Well-designed lighting can be central to functional, safe, and visually stunning kitchens. The right layering of under cabinet, recessed ceiling, cove, and toe kick lighting illuminates tasks, enhances aesthetics, and showcases the beauty of the space. Today’s discussion dives deeper into lighting placement tips, choosing fixtures and bulbs, powering options, and how to incorporate these systems into your kitchen designs.
There are several different aspects to planning kitchen lighting, today though we focus on four of the top areas:
- Under Cabinet Lighting
- Cove Lighting
- Toe Kick Lighting
- Recessed Ceiling Lighting
Under Cabinet Lighting
Undercabinet lighting provides focused illumination for countertop tasks, eliminating shadows from overhead lighting. For food prep areas, the ideal placement is near the front edge of wall or base cabinets. This lights the exposed countertop surface between the cabinets and counter edge where tasks are performed. Keeping fixtures close to the edge ensures hands and knives avoid casting shadows during cutting, chopping, mixing, and other jobs.
Lighting should be continuous for maximum illumination across countertops. Individual fixtures can be spaced according to manufacturer specifications, but we recommend spacing no more than 6 inches on center. For shorter run spaces like islands, even placement as close as 3 inches on center prevents dark spots between lights. Extend lighting the full length of countertops, including side splashes and any pop-up electrical outlets.
Choosing low-profile, energy-efficient LED tape lighting or mini puck lights allows excellent placement flexibility. Hardwired and plug-in options are available. Consult electricians on voltage and wiring needs to power undercabinet systems appropriately. Transformers or drivers may be required. Dimmable fixtures provide ambiance control.
Cove Lighting Features
Cove lighting can add an indirect glow when installed into recessed channels in ceilings or vertical surfaces. Wider coves measuring 6 inches or more allow light to better disperse and create ambient background lighting. For kitchens, coves along upper cabinets cast useful general lighting while reducing harsh shadows.
LED tape lighting works very well for cove fills, offering flexibility in lengths and cornering. Rigid LED strips are preferable for spanning longer runs without sagging. Low-voltage LED systems require remote transformers. Measure cove lengths carefully and follow manufacturer wattage recommendations. Dimmable drivers give full control over ambiance.
Toe Kick Lighting
Toe kick lighting can be a subtle but somewhat impactful addition underneath base cabinets. The downcast lighting illuminates floor areas immediately around cabinets for safe navigation in the dark and adds a somewhat attractive visual flair. There are options for narrow-beam puck style fixtures to focus light only where needed. LED choices offer longevity, low energy use, and durable housings.
Strategically place toe kick lighting around kitchen islands, peninsulas, cooktop or sink areas, and anywhere prone to dark shadows or safety concerns. Wire the fixtures along with undercabinet lighting for a cohesive and well-lit kitchen. Keep fixtures as close to floor level as possible for optimal downward spread.
Recessed Ceiling Lighting
By carefully planning the placement, proportions, and powering of undercabinet, cove, and toe kick lighting, kitchen designers can create the perfect lighting scheme – tailored to the tasks performed and enhancing the kitchen’s form and function. Proper lighting design sets the stage for an enjoyable and efficient kitchen space.
While undercabinet and task lighting illuminate the countertops directly, recessed ceiling lights are still needed to provide ambient lighting throughout the kitchen. Strategic placement is key to lighting the right spaces without interfering with countertop tasks.
The typical mistake is placing recessed lighting too centrally or widely spaced. This casts shadows from people’s heads that make food preparation difficult. Instead, the ideal placement is above the exposed countertop area extended out from upper cabinets.
By lighting this transitional space between cabinets and room center, the critical countertop surfaces where prep work occurs are brightly illuminated without shadows. It also prevents a dark cave-like appearance under the upper cabinets.
Recommended Layout Practices
Some key recommendations for laying out ceiling recessed lighting to effectively cover kitchen countertop zones, follow:
- Place lights in a line parallel to the wall cabinets/countertops approximately 10 inches out from the cabinets. This lights the outer counter space rather than central floor zones.
- Extend lights the full length of countertop runs to provide continuous light across their exposed areas.
- Space lights approx. 48-60 inches apart depending on fixture beam spread and luminance. Moderate beam (35 degrees or less) lights can be spaced further apart.
- Use mini-recessed lights or adjustable trims to fine-tune beam direction right where needed.
- Side-firing specialty trims can work well as an option.
- Supplement with individually placed lights to cover any dead zones, such as corners or breaks between cabinets.
- Include any islands/peninsulas by ringing lights around the outer 25% perimeter just inside the drip edge.
- Consider decorative pendants or chandeliers centered over islands/dining areas to provide ambient fill light.
- For kitchens with limited upper cabinets, add recessed lighting over the sink or range to supplement undercabinet lighting there.
Choosing the Appropriate Recessed Fixtures
The right type of recessed lighting trim and bulb characteristics also contribute to proper coverage without shadows. Narrow flood or spot beams provide direct illumination compared to wide flood patterns. Opt for trims with 30 to 40-degree beam spreads for kitchen use. This particular angle happens to be wide enough for typical distribution but not so wide that the highlight is lost completely.
Adjustable gimbals or side-firing trims increase directional flexibility.
Higher lumen, 3000-4000K color temperature LED lamps enhance visibility for tasks. Dimmable fixtures allow tuning light levels for the desired ambiance. Kitchens and the use of a kitchen can change depending on the particular hour of the day. For example, before dinner time the kitchen is a workstation, but after dinner it might be a good place to have a glass of chamomile tea and relax. You would want different types of lighting for each of those different types of uses.
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen can reflect your unique style, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your home living experience.
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