Here’s How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Kitchen

A beautifully lit kitchen usually employs a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides a consistent level of general illumination. Task lighting brightens work areas, like the counter and stove areas, for safety and functionality. Finally, accent lighting supports ambient and task lighting, while enhancing décor, too. Here’s how to choose light fixtures for a perfect kitchen lightscape.

Kitchen Lighting Fixtures Finding the Right Light Bulbs Related Products

Kitchen Lighting Fixtures

Selecting kitchen light fixtures begins with identifying the different purposes they will serve. Here are the most common kitchen lighting types and the roles they can play in your kitchen lightscape.

Finding the Right Light Bulbs

Light bulbs come in a variety of colour temperatures that are measured in units of Kelvin (K) on a scale of 1,000 to 10,000. The Kelvin scale categorizes the colour emitted by bulbs as warm (yellow), cool (blue) or neutral. Here are some guidelines for matching bulbs to light fixtures.

Warm Bulbs

Light bulbs in the 2,200 K to 2,700 K range emit a warm, yellow-ish light that is ideal for ambient lighting since it feels welcoming and relaxed

Neutral Bulbs

Light bulbs in the 3,000 K to 3,500 K range produce a soft white light that’s crisper than warm bulbs and less glaring than cool bulbs. They can work double duty as task and/or ambient lighting.

Cool Bulbs

Light bulbs of 4,000 K and above produce a bright white light that’s ideal for task-oriented lighting, as it may feel too stark when used for ambient or accent lighting

TIP: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for light bulb sizing and wattage

Countertops

Shine a spotlight on kitchen counters you’ll be happy to work on every day. Find your style in low-maintenance laminate or stylish real wood.

Sinks

Pair your new lighting with a gleaming sink that will improve your kitchen’s utility. Find a single or double-bowl model that suits your lifestyle

Faucets

Elevate your kitchen sink with a stylish faucet that resists drips, water stains and fingerprints for clean, efficient performance

Flooring

If your new kitchen lighting is emphasizing stains and scuffs in tired flooring, now’s the time for an upgrade in sleek tile, wood or laminate

Paint

Brighten your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint. Choose from time-tested classic colours or the latest trendy hues for walls and cabinetry

Smart Light Bulbs

Energy-saving smart bulbs can be voice- or motion-activated anytime someone enters the kitchen. They’re also compatible with smart home assistants, like Google Home, Alexa and Siri.

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FAQs

How do I choose kitchen lighting?

Planning your kitchen lighting is an essential part of any kitchen reno. You’ll want bright task lighting over all your food prep and cooking areas. Task lights should be positioned above and/or in front of where you’ll be standing so as not to create shadows. Under cabinet lighting works well for your sink, stove, and countertops. Pendant lights and track lighting are popular choices to illuminate a kitchen island. They can also be equipped with a dimmer function to augment the ambient lighting in the room. When choosing your primary ambient lighting be sure to take into account the amount of natural light your kitchen receives. Pot lights, wall lights, and flush mount lighting are all good sources of ambient light.

How many lumens are best for kitchen lighting?

Lumens is a measurement of the actual light output of a bulb. For kitchen lighting the recommended range is between 4,000 to 5,000 lumens, but for work areas you might want lights of up to 8,000 lumens. You may also want to consider the Kelvin rating. This measures how yellow (warm) or blue (cool) the lights appear. A Kelvin rating of between 2,700K and 5,000K is recommended for kitchens.

What is semi-flush mount lighting?

Semi-flush mount lights have a visible mounting system that extends about four to eight inches below the ceiling. This is different than flush-mount lights which attach directly to the ceiling, or recessed lights that are housed inside the ceiling. One big benefit of semi-flush lights is additional light as they will reflect light off the ceiling in addition to casting light downwards. The semi-flush mount also offers more opportunity for aesthetically pleasing design choices.