Lighting

Proper kitchen lighting can create an atmosphere, highlight key work areas, and play an essential part in your fundamental design. Unfortunately, many homeowners still suffer with poor lighting either because older homes frequently have inadequate lighting or because new lighting technologies can be intimidating. The good news is that you can easily fix your lighting problems. The better news is that the best time to upgrade your kitchen electrical, wiring, fixtures and switches is during a full-scale remodel or build.

 Here are a few things to consider when lighting your kitchen:

1. How much natural light does the space receive?

- The position of doors and windows determines the amount of available natural light. Southern facing doors and windows let in the most light (if unobstructed by outdoor trees and shrubs). For more information, visit our Windows and Doors section.

2. What are your lighting needs?

- Do you like mood lighting, bright work lights or something in between? Are you looking for something purely functional or would you like a fixture that grabs the eye when you walk in?

 3. What tasks do you do in your kitchen and where?

- Do you have work surfaces you want highlighted? Need a little extra light above the stove or sink? You may need under cabinet lights or accent pieces.

 4. What style is your kitchen and home?

- No matter the style, you need lights that match. In the past, fluorescent lights were the norm for kitchens. Now everything from round ceiling fixtures to pendants to chandeliers are appearing in the kitchen and Kichler Lighting has them all in styles to match any decor.

 5. What type of lamp (bulb) will create the desired ambiance?

- Incandescent, fluorescent and halogen bulbs all create a different lighting effect. Check out our "Types of Lamps" section for details.

 6. Does your lighting plan include the placement of fixtures, switches and dimmers?

- The placement of your lights and switches is important. Where is the best spot for switches and can you use dimmers with the type of lights you want? Check our "Lighting Plan" page for help.

7. How to choose the appropriate lighting fixtures?

- Choose lights that create both the ambiance and style you want. Always buy from a reputable manufacturer.

Kichler Lighting is one of those reputable manufacturers whose products are available at the best lighting showrooms across the country. Offering a wide variety of products, Kichler merges style and functionality to meet even the most discriminating tastes. So let Kichler Lighting help you find just the right light for your new kitchen. While you’re on Kichler’s web site, click on the Style Guide to see a quick overview of their lighting style categories.

To see how different lighting options can change the look of your kitchen, check out GE's interactive Virtual Lighting Designer.

ADDITIONAL READING:
"Interior Lighting", by Kalton Lanue, published by Ortho Books, The Solaris Group
"Somabasics Lighting", by Sebastian Conran and Mark Bona, published by Conran Octopus Limited, Octopus Publishing Group