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Lighting your kitchen properly is so important, not only for practical reasons, but also to help create a beautiful space. Ideally, a kitchen will have four types of lighting: general, task, accent, and decorative.
General Lighting: This type of lighting illuminates the whole room and allows you to navigate the space safely. The most common type of general lighting are overhead fluorescent fixtures on the ceiling. Can lights can achieve the same look but more attractively.
Task Lighting: This variety of lighting shines directly on work surfaces. Both under-counter lighting and strip halogen lighting under cabinets are popular and effective choices. Under-counter lights are practical and they help to create a gorgeous space. Task lighting should be installed anywhere you chop, slice, or read recipes. Don’t forget task lighting in the pantry too!
Accent Lighting: This showcases any architectural feature or decorative accessory. Accent lighting may be used to shed light on a piece of artwork on the kitchen wall or other unique detail in the room and can create a beautiful ambiance and dramatic effect. Pendant lights are a popular choice for accent lighting although spotlights and up lights can be used too.
Decorative Lighting: This can be a great addition to a kitchen, but it can be overdone. When choosing a decorative light, keep the size of your kitchen in mind. For large kitchens, a chandelier may be appropriate; for smaller spaces a pendant light may be just right. Decorative lighting is important but it can be expensive. Even if you can’t afford to put in a light at this time, plan on installing one in the future and have junction boxes put in where you plant to put a light. This allows you to install the lighting without a lot of effort once you are ready to make the investment.