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The kitchen is the most specialized room in most homes. As such, it has specific needs when it comes to most elements found there, including the lighting. Kitchens benefit from multiple lights, light zones, dimmers, and perhaps most importantly: quality task lighting. We’ve collected some of our favorite lighting and design strategies and innovations that will hopefully inspire you when considering updating the lights in your own kitchen.

Lighting zones

It would be hyperbole to say that lighting zones are a strict necessity as such. But in the kitchen more than any other room in the house, they are highly recommended. Lighting zones are groups of lights, typically determined by arrangement or function, that are controlled by a single switch - preferably on a dimmer. One lighting zone may be the pendants over the kitchen island, another the recessed lighting above the sink, still another may be the under-cabinet lighting that illuminates the countertops. Lighting zones give you precise control over specific sections of your room’s lighting. It means you can dim the lights over the kitchen island but keep the lights bright over the sink and countertops so you can work there but not flood the whole room with light unnecessarily. Controlling your lights through zones also means you can save money by only having certain lights on at a time - just the ones you need.

Varied lighting types

Having different lighting types for different areas of your kitchen is not only a great way to establish natural lighting zones, it also provides the right light for each of the various activities that take place in your kitchen. Pendants at the island for eating meals, recessed lighting above the sink for doing dishes, track lighting along a wall for wall washing or highlighting art, under-cabinet lighting for prepping meals - these applications all require different types of lighting to maximize the overall usefulness of your kitchen. Even small kitchens can benefit from multiple light sources and kinds of lighting. Small kitchens require fewer lighting zones than larger ones, to be sure, but mixing ambient, task, and decorative lighting is still possible even in tiny spaces.

All about style

It’s often said that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes and rent apartments. If you’re going to do nothing else to a property before listing it, investing in the kitchen or bathrooms is often the surest way to turn a profit or get renters interested in leasing it. Especially now that more and more people are working from home, more time is being spent in kitchens than ever before. Whether that’s where you’ve set up your home office, or it’s where you’re preparing three meals every day, the kitchen really is the heart of the home. Picking the light fixtures that will not only properly illuminate your space, but also exemplify your style will help your kitchen feel more comfortable, cozy, and welcoming.

Ultimately, while there are best practices when it comes to lighting your space, it really does come down to personal preference. The best lighting reflects how you use your space. It enhances the experience in each room. It aids in your enjoyment of your home. The simple truth is that the best lighting is the lighting that works best for you.

Whatever you decide for lighting your kitchen, SunLake has the bulbs and retrofit downlight kits you need for the best, most energy efficient, LED lighting. Some of our favorite bulbs specifically for kitchens follow this post. Click here for SunLake’s full catalog of high quality LED products.