Proper Lighting Techniques for Your Kitchen 

The average homeowner spends over 19 hours a week in their kitchen.

No longer just the place for preparing and eating family meals, kitchens have evolved into multi tasking environments used for paying bills, doing homework, working on hobbies and family gatherings. As our use of kitchen space has expanded, so has our need for improved forms of lighting.

 

The shadow TRAP

A large ceiling fixture, equipped with energy-efficient fluorescent tubes will supply plenty of well-diffused general lighting, but it may leave you working in your own shadow at the sink, range, and countertops.

How to avoid the shadow trap: think about your lighting plan

Some areas in your kitchen need supplemental task lighting.

THE SINK - One or two track lights over the sink will give you the illumination you need for washing dishes and scouring pots and pans.

At the sink and range, an individual recessed downlight, equipped with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent tube, will provide you with adequate task lighting when installed in the ceiling or in soffits over these two busy work areas.

BREAKFAST AREAS and ISLAND COUNTERS - can be lit with decorative pendants. When used with a dimmer control, these ceiling-hung fixtures will provide you with adequate task lighting for homework, hobbies, or family business and allow you to lower the light for dining or entertaining.
Check out Lampsplus.com or decorative pendants on Lamps-Lighting.com.

COUNTERTOPS - Under Cabinet Task lighting is ideal for countertops. Mount as close to the back of the cabinets as possible to avoid glare and reflection off work surfaces. Choose energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures that cover at least two-thirds the length of the counter.

KITCHEN CABINETS - Highlight your cabinetry! Lighting effects on kitchen cabinets can give you an opportunity to give an original, modern look to your kitchen. Lighting can be accentuated by placing low-voltage mini-lights over, under, or inside cabinets.

Check out cabinet lightings at CabinetLighting.com

How to add a warm, comfortable atmosphere to your kitchen?
Recessed lights
Flip a switch, and fixtures tucked into the ceiling bathe a room in a warm glow.
Dimmers
Dimmers set a lighter mood.
Cabinet lighting
Highlight your cabinetry.
Warm color pattern
warm colors in your kitchen can create a unique welcoming ambiance.

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