It is worth taking the time to figure out how best to light the kitchen. Which lamps to choose and which zones to highlight. Tips and photos.

Lighting in the kitchen plays an important role. This is not only an opportunity to work quietly at any time of the day, but also an integral part of the entire interior. With the help of well-chosen lighting, you can make the room visually more spacious or divide it into zones. And decorative lighting can emphasize the chosen style of the kitchen.

General requirements

It is necessary to equip the kitchen lighting in accordance with the sanitary standards and rules prescribed in SNiP. These documents indicate optimal performance for different rooms(specifically for the kitchen - 150 lm / m 2), but no one forbids you to slightly increase them, depending on the type and number of appliances used. The main thing is not to overdo it, since exceeding the norms can negatively affect vision and psycho-emotional state.

To properly design lighting for the kitchen, you will need to take into account several parameters:

  • Dimensions of the room (area, and in some cases, height);
  • Coefficient of natural insolation (calculation is based on the distance from the center of the floor to the window);
  • Number lighting fixtures, including decorative ones;
  • Power and type of fixtures, as well as the actual luminous flux.

It is also planned to place lighting devices: lamps, floor lamps, built-in lighting - to create harmony in the interior of the kitchen. Here it is important to ensure that the artificial light is uniform and warm. This will not only help to emphasize the design features favorably, but also make your stay in the kitchen comfortable.


When choosing lamps, consider the size and style of the room, the type and color of the furniture. But remember the basic rule: instead of one bright chandelier, it is always better to use a pair of equidistant lamps with soft light. In order to save money, you can choose devices with a dimmer, but do not try to cut costs by buying cheap light bulbs.

Use the backlight at the same time in several levels. Devices should be in harmony with each other and give approximately the same luminous flux.

Lighting of individual zones

Dinner Zone

Much depends on the chosen style of kitchen and the shape of the table. Here are a few interesting options worth considering:

  • A free-standing table can only be lit from above. To do this, you need a chandelier or a series of ceiling suspensions that is appropriate in size. But if lunch group positioned against the wall to create cozy atmosphere you can additionally install a couple of sconces.
  • Corner - there are a few more options here. The standard set of lighting fixtures can be expanded with a floor lamp or a low lamp with a lampshade nestled in a corner.
  • - that's where there are no restrictions. Embedded fluorescent lamps, LEDs, adjustable spotlights or compact spotlights - all options are good. You can add a small table lamp (certainly with original lampshade) or even lava lamp but only as a decorative element.


Work zone

The usual, no matter how powerful it may be, is not enough to illuminate the working area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. Standing at the table under its rays, you yourself will create a shadow. Here it is better to use rotary lamps, built-in diode tape or long fluorescent tubes. They are built into the bottom of wall cabinets or installed under wall shelves, spots can even be mounted on rails or secured with clothespins. The main thing is that they give enough bright light, but at the same time they were located in the recesses and did not blind the eyes.

Above hob additional lighting is optional if it is already built into the hood. But in the washing area, an additional lamp is simply necessary.

The problem is that for the “wet” zone, devices with a sufficient level of splash protection are needed. As an option, it is worth considering skinals with built-in lighting - such glass panels give enough light, look spectacular in the interior and reliably protect the electrician from water.

It is interesting to work on the lighting of the island kitchen. Here, lamps above the island itself will be added to the main illumination. If it is a compact block almost square shape, it will be possible to get by with a proportionate chandelier. But for a long rectangular table, you will need several suspensions that evenly illuminate its entire surface. Be sure to match them to the style of the interior, because they will surely be in the spotlight.

Choosing lamps

Today, in addition to the usual and inefficient incandescent lamps, other light sources are widely used. They have their pros and cons, so the choice of light bulbs must also be approached responsibly. It is important to choose the right devices according to the degree of dust and moisture protection, taking into account the types of lighting in the interior, as well as their proximity to sources of water and pollution. The following types of lamps can be used in the kitchen:

  • IP 20 and above - for ceiling lights and wall sconces;
  • From IP 45 - for installation in the working area and next to the sink.

Fluorescent

Such light sources are easily attached to the bottom of the kitchen set, although in this case it becomes necessary to install an additional bar to protect the eyes from direct rays.

The main advantages of fluorescent lamps:

  • ease of installation;
  • acceptable cost;
  • economical energy consumption;
  • considerable service life;
  • a large selection of capacities;
  • good light output.


The disadvantages of luminescent light sources include their bulkiness and dependence on the temperature in the room (not lower than +10 °C). But much more dangerous for the home is the mercury vapor they contain. When handling such lamps, care should be taken, and if they fail, disposal rules should be observed.

The most common form of fluorescent light bulbs is a cylindrical straight tube. When marking, its diameter is indicated in millimeters, but the so-called T-size is also found. Here, after the letter "T" comes the diameter in parts of an inch. Also, when buying a lamp, pay attention to the power and marking of the base, the characteristic of light, which depends on the composition of the coating of the bulb.

In the form of an index, the lamp power and the color “temperature” of the stream are indicated - it affects the perception of illumination by the human eye. To make it easier for you to navigate, here is a small cheat sheet with a decoding of these designations:

  • 2700 K - super warm white;
  • 3000 K - warm white;
  • 4000 K - natural white;
  • 5000 K - cold white (daylight).

Tubular fluorescent lamps are connected to external ballasts (ballasts). In modern "housekeepers" and products of complex shapes, it is already soldered into the base.

Halogen

In terms of structure, these are the same incandescent lamps, but they have a much larger list of advantages: they do not fade, they are compact, durable, heat-resistant and durable, valued for their efficiency. For comparison: conventional lamps generate from 5 to 20 lumens / watt, and halogen - 15-25 lm / W, which reduces energy losses by 30%.


Halogens are divided into three types:

  1. Linear;
  2. Capsular;
  3. with reflectors.

Linear halogen lamps are more suitable for outdoor projector lighting. They are quite powerful and differ in the intensity of the luminous flux (up to 48,000 lm). These lamps are intended for horizontal mounting, since when tilted, their service life is also reduced.

The halogen lamp with an external bulb is powered by the mains and is connected directly - without a transformer. When installing new kitchen lighting systems, it is recommended to use a special device - a protection unit that plays the role of a filter against unstable voltage.

Halogen reflector lamps (IRC) are the most popular, especially for installation in Spotlights. They are comfortable for the eyes and allow you to embody any design fantasies. The principle of their operation is to redistribute and focus the light flux generated by the lamp. About 60% of the power that in other devices is spent on thermal radiation is simply returned back to the spiral, thereby reducing energy consumption for lighting.

Capsular (finger) halogen lamps consist of a capsule and two leads. Most often this type of lamp is used in open and decorative lamps. The main rule is not to touch the flask itself with your hands. After such contact, microparticles of fat from our skin are baked on its surface under the influence of high temperature, which leads to cracking of the light bulb and its rapid failure.


LED

Excellent assistants in lighting the kitchen will be LED lamp. They are the most economical, durable (operation life up to 100,000 hours), reliable and easy to install. When installing diode lighting with your own hands, it is enough to drill holes in furniture or walls for wiring and stick the LED strip on Right place- everything is very simple and fast.

A separate switch is installed under the lighting of the working surface and a wire is laid in a hidden way. Only after that the LED is attached to the bottom of the wall cabinets.

Properly selected and mounted LED ceiling lighting can even replace a traditional chandelier and create a pleasant atmosphere in the kitchen. Its soft and diffused light does not cut or blind the eyes.

Effect of ceiling finishes on lighting

The kitchen is a tricky place. Here is the process of cooking with the release of a considerable amount of steam and smoke. Therefore, for the ceiling finish, you should select an easy-to-care, moisture-resistant surface, but at the same time reflecting light well.

Stretch ceilings are very popular. They are practical and make it possible to place many small spotlights. Film finish can be combined with multi-level ceilings and highlight with LED strip - this will give a beautiful effect of depth and help zone the space. Also, the PVC coating is highly moisture resistant, which can also be written as a plus, in addition to many other advantages: ease of maintenance, durability, thermal insulation, a large range of colors and the possibility of creating an individual design.


However, stretch ceilings cannot boast of temperature resistance, which will require you to choose the right lamps that do not heat up. Glossy surface reflects light well, which is important if you are lighting a small kitchen. This a great opportunity"double" the luminous flux by choosing a chandelier with horns facing upwards. But ordinary incandescent lamps cannot be screwed into them - due to the high temperature, they can damage the film or leave scorch marks on it.

For a hidden or built-in spotlight, it is best to sheathe the ceiling with drywall. GKL sheets are mounted on a wooden or metal frame, so that you can hide all the electrical stuffing, step-down transformers and wires behind them. It remains only to paint and decorate the ceiling with skirting boards, as well as install the selected lamps in the prepared sockets - each in its own opening.

Original lighting for modern chandelier made of glass and metal, built-in lighting around the perimeter and a cozy suspension above the bar.


Interesting organization decorative lighting in a kitchen without upper cabinets. Spot ceiling lights create a play of light and shadow on the walls, a diode strip runs along the entire line of the headset under the U-shaped table top, and cozy table lamps are placed on top in each corner.


Luxurious illumination of the island kitchen makes it truly elegant. In addition to spotlights along corner headset and three stylish pendants above the island, hidden lighting hides behind glass facades mezzanines and under wall cabinets.


A non-standard solution for lighting the working area - without a ceiling chandelier. Instead, all bottom row pedestals decorates solid line built-in backlight. And the convenience of using work surfaces is provided by spotlights hidden in wall cabinets and transparent shelves.


Even in a small kitchen, you need several light sources, as in this photo. Built-in lighting above the work surface, a line of spotlights along the L-shaped headset and stylishly arranged suspensions above the bar-island.


An example of competent kitchen lighting in strict accordance with the rules of space zoning. Hidden lighting of all work surfaces, a series of long suspensions above the island and a large lamp above dining table supplemented ceiling spots giving soft diffused light.


Spotlights can complement or even replace the central ceiling chandelier because:

  • The main plus is that they allow you to make the lighting in the kitchen uniform, diffused, soft, both separately and in combination with a chandelier or LED backlight. An ordinary ceiling lamp without additional lighting creates shadows and visually narrows the space;
  • The backlight on LED and halogen lamps is very economical, and the installation of spotlights with the ability to turn on in parts, that is, only where you need it at the moment, for example, in the work area when you are cooking, significantly saves energy;
  • Swivel spots and ceiling Wall lights they can direct the light wherever you want, thanks to which you can profitably beat the advantages and disadvantages of space - visually raise low ceilings, expand, zone, etc. How to do this will be described below;
  • In addition, you can use single-color or colored light bulbs, forming an unusual lighting design, dividing zones and placing accents.

The disadvantages of spotlights include:

  • More complex installation compared to a chandelier;
  • The need to think over the placement of light sources on the ceiling even at the repair stage, and the placement of spotlights built into the kitchen set at the assembly stage;
  • Not everyone likes this modern type ceiling lighting in the kitchen, to some it may resemble an “office” backlight. But it's a big delusion, today spot lighting you can organically fit even into the traditional interior of the kitchen as in the photo below. The main thing is to choose the right lighting design.

  • Types of spotlights for installation are divided into: mortise, overhead, pendant. If mortise can only be built into suspended ceilings(, etc.), then overhead (external) lamps can also be installed on a conventional concrete ceiling, since on the basis of the body of such a spot there is a special mounting plate for screws;
  • Recessed models are the most popular type in the category of spotlights, so they are presented in a very wide range of colors, designs and sizes;
  • Mortise lamps can be completely recessed into the base and then they are practically invisible, or they can, on the contrary, decorate the ceiling, protruding above its surface with a beautiful decorative diffuser;

  • Spotlights can create local, basic and decorative lighting;
  • Each of the installed devices is capable of illuminating no more than two square meters rooms;
  • Modern appliances are fireproof, and therefore can be used in combination with any finish. And their body is made of waterproof material, which makes it easy to withstand high humidity;
  • There are designs with an internal or external location of the light bulb, which provides directional or diffused light, respectively.

Advice:

  • The simpler the design of the spots, the easier it is to take care of them - to wash off greasy deposits, dust, etc.;
  • For stretch ceilings, it is better to choose round or rounded lamps;
  • For a more economical and rational consumption of electricity, install a dimmer, which is also called a rheostat or dimmer.

Types of lamps

Lamps are: LED, halogen or incandescent.

LED lamps enjoy well-deserved popularity. They are economical and consume very little electricity, and practically do not heat up. So led devices can be used in combination with different finishes- their location, even near flammable materials, will not lead to fire.

LED recessed luminaires are swivel and non-swivel. Swivel lamps allow you to change the direction of light.

Appliances with incandescent lamps installed give a bright, pleasant light familiar to everyone, but they are much larger in size, so they require installation with a large margin, in addition, they have a short service life.

In terms of durability and energy consumption, halogen lamps are beneficial, but they are also considered the most expensive. They give bright, close to natural lighting, but have one drawback - the lamps get very hot, so choose fixtures with metal frame, glass diffuser and ceramic cartridge.

Please note that for spotlights with halogen lamps you need a transformer that converts the usual 220 watts into the required 12 watts. The power of the transformer should slightly exceed the total power of all halogen bulbs.

Installation of spotlights in the kitchen with stretch ceilings implies a limitation on the power of the installed lamps. So, the power of halogen devices should not exceed 35 watts, and the power of incandescent lamps - 60 watts. This is due to the properties of the material, which can melt from too high temperatures.

Placement of fixtures and the rules of "playing with light"

To create the main lighting in the kitchen, ceiling spotlights should be placed at a distance of at least 30-40 cm from each other. A distance of at least 20 cm is maintained from the corner of the wall. Experts advise setting one point per 1.5 square meters. m or follow the following recommendation - for every 1 sq.m of the ceiling there should be a lamp of 20 watts. If you want to install fixtures with a power of more than 20 W or plan to combine them with a chandelier, then their number can be reduced.

Using correct location spot lighting, you can easily change the whole perception of space.

You can visually expand a small, narrow or elongated kitchen if you install a group of several lamps along the center and on both sides of the ceiling of a narrow or elongated kitchen. That is, the main goal is to fill the space as evenly as possible with soft, diffused light without shadows.

In illuminating large spaces, the main task is to arrange light sources so that they perfectly illuminate all functional areas, but at the same time create coziness, intimacy and a pleasant atmosphere. Most often, the lamps are arranged as in the photo below: there are spots around the perimeter of the kitchen, and hanging chandeliers in the center above the table or island.

The most versatile option for placing spotlights in the kitchen is as follows: in the center of the kitchen, above the table or bar, you can hang ceiling lights or a chandelier, and install spots only above working area right above kitchen set.

But if the kitchen has low ceilings, then it is better to choose rotary models and direct their light up to the ceiling, as well as install lamps on the visor wall cabinets kitchen set. It is better not to hang a chandelier in a low kitchen.

In addition, spotlights allow you to perfectly zone the room, highlighting each of the functional areas. As a rule, in the joint spaces - in the studio apartment, kitchen-dining room, kitchen-living room, the work area, the kitchen area or the adjacent hallway is highlighted with spot lighting, and the recreation or dining area is illuminated by a chandelier and pendant lights.

Spotlights are simply created for decoration and illumination. two-level ceilings. In this case, as a rule, embedded models are used. You can highlight everything or only one level as in the next photo on the right.

How to properly mount spotlights

Installation of spotlights requires the preparation of certain tools and fixtures:

  • Terminals for connection;
  • Screwdriver with a flat end;
  • Crowns for wood or metal (the latter will be required to work with a slatted ceiling);
  • Mounting knife for stripping wires;
  • Drill;
  • wire cutters;
  • pliers;
  • Stairs.

Connecting spotlights is impossible without creating an appropriate electrical wiring. At the first stage, a lighting box is installed - it is mounted in such a way that it has free access to it all the time. This means that it is not worth putting the box behind the skin. After that, a separate wire is laid from the box to each lamp. Wires must be placed in a corrugated pipe, necessary for protection.

If you plan to stay in plasterboard ceiling, then the work is carried out in the following sequence:

  • The location of each device on the ceiling is precisely marked, while the location of the guides must be taken into account, the lamps should not be attached to them;
  • A hole of the appropriate size is cut out on a drill with a crown, and for square devices the hole is made with a jigsaw;
  • The previously laid cable is taken out through the hole. Of course, during the work, the wire must be de-energized. In order to get the cable out of a small hole for sure, a wire hook is used;
  • The wire brought out to the outside is connected in accordance with the colors through the terminals. If use LED lights with screw terminals for the wire, no terminals are required;
  • This is followed by the location of the lamp in the hole, as a result of which it is fixed with special clamps-springs;
  • A lamp is screwed into the device, and after that a decorative ring is put on;
  • Perform a system performance test.

Lighting of any premises, including kitchen room, consists of artificial and natural lighting. What kind of light is right and creates a comfortable environment for work and leisure? Lighting must be uniform, soft, create sufficient and stable illumination of any objects and not form dark and deep shadows.

The importance of lighting in the kitchen

Any of the lighting has certain criteria to recognize the light as wrong or right. Moreover, several factors are taken into account, which also have a significant impact on the conditions of kitchen lighting.

Natural light is created by diffused and direct sunbeams. The conditions of light change throughout the night and night and depend, in this case:

  • from the presence of clouds in the sky;
  • from the geographical location of the city or locality;
  • window locations;
  • size of window openings;
  • level of glass pollution.

If the windows are oriented to the west or north, then they let in less light. The room must be decorated with light materials for decoration, bright photos, because the light hitting these surfaces is reflected and increases the level of light.

Let us describe the stages of the dependence of the illumination of the room, taking into account the colors of the finish. The value of the coefficient shows the amount of illumination from the color of the walls, which remains after reflection.

  • white - 0.9;
  • cream - 0.8;
  • light gray, 0.6;
  • light green - 0.43;
  • brown - 0.13.

Also, the quality of light significantly depends on the cleanliness of the double-glazed windows. Dusty and dirty windows hold up to 25% of the light. To the kitchen in daytime it was bright, it is necessary to periodically wash the glass on the windows.

If for some reason there is not enough lighting in the daytime, then it is desirable to "light up" the kitchen fluorescent lamps. They are quite economical and, in terms of characteristics, are close to natural light. If there is a lot of light from the sun, then blinds can be used.

Artificial light helps to create in the kitchen in the evening comfortable conditions for finding. Lamps must be bright, but not blinding. Lamp must evenly illuminate the entire kitchen, eliminating glare from walls, furniture, countertops, photos and does not cause strong shadows.

Photo examples of kitchen lighting




















Criteria for kitchen lighting

Local and general luminaires

It's absolutely different kinds lighting and they create a different atmosphere in the room. With general lighting, the kitchen is flooded with quite bright lighting, when you can easily go about your business while not requiring eye strain. Ceiling lamp, installed in the center of the room, directs the light to the top and diverges evenly throughout the room. There is the option of directional light for a specific area, such as a work area. In this case, the light of this lamp goes down.

But general lighting is not enough when many types of work take place in the kitchen - cleaning, cooking, preparing food, washing dishes, eating, and so on. The problem is perfectly solved by ceiling local lighting, while the lamps are installed directly above the working area. Thus, hobs, sinks, dining area, work surfaces, kitchen furniture and even shelves or photos are illuminated. For this, ceiling fluorescent and spotlights, lamps can be used. various designs and directions.

Ceiling light decoration

As already described above, the function of a general or overhead light is to create a comfortable atmosphere in the kitchen in the evening. The overhead light is quite relevant in the case when the kitchen is combined with the living room, and natural light does not pass into it. The most important thing when planning ceiling lights is that the lighting in the kitchen is not very intrusive or very dim. In open floor plans, most the best option is an using dimmer switches, they smoothly change the brightness. During the day, if there is no need for bright light, it is possible to “dim” the lamps. In the evening, set the brightness to maximum.

If the kitchen is small, then one common lamp is enough. If the kitchen is quite large, then you can additionally install several point ones. Another option is several lamps on the ceiling, located at the same distance. It happens that it is not advisable to flood the entire room brightly, choosing powerful lamps, but to place chandeliers above the main ones. functional areas, where, as a rule, the family gathers, some work takes place, the owners of the house and their friends relax, for example, above the dining area and the bar counter.

Very low ceiling no need to overload with lamps, you should not mount them with long cords. An elegant cornice on the ceiling can be great place for arranging small lamps that will illuminate the room with diffused and pleasant light. When the height of the ceiling allows, then you can install groups of lamps and cause decorative or bright lighting.

You can decorate the general light with the help of a kitchen furniture cornice. Here you can evenly distribute point lighting devices and they will be enough for a comfortable atmosphere. If the furniture is not equipped with a cornice, then they can be placed on movable or elastic brackets. This arrangement will enable adjust light direction and highlight the area needed at that time.

Illumination of individual zones

The kitchen is a functional room where food is prepared and the whole family gathers for breakfast or lunch. Often overhead lighting is lacking near sinks or countertops. Priority must be given to local illumination, and the general one only complements it.

Working illumination is made out by separate fixtures. Perhaps there will be several. But local lighting is effective only when it is at a certain level, in a carefully thought-out place and allows you to brightly highlight a specific area:

  • hob;
  • countertop;
  • sink;
  • bar counter;
  • dining area, etc.

Typically, the hob can be perfectly illuminated by a lamp mounted in the hood. But, if auxiliary lamps are installed in the hood, then in order to prevent eye fatigue need to select light sources with similar spectral properties.

The most popular arrangement local lighting- these are lamps mounted under the shelves. The best way is elongated lamps that scatter light and effectively illuminate a certain area. These lamps are discreet, they do not require much space, they are easy to install.

To equip autonomous lamps, you need to display separate switches or sockets. And if local lamps are built into kitchen furniture, then you can only run a cable from the wall, which will be located just above the bottom of the hanging cabinets.

The tabletop must also be clearly visible. Hidden light sources do not interfere with work and do not interfere with the use of kitchen utensils, which are sometimes quite a lot above the work area and directly on it. But when the owners of the house love perfect order, and all utensils are in cabinets and drawers, then local illumination can be done using original products , which have the most fantasy forms.

Often, kitchen areas are illuminated with autonomous lamps. Their choice is quite huge, the most important thing is that they do not contradict the style of the room. One of the most popular types is lamps on clothespins. They can be fixed anywhere and, if necessary, put away in a closet.

kitchen island lighting

The kitchen island must be illuminated common light, for example, using spotlights located around the perimeter or installed on the ceiling cornice. big attention should be paid to the illumination of the island because it is here that all the main work is carried out.

The plate is very easy to light up. This area is equipped with a hood with installed luminaires that create bright light. In combination with overhead lighting, this is quite enough.

If the island does not hob, then effective illumination can be done with lamps on long cords. Lighting should not blind, therefore, for these purposes, chandeliers with "milky" or matte lampshades are the best. Chandeliers should not go beyond the outline of the island, they are best installed along the axis of the countertop. The number of chandeliers is not clearly regulated. They are selected according to specific conditions.

most convenient and fashionable option- it installation of a special hinged structure where the spotlight is installed. Most often, a variety of accessories or kitchen utensils are also placed on this design.

The simplest option is considered to be a "hanging" lamp on a string. A clear sign of home comfort are fabric lampshades with fringe. This option is not abandoned even today. It is relevant because the dining table is visible as efficiently as possible. And the shape and color are selected taking into account the style of the room. The lampshade can be chosen avant-garde or simple, pretentious or original. The main thing is that the table is fully visible, and the rest of the decor can be filled with pleasant twilight, diluted with multi-colored spots or stripes from the light passing through the lampshade.

And how to highlight the dining area when the table is near the wall? The table can be illuminated by sconces mounted on the wall. They should not be at very high altitudes. A variety of sconces can be attached to the wall. It depends on the preferences of the owner. If there is enough space on the table, then it can be highlighted table lamp with a beautiful lampshade. This will give the kitchen even more coziness, decorate the dining area and evoke an intimate and pleasant atmosphere for relaxing in the evening.

If the location of the table changes all the time, then it makes no sense to make a hole in the ceiling and install a lamp. In this case, the table can be illuminated with a table lamp or floor lamp.

A large table, where the whole family from several generations converges, can be distinguished by a group of spotlights located on the ceiling along the contour dining area. You can also use small lamps on long cords or install a rod. Lighting can be set arbitrarily or in any order convenient for you, as well as create original compositions.

When decorating kitchen lighting, it is necessary that it does not distort natural look and the color of the food so that the food on the table looks appetizing and attractive. For this it is desirable to select lamps with a neutral spectrum. Diffused and soft light will evoke a favorable environment. And for a room like a kitchen, this is important.

You can’t compare rooms in an apartment in terms of importance, but the kitchen is certainly one of the most visited, because food is constantly prepared here, the whole family gathers here and welcomes guests. In order for the room to be multifunctional, regardless of its area, cozy and comfortable, it is important Special attention give it light. Competently organized, it is able to transform the kitchen from a “hot shop” into a cozy dining area in the blink of an eye, conducive to long and pleasant family gatherings. That is why it is so important to think over the design of the future kitchen and all lighting points, and our tips should help you with this.

No. 1. What types of lighting should be provided?

A couple of decades ago, the most popular option for organizing kitchen lighting was one, located in the center of the ceiling. This solution cannot be called the most convenient, because in this case all the most remote areas, an important part of the working area and the dining table, were not illuminated. Today it is even necessary to provide for several types of lighting. There are such main types of kitchen lighting:

  • general, which is still necessary;
  • illumination of the working area;
  • dining area lighting;
  • decorative lighting.

Without purely decorative lighting you can get by in the kitchen, but properly selected functional lighting can also play a decorative role, and modern lamps are real works of art, made for every taste.

No. 2. What should be the lighting?

To create the right lighting project, you need to know the basic requirements for it. And they are:

  • the light should be located so that people in the kitchen do not cast a shadow on the work surface and in the dining area;
  • in the same time, light sources should not be too bright so as not to blind a person;
  • it is important that some light sources complement others;
  • necessary take into account and color scheme cuisine. So, light walls and furniture will reflect up to 80% of the light flux, and dark ones - only about 12%;
  • for the dining and working area is necessary different lighting power. Approximate norms are as follows: lighting power for the working area - 100 W / m 2, for dining - 50 W / m 2;
  • when arranging the lighting of the working area, you need to monitor the distance from the water sources to the lamps. It must be at least 60 cm.

No. 3. Arrangement of general lighting

It is impossible to do without a common main room, so a chandelier can be provided in the center of the kitchen or in the area. Chandelier alternative for small kitchens– flat luminaires, as well as built-in lighting in suspended ceiling. Great if there is rheostat provided, with which you can adjust the intensity of the flow of light and change the atmosphere in the kitchen.

No. 4. Work area lighting

Above the working area, where all the processes of cutting meat, peeling vegetables, kneading dough and the like take place, it is necessary to equip sufficiently bright lighting. Best placement of light sources on hanging cabinets so that the light from them falls directly on the work surface. If there is no such lighting, then when working, the entire space in front of you will be in the shade, which means that you will have to strain your eyesight. It is also important that the light is directed directly at the work surface and does not hit the eyes. It is possible where the manufacturer has already provided holes for installing lamps, but the issue can also be resolved with the help of separate lamps.

Great replacement for conventional lights LED Strip Light, which is also attached to the bottom surface of the cabinets. This is one of the most economical and uniform lighting methods. In addition, it is a great way to decorate the kitchen, highlight individual zones, create a smooth transition to.

Not only the work surface needs lighting, but also, and also, if any. Above the stove, you can use only the lighting that the hood gives - this is quite enough.

No. 5. Dining area lighting

Dining table artificial lighting largely depends on its location in the kitchen, as well as on the owners. So, if the table is against the wall, then you can use a couple wall sconces. Ceiling lights on adjustable hangers will also look good, but they are best suited for dining tables that stand in the central area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. One or more of these lamps with interesting shades and with the ability to adjust the height of the location is ideal for any kitchen.

If the kitchen is very small, it is better, of course, to use over the dining table wall lamps. Alternative - small lamps or fixtures, which can be installed directly on the dining table: in this way the interior will only change and become even more comfortable. For the smallest kitchens, it is allowed to combine the general light with the lighting of the dining area so as not to clutter the ceiling and walls with lighting fixtures.

No. 6. decorative lighting

From one name it is clear that in this case we are talking about lighting that does not perform any specific function, but serves only as an interior decoration. With the help of several light bulbs, you can not only give a zest to the kitchen, but even visually expand the space.

So, as additional lighting, you can use backlight kitchen cabinets . It looks especially impressive when they have transparent doors. Such lighting, by the way, not only has a decorative function, but also helps to quickly find the necessary items in deep cabinets.

You can highlight the space between the ceiling and the kitchen set. A small gap between the hanging cabinets and the ceiling can be closed with a Plexiglas panel, and placed behind it. As a result, we get an interesting design technique, which is great especially for small kitchens, as it is visual. In addition, such lighting will give additional soft light, and the panels will cover the exhaust pipe and other unsympathetic communications.

You can also do basement lighting. As a result, a feeling is created that it seems to be floating in the air, and this visually enlarges the space. Another great option for small kitchens.

Do not forget about such a light source, like candles. Their very appearance already gives a special atmosphere to the kitchen interior, and when lit they give a soft warm light which turns any dinner into a festive one.

In order not to make a mistake, you need to follow the following rules:

  • windows facing north, must be kept absolutely clean, because the dust on them can take away about a third of the sunlight;
  • cuisine with windows facing south, in the daytime often suffer from an overabundance of light, so in this case it is better to use curtains dark shades or just blackout curtains, at least for the summer period;
  • also for kitchens with south windows it can be advised to use cold shades in wall decoration;
  • best way to regulate the flow of sunlight - blinds, and they are suitable for any kitchen;
  • if the light in the kitchen during the daytime is still not enough, you can use daylight fluorescent lamps: they are a good alternative sunlight and do not use much electricity.

No. 8. Features of lighting a small kitchen

The basic principles of lighting do not differ from the general ones, but the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room must be taken into account when choosing lighting devices. Many mistakenly believe that if the room is small, then only one chandelier in the center of the kitchen will be enough. It will not be able to illuminate all areas of the work surface, so it is better to use several light sources.

Can be used as general lighting precision fixtures, because they do not take up space, spotlights or swivel spotlights. The latter are generally unique for small spaces, since the direction of the light is very easy to change, illuminating certain areas.

Some cuisines cannot boast high ceilings, so organize hanging or stretch ceiling does not make sense - the room will seem generally tiny. In this case, spot lighting disappears, and you can choose a chandelier, but you need to pay attention not to all models. Yes, perfect for a little one. kitchen fit compact and very concise a model that will not overload the space. It is important to remember that the lamp should be precisely compact, and not small, otherwise it will emphasize the main disadvantage of the kitchen - miniaturization.

Hanging lamps are not suitable for small kitchens: the closer the ceiling will be located to ceiling surface, all the better. Lamps are well suited, the light of which is directed not down, but to the ceiling, but the ceiling lamps in the form of plates and boxes create a too dim glow.