Two types of lighting typically occur in the kitchen. They are general ambient lighting and task lighting. Kitchens have evolved into not only a place for food preparation, but also a social gathering center for the home; hence the need for task lighting for food preparation and ambient lighting for social interaction. Prior to the popularity of recessed cans, kitchen lighting was accomplished with four-foot fluorescent tubes in either ugly wrap-around fixtures or in built-in recessed boxes with strip fixtures and flat plastic lenses that would fall out and break whenever a bulb was changed. While this type of lighting is still good for creating a lot of good ambient light in the kitchen, it lacks in aesthetics and isn’t the best for task lighting. With the trend toward more efficient lighting, the old fluorescent fixture is getting upgraded in style but still lacks in the ability to effectively dim.
Recessed cans are the most popular ambient kitchen lighting for both new construction and remodels. Depending on the size of the kitchen, recessed cans are typically placed approximately three feet apart and 30 inches from the wall. This puts the light almost directly overhead when standing at the kitchen counter, minimizing shadows on the countertops. Since the light bulbs used in recessed cans are reflector type directional bulbs, they are good for task lighting and the three-foot spacing allows for beam overlap, which is good for ambient lighting. A variety of trims are available to either dress up the can or make it as inconspicuous as possible.
Since track lighting uses the same type of directional reflector type bulbs, it can be used in the same manner as recessed cans. The advantage to track lighting is that only one track can accommodate several light fixtures and requires only one power access whereas each recessed can requires its own power access. Track heads can also be placed anywhere along the track and easily directed to double as task lighting. Additional heads can also be easily added to the track to provide more lighting if desired. The disadvantage to track lighting is that it doesn’t provide the “clean” look of recessed cans.
Shadows can be created underneath cabinets by recessed cans and track lighting because of the directional nature of the light bulbs and placement of the bulbs. Under-cabinet lighting is the way to supplement overhead lighting, eliminate shadows and create excellent task lighting on countertops. Undercabinet fixtures come in different lengths of approximately 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches, depending on the manufacturer, and use halogen, xenon or fluorescent light bulbs. Because of the heat given off by halogen and xenon, LED fixtures or LED tape are gaining in popularity in providing under-cabinet lighting. The ideal location for under-cabinet lighting is as far forward under the cabinet as possible – not against the wall – to evenly distribute the light. New under-cabinet systems are available that combine LED lighting, power receptacles, USB ports and Bluetooth access for music and smart phone charging. They are nearly invisible because they are mounted out of the way, directly under the cabinets. These provide for a much cleaner, uncluttered look on the kitchen counter and backsplash because all of the cut-outs for power outlets are eliminated.
To provide for a more decorative look, mini-pendants can be mounted individually or on a rail system over a kitchen countertop in a bar-type setting or over a kitchen island. A mini-pendant can also be mounted directly over a sink instead of a recessed can. The main advantage to mini-pendants is to provide color in the kitchen and prevent the kitchen from looking too sterile. If a breakfast nook or dinette area is in the kitchen, a chandelier or multi-port canopy with multiple pendants can be used to coordinate with the mini-pendants over the countertop or island and still provide plenty of light. More often than not, a kitchen table is a multipurpose area used for eating, homework, hobbies or balancing the checkbook, so a down-light fixture is often desirable in this area.
When lighting a kitchen, it is important to get plenty of lighting but at the same time it can be a fun place with a lot of color when using pendants or chandeliers. FBN
By Mike Knapp
Mike Knapp has been involved in the lighting industry for almost 14 years, having worked at The Lite Company for four years before purchasing it with his wife, Kathie, almost 10 years ago.
For more information, Knapp can be reached at The Lite Company at 928-774-6257, or stop by the store at 2109 N. 4th Street.