The Best Type Of Lighting To Use In Your Kitchen

When planning your kitchen’s lighting layout, you want to incorporate several tiers of options. The first is task lighting. “Task lighting over the counters and sink is important so you can see what you’re doing while cooking,” Eric Bramlett exclusively told House Digest. These should be bright lights that create little to no shadows for peak visibility, including those over the stovetop and island, as well as strip lighting under cabinets. For the former, use recessed lights. “Recessed lighting is a versatile option that works well in almost any kitchen design. It can be strategically placed to highlight specific areas,” Bramlett shared.

However, you can’t just have task lighting in the space. “You also want overall ambient light from the ceiling or pendants to make the space feel bright and welcoming,” Bramlett explained. This is your main overhead lighting. Think of it as light that spreads out as a net, whereas task lighting shoots down like a focused beam. However, if you want to add a touch of coziness to the space, you can add extra ambient illumination that doesn’t rely on an overhead pendant. “You might be surprised, but things like floor lamps and table lamps work great too for extra accent lighting in nooks of the kitchen,” Bramlett explained. “They add warmth and make the area feel cozy.” In moments where overhead lighting would be too harsh, you can switch on these accent lights.