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Learn how to choose the most
functional and efficient kitchen lighting.
The kitchen is usually the central room of a home. Often it
serves many functions other than cooking and eating.
Placement and style of lighting can play an important role
in the functionality. The best way to achieve this is by
having a good design plan from the start.
Proficient
kitchen
lighting should focus on the task areas first.
Task lights should go over an island, sink, countertop,
stove or any other important work areas in your kitchen.
Having your task lights set on separate on/off switches will
keep you from using too much energy in the room. Separate
switches also allow you to be able to keep one small task
light on during the day or as a night light.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, the number of task
lights you include and the type of light you use will
heavily influence the need for background lighting. In many
cases, the task kitchen lighting is sufficient without the
need for background lights. In many kitchens, background
lighting is used only to accentuate certain areas of the
room or as a focal point display
Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen lighting that is placed using the task placement
encourages energy efficiency. Task lighting allows you to
only use light in the areas in which you do work. This can
save you a tremendous amount of energy throughout the house.
Another way to have great
kitchen lighting,
and still save energy, is by installing dimmer switches.
Using a dimmer allows you to adjust the light by reducing or
increasing the power of the bulb as you see fit.
Using motion sensor lights are also great for lighting
and saving energy, even if it is not typically used for
kitchen lighting.
Most people are familiar with outdoor motion lights but not
too many think about using them inside. In fact, motion
lights make great closet, bathroom, pantry and small space
lights.
The success of your kitchen lighting is dependent on
incorporating bulbs, fixtures and controls in an overall
plan that is well thought out. Planning out all aspects of
your lighting design is the key to having more effective and
efficient kitchen lighting.
By Gregg Hicks |
