Kitchen Lighting

Kitchen lighting is traditionally very functional, with trends changing through recent decades from fluorescent strip lighting to recessed and surface mounted spotlights. The vast choice of lighting available to create dynamic kitchen lighting has increased in recent times. This gives us the ability to combine function with creative design.

The Fairfax Pendant, as featured in a recent project by Nicola Parkin Design.

Whilst retaining a utilitarian function, kitchens are increasingly becoming a social living space and for many of us, the heart of the home. Formal dining rooms are being used less frequently, in favour of more relaxed, open plan spaces. Modern living has emerged with spacious kitchens incorporating informal seating and bi-fold doors leading into the garden. This combination of functions requires a thought out lighting scheme to suit all needs.

Cooking areas, counter spaces and cupboards all need to be well illuminated. Recessed LED spotlights are favourable in such areas but the positioning and spacing of these is pivotal and lighting levels are incredibly subjective. The bulbs in spotlights are designed to direct light spill in a concentrated flood of light. Install these directly above key areas with a spacing of 1.2 - 1.5 meters between spotlights to reduce unwanted shadows. For apex ceilings, the use of recessed gimbals or eyeball downlighters will stylishly light up a specific space. High ceilings will create a wider angle of light, which also helps to reduce shadows.

The Hyde Pendant, shown here in combination with recessed spotlights. Metal pendants will generate a directional and subtle source of light, perfect for when the evenings draw in. Hyde is a contemporary design with a mid-century twist. Made with the finest solid brass framework in a polished chrome finish, this 1 light pendant is completed with silver braided cable and a hand spun metal shade.

Pelmet lighting installed below wall cabinets can help illuminate workspaces whilst lighting integrated into cornices gives a beautiful diffused indirect lighting source. Combine functional lighting with decorative ceiling pendants hung over kitchen islands and dining areas. Follow the age-old designers ‘rule of three’ and install your chosen pendants in trios. Consider the effects of alternative lighting styles; glass pendants will create a brighter effect as the light is diffused through the glass. Our Duxford Pendant, shown below, is a classic design featuring plated chrome detailing and reeded satin glass.

Ideal for country kitchens, the Aspen Pendant beautifully preserves the natural pattern and detailing of wood. The rich wood graining is enhanced by the depth of the antique brass metalwork; showcasing a fusion between modern and vintage styles, featured by the Painted Kitchen. 

If space allows, why not add a creative statement with quirky wall lights. Herringbone Kitchens featured our Brutus Wall Light in a recent project, shown below.

As a general rule of thumb, always discuss the functionality of your kitchen space with your designer and electrician in advance to ensure cables are in the right space. Switching and lighting controls are incredibly important to get right so that different lights can be used independently of each other.  It is essential to achieve a balanced colour temperature throughout your lighting scheme. Warm LED’s over 2700 Kelvin will create a comfortable light level, see our Kelvin chart to explain the colour balance of light bulbs in more detail.

LED light bulbs may cost slightly more to buy but they can last up to twenty-five times longer than halogen or fluorescent bulbs and use far less electricity. A 60W light bulb can be replaced with a 6-8W LED version, here’s a useful comparison chart with more details. The lumens column measures the light coming out rather than the electricity going in.

Our collection of LED light bulbs is compatible with all of our lighting designs, browse the full range here.

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