5 Types of Lighting for the Kitchen

In addition to cabinetry and countertops, lighting can be used as a wonderful decorative accent in the kitchen. It’s particularly important to get the lighting design right in this area for the safety and comfort of you and your family. Here’s a quick overview of kitchen lighting types to consider when remodeling a kitchen in Brookfield, Milwaukee, or Lake Country.

General lighting. General lighting provides illumination of the entire space. The most common types of general lighting are cloud lights (flush-mounted fluorescent ceiling fixtures) and recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is most effective when situated around the perimeter of the room. Decorative chandeliers are also gaining in popularity for the kitchen.

Natural lighting. Kitchen windows are important sources of light. More windows mean more natural light and ventilation, making any kitchen brighter and more inviting. If you have a dark kitchen and a blank exterior wall, consider hiring a professional to add a window.

Task lighting. Task lighting focuses light directly on work surfaces, such as counters, islands, stoves, and the sink area, to make your kitchen experience safer and more efficient. Recessed downlights are a common solution, or a track or rail system might work better for your remodel. Don’t forget about lighting inside the pantry so you can see what food is stocked on those shelves!

Under-cabinet lighting. Under-cabinet lighting is a great addition to kitchens because it focuses the light onto the countertop, which is the main work surface in a kitchen. Under-cabinet options include hard-wired, plug-in, and battery-operated lighting to illuminate work surfaces.

Accent lighting. Accent lighting highlights certain areas of interest in the kitchen, such as an architectural feature or decorative items. Spotlights, up-lights, and pendants are often used for accent lighting.

Read more about how we utilize lighting in kitchens. For guidance on layering lights to create the optimal balance between general, task, and accent lighting in your kitchen, or for more general questions about kitchen remodeling in Milwaukee and surrounding areas, contact Callen today. Our expert kitchen Sales Design Consultant know just how to put the “wow” in your home!