are soldered in a tube - at home they overheat (especially in the kitchen), quickly fade, and soon burn out. For this case, it is better to take types filled with varnish or other protective composition.

When choosing an LED strip to illuminate the work surface in the kitchen, you need to pay attention to the brightness and size of the crystals. You need to choose the largest 50 * 50 or 50 * 75, and it is better if they are located in two rows. Their total power should give no less light than determined in the calculations. Read about the types of LED strips and the rules for their installation.

You can install the LED strip in special profiles (they are also called cable channels or trays). They are usually made of aluminum and have a transparent or translucent removable front panel. Inside there may be a shelf on which the tape itself is attached. These are the most convenient types, while others have to be tricky.

The advantages of installing LED backlight in such a tray - there is no point in worrying about the degree of protection of the tape, a decent appearance. The disadvantage is less bright light, so the power of the crystals must be greater than the calculated one. In any case, lighting in the kitchen using LED strips is becoming more and more popular. The reason for this is ease of installation and low power consumption.

LED kitchen lighting

LED lamps can be not only point or conventional - in the form of a pear with a standard base. There are also tubes.

They are mounted on clips - plates that are mounted on furniture, into which tubes are inserted. Some can be mounted on magnets. Reciprocal metal plates are attached to the furniture (you can use double-sided tape), and the lamps are simply attracted to them due to the magnets built into the body (Sensor model).

Fluorescent lamps

Tubular fluorescent lamps are a traditional way of lighting. They are good because they are switched on directly to 220 V, while LED ones require a special adapter that will give the required voltage.

Disadvantages have been known for a long time - the pulsation of light, which negatively affects the eyes. There is one more not very pleasant moment: LEDs are more economical. They consume very little electricity and last longer. Their service life is estimated in thousands of hours. Fluorescent lamps have to be changed much more often (every five), but they cost less. In general, it is up to you what type of lamp you want to use when lighting the kitchen.

Fluorescent lamps for kitchen lighting can be stylish

If you decide to light the kitchen with fluorescent lamps, the optimal size is the G13 base (diameter 26 mm). In length, they can be 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm. There are different models today - from the usual to quite pretty ones (as in the photo above).

It is possible, as mentioned above, to hide such lamps in a double bottom by installing light-scattering glass. In this case, you can buy the most inexpensive lamps. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to save money - the costs for the profile for installing glass and the glass itself are either equivalent or may even turn out to be more.

As you can see, it is better to make the lighting in the kitchen multi-zone, and use it on this moment better LEDs. Lamps are quite expensive, but economical, they shine brightly, they work for a long time and do not heat up.

Chandeliers and lamps in the kitchen-living room promise to be one of the frequently discussed topics in the coming years, as the combined kitchen-living rooms are becoming more popular in the Russian market.

Accordingly, many questions arise about their design, since this form of kitchen and living room is still quite new for us, the collective experience in its arrangement has not yet been accumulated, so when it comes to designing such a combined space, people usually get lost.

Since light is one of the key stages of repair, I will start a series of articles about kitchen-living rooms with it. How to distribute the conclusions under the light in the kitchen-living room and - the burning question - how to choose chandeliers and lamps.

At first - a boring, but paramount question - the conclusions of the electrical wiring under the ceiling light. Lighting should correspond to the functional areas of the kitchen-living room, that is, before the start of the repair, you need to decide where the kitchen set, sofa, dining table and (if any) bar counter will be. This is necessary in order to draw a conclusion for the overhead light (chandelier, ceiling lamp, suspension, dots, etc.) above each functional area with independent switches for each.

Why should you first decide on the layout of the kitchen-living room and draw conclusions under the light in accordance with it? Because otherwise (when conclusions under the light are made “from the bulldozer” or according to the principle of symmetry), such a strange thing can turn out:

Here we see two extra lamps - one lamp-ball in the center of the room and one near the right wall. What are they needed for? No answer. The money has been spent, there is no sense in these lamps, from the point of view of design - one harm.

Another anti-example in the photo below:

In this kitchen-living room, ceiling lights were also distributed according to the principle of symmetry. As a result, as you can see, they divide the room not into functional areas, but into strange squares, and some of the lamps illuminate the far wall of the kitchen-living room, where there are exits to the corridor and to the adjacent room. Why are they there? At the same time, there is no full-fledged overhead light above the headset in the cooking zone. So, very important:

– determine the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen-living room before designing electrical wiring

– draw conclusions under the light where it is needed

Use common sense when planning furniture and fixtures. Here is a funny anti-example in the photo below:

Very nice kitchen-living room, isn't it? Now take a closer look at how functional areas are distributed in it: the kitchen and dining table are located at opposite walls of the room, and the sofa area is in the middle. This means that with all the hot plates you need to run from the headset to the dining table across the room. As a result, when the owners get tired of it, the dining table will move to the bar counter, and for some reason, two beautiful, but completely unnecessary lamps will hang on the opposite wall.

- make sure that the layout of the furniture in your kitchen-living room is comfortable for life, and only then plan the lamps and chandeliers

Well, it's time to bring good example distribution of chandeliers and lamps in the kitchen-living room Please, here it is in the photo below:

This is the kitchen-living room, obviously after redevelopment, and here you see a very successful selection and competent distribution of ceiling lamps - soft diffused light in the sofa area, cheerful suspensions above the bar counter, which also serves as a dining table, and a ball lamp in the kitchen area. All lamps are different, but combined with each other (however, the compatibility of lamps will be further).

Here is a diametrically opposite in design, but just as convenient and reasonable distribution of ceiling lights:

There is a much more ascetic selection here (all lamps are the same), but the principle of light distribution is the same - over functional areas, and it works!

Now about some of the nuances associated with the size and zoning of your kitchen-living room. The following rule applies here:

- the more spacious the kitchen-living room and the higher the ceilings in it, the more important it is to have an overhead light for each functional area

– the smaller the kitchen-living room and the lower the ceilings, the less ceiling lights it should have

In small kitchen-living rooms (for example, resulting from the combination of a small kitchen and an adjacent room in Khrushevka and panels), you can make only two conclusions on the ceiling for chandeliers and lamps - one above the set and one above the sofa area and neglect the additional lamp above the dining room table. If the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen-living room is 15-25 square meters. m and it is not narrow and long, then two ceiling lights are enough to fully illuminate it. No need to "partial" ceiling light in a small room. Here is a good example in the photo below:

This photo was taken in such a way that the kitchen-living room seems spacious, but in fact it has dimensions of approximately 560 * 300 cm, and two ceiling lights are enough for comfortable lighting, and with its small area, zoning with light is no longer necessary - hanging lamps above a bar counter and a dining table would only “shred” the room, so they were reasonably abstained from.

In addition, in small kitchen-living rooms, if the dining table is shifted to the sofa wall, it is also not necessary to make a separate ceiling lamp above it, you can simply hang one chandelier in the center above this area, as in the photo below:

The dimensions of the sofa-dining area are approximately 320 * 460 cm. For this space, the existing chandelier is quite enough, which is correctly placed in the center of the zone. Hangers above the bar counter are also in their place - they are both decorative and comfortable.

A similar example is in the photo below:

In this kitchen-living room, the dining table is also located in the sofa area, and it is beautifully lit by a chandelier hung in the center of the area. And above the headset is a separate light.

And vice versa - if the dining table is shifted to the headset area, it makes no sense to allocate a lamp for it - you need to hang one chandelier in the center in the kitchen-dining area.

And yet, even if we follow the rule “the smaller the room, the fewer ceiling lights in it”, even in a small kitchen-living room, at least two ceiling lights should be made: one in the kitchen area and one in the sofa area. Try to find the mistake in the anti-example in the photo below:

Here, pendants above the dining table are the only source of overhead light. This means that the light from them will constantly hit the eyes of people sitting on the sofa facing the kitchen. This is extremely uncomfortable. As a result, either the sofa will be turned 90 degrees counterclockwise to sit with its back to the kitchen, or the overhead light will turn off and a large floor lamp will be placed in the sofa area. Well, or the ceiling will be re-chased and a second conclusion will be made under the chandelier in the sofa area

Now let's focus on the second point in planning chandeliers and lamps in the kitchen-living room - on their selection. How should chandeliers and ceiling lights fit together in a combined kitchen-living room?

The easiest way is to pick them up from one collection:

It is recommended to select chandeliers and lamps from the same collection in small kitchen-living rooms - if you want to reduce the visual fragmentation of the interior.

In the kitchen-living room in the photo on the left, they did just that, because the dimensions of the room are small, and this is the right decision, although I would move the lamps above the bar to the sofa area (I think you too). So:

– chandeliers and lamps in the kitchen-living room can be the same (recommended for small areas)

The second way to combine lamps and chandeliers in the kitchen-living room is to choose not the same, but not polar opposites, but similar ones.

Oddly enough, but this is one of the most difficult ways, especially if the shades of the chandeliers are not perfectly white, but painted. Similar, but different shades of shades can give an ugly disparity in daylight. Therefore, with this approach, it is better to choose lamps and chandeliers with white shades.

_________________

So, the second way to choose chandeliers and lamps in the kitchen-living room:

– choose lamps and chandeliers of the same color (preferably white), but of different shapes

It is also possible that one of the lamps is colored and the other (others) is white, but this method is used extremely rarely.

But, of course, lamps and chandeliers in the kitchen-living room can be completely different:

The ascetic modern light above the set (dots, a laconic overhead lamp with a white shade, etc.) goes well with the classic chandelier in the sofa area. But more contrasting solutions are also possible:

The classic chandelier in the sofa area gets along well with the brutal dark lamp above the dining table. Please note that this dark lamp appeared here for a reason - it supports the color of kitchen appliances.

So, the third way to choose chandeliers and lamps in the kitchen-living room:

– a chandelier in the sofa area can contrast in style and color with the light in the kitchen area

But it is also not necessary to reach the point of absurdity in the selection of contrasting styles:

Lighting in the kitchen is an important issue that faces the owners in the process of repairing and designing an apartment.

Natural light is the most favorable and comfortable, but it is often not enough indoors.

In this regard, it is necessary to consciously approach the issue of choosing artificial light sources. It is especially important to properly install LED strip lighting for a small kitchen, the design of which largely depends on how the light falls.

A professional approach and timely technical work can solve this issue and provide coziness and comfort.

In this article, we will present you with various ideas and lighting options for the kitchen, both as a separate space and combined with the living room.

Lighting modes

To choose the right design for the room, you must first select the LED lighting of a certain type.

There are several lighting modes: central, special and directional.

The central light is used for the common kitchen space and is achieved through the use of ceiling lights, recessed lamps or light paths.

Special LED lighting solves the problem of light in the work area and is mainly built-in lighting for cabinets and overhanging elements.

Directional LED also serves as an assistant in the issue of zoning the kitchen and highlights certain parts of the room.

Since the described modes perform different tasks, they must be controlled by separate switches or dimmers.

The design of an apartment largely depends on the use of different modes of light or, on the contrary, their combination.

This question is especially acute when you make an interior decision about a small kitchen combined with a living room.

How to make the right choice?

Kitchen areas and organization of light in them

The space of a small kitchen is divided into two zones, working and dining; if each of them has enough light, then the room will become comfortable both for work and for relaxation.

We will give you examples of how lighting design can help in solving this issue for both functional areas.

The main task of the kitchen is the preparation of food, which, among other things, is solved by the appropriate light fluxes of the working area, namely, the countertop, gas stove and oven.

Oven manufacturers mainly provide users with built-in internal bulbs.

To illuminate the gas stove or hob, there is a backlight built into the casing of the hood.

You can also illuminate gas stove LED strip, mounted in hanging elements, a hood or a hanging cabinet, if there are not enough light elements in the hood casing.

There are several options for countertop lighting, from which you should choose the one that best suits your interior.

Mounting the backlight at the bottom of the wall cabinets is a directional light on the countertop space, which in turn is convenient and comfortable for cooking.

There is also a design of a small kitchen, which uses the option of illuminating the working area with an LED strip, which helps not only in the efficiency of the workflow, but also performs an aesthetic function, since this type of lighting can be individualized to the tastes of the customer, depending on which design you chosen for the kitchen area.

LED lighting allows you to visually expand the space, which can be an interesting solution for the design of light streams in a small kitchen.

Due to the fact that it can be mounted in various kitchen panels (for example, wall cabinets and glass backsplash), this allows you to place accents in the right places, create a warm atmosphere and adjust the saturation and color of the light flux yourself using the control panel.

An important work area cannot be overestimated, so the choice of lighting in it must be approached with particular care.

Speaking about the lighting of the dining area, you must first of all complete the task of creating coziness and comfort, therefore, unlike the working area, it is better to refuse from the harsh rays of artificial light.

A soft light that creates a cozy atmosphere in the dining room can be achieved with frosted shades on artificial light sources, as well as with several lamps hanging over the table.

An interesting design solution can be the installation of lamps on flexible bases, with which you can adjust their length and independence, increase or decrease the intensity of the light flux in the dining area and work area.

Also, an idea for lighting the working area of ​​​​the dining room can be a large lamp, the light spot of which can cover the entire surface of the dining table.

The bar system of lights in the dining area is a good option if it may be necessary to change the position of the lights or the table.

General lighting

Natural and artificial light help us in the perception of shapes, colors and complement the sensations of the picture seen.

In this regard, interior lighting design is a very important element in the construction and renovation of a small kitchen.

Due to the fact that different areas of the kitchen have individual flows of artificial light, it is necessary to consider general lighting to create a single space.

A stretch ceiling can be an interesting solution to this problem by mounting spotlights in it. Lighting in the kitchen with a stretch ceiling will help visually combine the working and dining areas.

Moreover, the backlight allows you to replace a massive chandelier and create a soft diffused light.

LED lighting, as discussed earlier in this article, can also be a design element for lighting the ceiling area.

Easily controllable and changeable multi-color RGB lighting of the ceiling will allow the owners of a small kitchen to create a different mood and atmosphere in the room. This design looks very comfortable.

It is better to make ceiling lighting neutral so that its design and characteristics do not interfere with the light of the working and dining areas, and also organize its work in parts, which, firstly, saves energy, and secondly, allows you to change accents with minimal effort.

Lighting design of the kitchen combined with the living room

If, when planning an apartment, you came to the decision to make the design so that the dining room is combined with the living room, then you will need to additionally think about LED lighting so that both parts of the apartment are independent elements, but look harmonious.

The kitchen, combined with the living room, requires the correct placement of accents: the artificial light created by lamps and lamps should, on the one hand, highlight the dining area with comfortable streams of light that create comfort for guests, and on the other hand, be intense enough so that there is convenient for the owners.

A plasterboard suspended structure above the dining table in the living room with built-in spotlights is a stream of light combined with an interesting design.

This option will help divide the space and highlight the dining area of ​​​​the living room. In the kitchen, combined with the living room, you can play on the contrast of light, which will visually separate these areas.

LED lighting in a small kitchen should be bright, while the living room where the dining table is located can be less brightly lit.

The idea of ​​a small kitchen combined with a living room is a fairly common solution for small spaces, as such a design visually enlarges the space due to the lack of walls.

Various sources and modes of light, as well as thoughtful lighting design, allow you to correctly place accents in the room and make being in a small kitchen combined with a living room as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Proper lighting, regardless of the area of ​​​​the kitchen, allows you to organize the working area for efficient cooking and at the same time achieve the comfort of the dining area.

Interior design is largely determined by the chosen lighting, regardless of whether it is a kitchen or a space with a combined living room.

Good lighting is important in any room, but especially in the kitchen. Much depends on how correctly you plan the light here: the convenience of kitchen worries, the mood of the hostess, and even the quality of the cooked dishes.

And if your kitchen also serves as a dining room, you certainly can’t do without hospitable lighting.

How to choose this important element and foresee everything in advance? About this - our detailed guide, including 25 best advice lighting in the kitchen. You will learn:

• why diverse lighting is so important in the kitchen, when and how to plan it;
• what is the difference between local (local) light for the food preparation area and dining table lighting;
• what types of lighting are optimal near work surfaces, and which ones are for cabinets;
• what types of fixtures designers choose for different purposes (spotlights with halogen lamps, LEDs, spotlights, pendant lights, etc.);
• how to choose the right lighting for a small and large kitchen;
• how to ensure sufficient luminous flux to save energy;
• how to make a lighting plan if you are your own designer.

Find out the answers to these questions and more, and see a large collection of examples - 85 photos of examples of lighting in the kitchen.

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Let's start with the main thing: when to plan lighting?

Best of all - at the time of repair. This is how you can save yourself from additional chasing of walls and ceilings, as well as from regrets about insufficiently comfortable light.

The most important thing is the location (output of wires) and the presence of switches. And with the type of lamp, the power of the lamps and the design of the lampshade, you can decide much later. Including when the repair is already completed.

How to make a lighting scheme in the kitchen for builders (electrician), if you are not a designer and do not repair professionally?

This, of course, is more complicated than the plan of partitions. But a simplified version is better than his complete absence. But the nuances (the ability to do what you want, and the price of the issue) are very desirable to discuss in detail with your electrician. More on this at the end of this guide (section "How to make a kitchen lighting plan").

1-1. Different lighting - for different purposes.

Before planning your lighting, ask yourself: what is your kitchen used for, besides cooking? Coffee in a hurry, leisurely lunches and dinners, meetings with friends - or all together? The more zones in your kitchen, the more light should be. The ideal option is general lighting + as many additional fixtures as needed.

Look at the photos of these kitchens: the lighting in them is planned very well - each for a different purpose. This, by the way, is also practical - in terms of saving electricity without sacrificing lighting comfort.

1-2. General (top) lighting.

In the kitchen, it is very important to provide a uniform "background" ceiling light. And it is better if such lamps are distributed throughout the kitchen. For general (background) lighting, one lamp of 40-60 W per square meter is recommended. However, there may be more if the ceiling is very high.

1-3. Local (local) lighting.

Even the smallest kitchen needs local lighting. And the more different zones, the more lamps should be. At the same time, their power can be much less than if only general (ceiling) lighting was used. Yes, and less energy will be spent if the light is turned on only where it is needed.

Read more about what zones can be in the kitchen and how to properly light them in the following sections of this guide.

1-4. Decorative light.

Who said that lighting should only be practical? Decorative (accent) light is ideal if you want to rid the kitchen of a purely utilitarian look.

The flow of light here is usually minimal, but a spectacular and fashionable look is guaranteed. The bottom and top of cabinets, shelves in the cupboard - you can choose both a neutral shade of light and color. LEDs work best for this.

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kitchen work area lighting

The main part of the kitchen and a place where the need for comfortable light can be equated to lighting a desktop. If possible, separate several sections. The larger the size of the kitchen, the greater the scope for variations with the lighting of the working area.

2-1. Pay special attention to the work surface.

The food preparation area must be ideally lit - this is not so much an aesthetic as a safety requirement. There are two optimal solutions, choose which one seems more convenient to you:

• wall lighting (on the "working apron" between the upper and lower cabinets), photos 1 and 2
• suspended directional, mounted on the ceiling, photos 3 and 4.

2-2. The second level of the ceiling or cornice.

If there is no free space on the wall, but there is (or is planned) a second level of the ceiling, install spotlights in it. They will perfectly cope with two roles - (a) task lighting and (b) general.

2-3. Extractor hood with built-in lights.

Another light option for convenient cooking. The lamps in the hoods do not use much energy, but they are powerful enough to light both the stove and small space around her.

2-4. Light near the sink.

This technique is not often used, but the hostess is provided with additional comfort. If you decide to make such lighting, be sure to make sure that the lamps are well protected by shades (glass or plastic).

2-5. Light under open shelves.

In the next section, we will talk in detail about lighting around cabinets, including under them. And if there are no hanging cabinets? Or do you want softer illumination of the work area? There is an elegant solution - use shelves with bottom lighting.

As a rule, these are expensive design solutions. And if you want to save money, install LEDs under the shelves, similar topics, which you will see in the section "leds for cabinets".

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kitchen cabinets and lighting

This section is all about the light around kitchen cabinets (under them, inside and above them). And also - about what type of lamps is useful for different purposes.

3-1. Spotlights (halogens) under cabinets.

Here we are talking about furniture spotlights. There is a common misconception that they will cope with the role of "work lighting". This is far from true.

Judge for yourself: the depth of hanging cabinets is usually about 30 cm, the lamps are located in the middle (i.e., approximately at a distance of 18-20 cm from the wall). The depth of the tabletop is 60-65 cm. The stream of light is directed downwards and is slightly scattered. And now count: what part of the countertop will remain unlit? More than 2/3, moreover, on the side where you need it.

Do they make any sense at all? Of course, they are perfect for other purposes:

• night and evening "orienting" lighting (when there is no need to turn on the overhead light or work);
• cozy lighting for preparing simple food and drinks;
• a comfortable light option for those who "wake up" only at breakfast, but quite early (when it is still dark outside the window or just getting light).

3-2. LEDs - for the cooking zone.

Modern professional chefs are sure: when cooking, it is important not only the abundance of light, but also its correct “color temperature”. Simply put, the lighting should not distort the colors of the products.

If you consider yourself a gourmet, while treating cooking as an art, the best option for you is LED lamps with a high color rendering index.

They are usually mounted under cabinets. And such lamps will successfully replace other types of “working” lighting above the countertop.

3-3. Interior lighting for kitchen cabinets.

Hard-to-reach areas need lighting no less, if not more. In addition, you will not need to turn on the overhead light, just a couple of small bulbs that will light up when the door is opened (special sensor).

The ideal lamp for the inside of the cabinet is small, 10 - 20 watts. If the cabinet is high or the distance between the shelves is large, you can choose furniture lamps with halogen lamps. If the cabinet is small or there are glass shelves, choose overhead spotlights with LEDs. The third option (quite rare) is thin fluorescent tubes.

3-4. Illumination in drawers.

Also very convenient. Miniature lamps are mounted on the walls of the box and turn on automatically when opened - using a motion sensor. Such lamps are durable, consume little energy, which makes them an indispensable assistant to the hostess.

3-5. Mini soffits over cabinets.

This solution is often found in the new version of IKEA METOD kitchens. Optimal if you have a lot of cabinets with blind (not glazed) doors. These directional spotlights (mini spotlights) are mounted on the top cornice and illuminate the inside of the cabinets well when you open them.

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directional local lighting

As a rule, these are “spotlights” - lamps with a narrow stream of light directed to a selected area. Usually they have a conical ceiling (metal or glass) and can be rotated in different directions. This makes them especially convenient for the kitchen, allowing you to illuminate the desired area.

4-1. Ceiling spotlights.

Usually used for general (top) lighting. The most convenient is a module of several soffit lamps on a single base (“ceiling rail”), photos 1 and 2. The lamps can be turned in different directions (the kitchen is illuminated more evenly), but there is only one electrical output (economical in terms of electric costs).

Sometimes there are variations: single spotlights are sometimes hung on the ceiling at different points (photo-4) or several modules with a thin base and small shades - for a large kitchen with high ceilings (photo-3).

4-2. Wall directional light.

This solution is used for directional lighting at a height of 1.50-1.80 m from the floor. In case of successful placement, it can serve as a working light.

4-3. Swivel wall lights that change the angle of inclination.

A rather rare solution in our country, but very popular in Europe. This is a wall-mounted modification of a working lamp with a long adjustable stand. Allows you to illuminate the far section of the table or near. A more compact option is a wall sconce with a swivel base (photo-3).

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lighting of various additional areas of the kitchen

The number of zones is usually determined by the size of the kitchen. See what lighting designers recommend for different areas.

5-1. Warm light - for the dining area.

If your kitchen also serves as a dining room, take care of warm and cozy lighting above the dining table. Pendant lights are best (one of a pair - according to the size of the table). To prevent the light from hitting your eyes, make sure that there is at least 80 cm between the lamp and the table.

5-2. Pendant lights above the bar.

In addition to a special atmosphere, such lamps can bring a touch of your favorite style to the kitchen. Or emphasize the one that is already there. It is very convenient if the cord of such bar lamps is adjustable in length, allowing you to raise or lower the light relative to the bar counter.

5-3. Don't forget about the kitchen island.

This piece of furniture can fulfill a wide variety of roles, and each requires special lighting. Think about what suits you best: pendant lights, halogen lamps or adjustable wall sconces.

5-4. Light in the closet.

Whatever the size of your pantry, it should have very good light. If this is a separate room with a door, you can install lamps with a motion sensor (eliminates the need to turn off the light when your hands are busy with food).

If your pantry is just a very large compartment (or closet), install lights on the side to illuminate all the shelves.

If there are glass doors between the kitchen and the pantry, less light will be required (you partially use the light in the kitchen and natural light during the day). If the ceilings are high, it may be necessary to install more powerful lamps on the upper shelves.

5-5. Home office in the kitchen.

It's simple here: approach lighting the same way you would choose lighting for a desktop in any other room. A table lamp connected to a nearby outlet is the best option. If there is not enough space on the countertop, look for a directional lamp on the wall (a working version of the sconce).

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And a few more design secrets on the topic of lighting, which do not concern the choice of lamps, but other related issues.

6-1. More natural light.

Ideal lighting for the kitchen - a combination of natural and artificial light. Of course, we cannot control the power of sunlight. But to plan the kitchen so that nothing interferes with the circulation of daylight rays is quite.

6-2. Cozy light.

If you want to see the kitchen not only practical, but also comfortable, choose diffused light. Or hide the lights behind the eaves of kitchen cabinets. They do a great job of illuminating the aisle and walls.

6-3. Reflective materials.

Lacquered surfaces, steel, glass and anything white are the materials that will help fill the entire kitchen with light. However, do not forget about safety: the kitchen is not the place where dazzling brilliance is appropriate.

Designers usually make one lighting plan, moreover, for the entire apartment. We advise you to make three and only for the kitchen. So you do not get confused yourself, and the electrician will understand you correctly.

So, here is your algorithm:

1. Draw 3 identical kitchen plans with the proposed arrangement of furniture (in any graphic editor with respect to scale). For a general idea of ​​\u200b\u200blighting, plan number 1 is useful to you. For ceiling lighting - plan number 2, for wall lighting, lighting inside cabinets and switches - plan number 3.

2. Imagine where you would like to have fixtures (about the choice, zones and examples - all this is a guide, we will go into detail below). Mark these points on plan #1. In the same place, designate the places of the switches.

3. Copy the ceiling lighting and switch locations for it to plan No. 2 (“Ceiling”). Draw lines from each light to the switch.

4. Wall and what will be inside the cabinets (+ switches for them) transfer to plan No. 3 (“Walls”). And then connect the lines of the places of the switches and the lamps.

5. Now we are working with plan number 3. You need to specify the height of the wire outlet for each of the fixtures. Mark this on the plan with callouts, taking into account the clean level of the floor (with flooring) and the location of the kitchen furniture.

6. A few words about switches (discuss with an electrician!).

It is best to place them not at the entrance to the kitchen (even if it is small), but at arm's length from the relevant area (work area, cabinets, bar counter lighting, light above the dining table, etc.). From the first day of use, you will see how convenient it is.

If at one point of the plan to the switches you have several lines from the lamps, use 2- and 3-key switches.

If it is more than 2-3 lines, you can combine several switches in one "frame". If there should be sockets nearby, combine switches and sockets in one frame (for example, between cabinets in the kitchen working area).