Lamps for lighting countertops in the kitchen. Kitchen lamps above the work surface: how to properly distribute light in the kitchen. Types of lighting: main and additional

The kitchen occupies a leading position in terms of the time residents spend in an apartment or house. It is used not only for cooking and eating food, all family members, friends and relatives gather here. They communicate on various topics, discuss plans to solve current problems over a cup of coffee or tea.

Therefore, much attention is paid to design; a backlit countertop is a work area where the process of cooking, washing dishes and other important activities takes place. The lighting of this area should not be dim or obscured by people in the kitchen, and should not blind a person while working with food and cutlery. To fulfill all the conditions for illuminating the worktop, various lighting sources and methods of installing them are used in the kitchen.

Lighting fixtures for kitchen countertops and how to install them

In most cases, all types of lighting elements are installed at the bottom of hanging cabinets, the light from them is directed onto the working surface of the countertop. Many manufacturers of kitchen furniture produce cabinets with already built-in lighting elements, others prefer not to do this, giving the buyer the opportunity to independently install those appliances that will best suit the interior.

Types of lighting devices:

• Lamps with oblong-shaped tubular fluorescent lamps are very practical to be placed under wall cabinets and can be attached to walls or furniture. They can be of different sizes and power, from 20 to 80 W, they shine very brightly, so decorative protection is placed at eye level. The light is directed only onto the surface of the tabletop.

This design does not dazzle and illuminates the work area well. The disadvantages of these lamps are the complexity electrical diagram connections, sensitivity to mechanical stress and voltage drops in the network, short service life - up to 10,000 hours. It is not recommended to install fluorescent lamps in the kitchen from an environmental point of view. They contain mercury vapor, and if the glass bulb cracks or breaks, the vapor will spread into the room.

• Spotlights with LED or halogen lamps - they can be built-in or surface-mounted, rotating or with a fixed direction (spots).

They are placed very compactly under wall cabinets, cut into the bottom, and the light from them is directed directly onto the countertop. The inconvenience is that the wires and base are mounted inside the cabinet and take up some space there. It is practical to use overhead rotating spotlights; they can be mounted on the bottom of the cabinet or on the wall. Directional lighting can be changed at any time to the subject you need.

• LED lighting, overhead Rationel lamps for kitchen furniture from IKEA.

Rationel lamps

The products are ideally adapted to the kitchen conditions and countertop lighting, and are easily mounted on furniture and walls.

• LED strips - many models are produced, they differ in the number of LEDs per 1 m, power consumption, mounting method and lighting color. To illuminate the tabletop, it is easier to use self-adhesive tape, the LEDs of which emit white or yellowish warm light.

Of all the options listed, LED lighting is considered optimal. It is superior to other light sources in all respects, it has the most economical power consumption, simple installation, resistance to mechanical stress and a long service life. The great advantage of LEDs is that they practically do not heat up, while providing sufficient brightness of lighting.

Installation of LED strip for tabletop illumination

Selecting LED strip

First of all, you need to decide what brand is needed and how long the tape is needed, measure the total distance above the tabletop. The strips are produced in a standard length of 5 m, usually this is enough to illuminate a countertop in a kitchen of 9 m2. It should be taken into account that the tape can be cut in certain places in order to highlight certain areas of the table.

The tapes differ in several ways:

• the number of LEDs per 1 m, the power consumption and brightness depend on this, manufacturers make 30, 60, 120 and 240 pcs/m;
• type of LEDs - monochrome single-color elements with 1 crystal or full-color with 4 crystals;
• according to the size of the diodes - the smallest are 1.06 x 0.8 mm, the largest are 5 x 5 mm;
• according to moisture resistance there are three types, IP20 - has weak protection, IP65 - medium level and IP68 the highest level of moisture protection, it can even be placed in an aquarium;
• by supply voltage 12, 24 or 36 V.

The countertop in the kitchen is considered an object with high humidity, so it is recommended to install an IP65 grade tape. In terms of lighting brightness, SMD 5050 tapes with 5 mm diodes, 120 pcs/m shine very brightly, 60 pcs/m are simply bright, 30 pcs/m create moderate lighting. Colored diodes for illuminating the work surface are not recommended; they distort the outlines of objects, the eyes get tired quickly, and it is inconvenient to work.

This option is more suitable for ceiling decoration. For the countertop, it is enough to install an SMD 5050 tape, where there are 60 diodes per meter.

Selection of power supply

The problem is that LED strips are not powered directly from 220 V sockets; a voltage of 12, 24 or 36 V is required depending on the type of strip; 12-volt models are most often used. Manufacturers make different power supplies; you need to choose one that matches the power consumed by the tape. Otherwise, the elements of the block may burn out or not provide energy to fully illuminate the LEDs.

Power calculation

On the tape itself they write specifications based on 1 meter. An SMD 5050 with a power of 12 W and a length of 4 m will consume 48 W. We take into account the power reserve factor of 48 x 1.25 = 60 W, which means that a 60 W power supply is required. Old transformer units are heavy and large in size; it is advisable to buy modern transformerless voltage converters, they are lighter and smaller.

Installation sequence

1. Measure the required distance of the tape and cut it from a five-meter roll; you need to cut in the places strictly indicated on the tape.

1. If lighting requires several sections for cabinets, cut them in the indicated places. Connecting wires must be copper, stranded and flexible. For contacts with a “+” sign, use a wire with red insulation, for “minus” with black or blue.
2. Connections of tape sections to each other and to the power supply are performed only by soldering at a temperature of no more than 250 °C. Soldering should be done on the indicated contacts with the “+” and “-” signs.

Places for soldering wires to the LED strip

1. Before soldering the wires, do not forget to put insulating heat-shrinkable tubes on them, pieces of 1.5–2 cm each. After soldering, slide them to the contact points, heat them with a lighter or hairdryer, they will shrink and reliably insulate the connections.

There are factory plastic connectors for connection, but it is not advisable to use them. They do not always provide reliable contact, which can lead to wire burnout.

1. Before gluing the tape to the bottom of the cabinet, thoroughly wipe the surface and degrease it with cotton wool soaked in alcohol.

1. Remove 5-10 cm of the protective film from the back of the LED strip and stick it to the bottom surface of the cabinet along the pre-marked line. Remove the rest of the protective film as you stick it, then the tape will not stick together and stick to other parts of the furniture or to your hands.

In some furniture samples, the bottom of the cabinets is recessed in relation to the walls, creating a kind of niche in which the tape, power supply, trimmer for controlling the brightness of lighting and connecting wires are perfectly placed. In cabinets with a flat bottom, a decorative aluminum profile is placed on glue or secured with self-tapping screws around the perimeter. It hides all the lighting elements of the kitchen surface, eliminates glare from rays at eye level, and only illuminates the countertop. If necessary, to harmonize with the interior, the profile can be painted to match the color of the cabinets with moisture-resistant paint from a spray can.

Do you know that the lighting of residential premises is regulated by SNIPs? Unfortunately, in most cases it is 20-30% less than necessary. If we talk about the kitchen work area, even more. But illumination affects our health: vision, nervous system, fatigue, concentration, mood.

Kitchen work area lighting

It has been established that optimal lighting for a kitchen countertop should be at least 40-50 W/m2. This is true for fluorescent and halogen lamps. For LED-based lamps it requires approximately 10 times less. Since LED backlight consumes about 10 times less power with the same luminous flux.

Fig.1.

The lighting of the kitchen work area must have a certain radiation direction. For comfortable work, you should concentrate all the light on the tabletop and prevent it from spreading towards your eyes.

Fig.2.

Where should lighting be installed? It is necessary where cooking, cutting food and washing dishes is carried out. Above the stove, the light source is usually built into the hood and does not require any addition. Lighting the countertop in the kitchen in the cutting area and above the sink is very important, since in these areas our attention is most concentrated, and, therefore, the load on vision is maximum.

Fig.3.

Kitchen lighting options

There are several options for lighting a kitchen countertop. All of them serve to create comfortable conditions for cooking. The combination of options will make the kitchen set not only convenient, but also beautiful.

How to make LED lighting in the kitchen

Recently, LED strip has gained great popularity due to its ease of installation, as well as a wide range of emission spectrum. This allows you to have not only functional lighting, but also decorative lighting. At the same time, switch modes at will. In addition, LEDs can have a warm (yellow) or cool (white) glow, so there is a huge choice.

How to install LED strip in the kitchen? The easiest installation option is to stick it with double-sided tape on the underside of the cabinets. Depending on the power of the LEDs, it will serve as main (with a power of more than 7 W/m) or auxiliary (less than 7 W/m) lighting.

Fig.4.

How to connect an LED strip in the kitchen? To connect to the network you will need a special driver (power supply). The tape is connected using two wires to the power supply, observing the polarity, and the power supply to a 220 V network.

The disadvantage of this approach is the discreteness of light sources, and as a result, uneven illumination. In addition, only expensive ice tapes are protected from moisture and contamination.

Fig.5.

There are two ways to solve these problems.

Boxes with a diffuser are produced specifically for LED strips. They can be built-in, i.e. for them it is necessary to specially prepare a groove in the furniture, by analogy with built-in lamps. Or be overhead, for this type no special preparation is required.

Fig.6.

Another more expensive way to purchase ready-made LED kitchen lights. They often already have a driver in their design and simply need to be mounted on furniture.

Fig.7.

LED illumination of the working area

Fig.8.

Fig.9.

Fig. 10.

Fig. 11.

Connecting LED strip

Fig. 12.

Fig. 13.

Fig. 14.

Fluorescent lamps for the kitchen

Illumination with fluorescent lamps is also very common due to its ease of installation, low cost and availability, as well as low energy consumption and high service life.

There are two options: lamps for kitchen wall cabinets or installation of fluorescent light sources.

Fig. 15.

The second option is the most affordable. To implement it you will need fluorescent lamps. They can be purchased at any store. As a rule, they come with fasteners, which can be used to secure them to the bottom of the cabinets.

Fig. 16.

However, this approach has one drawback. To hide the lamps, it is necessary to provide an additional strip on the kitchen unit, which is not always possible.

To get around this drawback, you can take a different route. Buy lamps not general purpose, but intended specifically for furniture. Lighting under kitchen cabinets will thus be more attractive. appearance and fits well into the interior.

Fig. 17.

The great advantage of fluorescent lamps is that there is no need for additional electrical parts, such as transformers. All you need to do is plug them into an outlet.

Spot light in the kitchen

Spotlights with halogen lamps have become widespread due to the emission spectrum that most closely matches the solar one. Furniture vehicles have many different design options. They can be divided into two groups: built-in and overhead.

Fig. 18.

How to place spotlights in the kitchen? To achieve optimal illumination, they are installed at a distance of 50 cm from each other along the entire tabletop. Considering that their power does not exceed 20 W, this distance will provide 40 W/m2.

Built-in kitchen lighting is not often used, since to install it it is necessary to make a recess in the bottom of the cabinet with a depth of at least 20 mm. This means that it is necessary to either install a double bottom or use a thicker slab. Therefore, vehicles are usually used in a canopy as general lighting for a kitchen unit.

Fig. 19.

Overhead lamps are more convenient. They do not require special recesses. They are mounted on the bottom of kitchen cabinets. Considering the variety of designs of lamp housings, choose the most the best option design is not difficult.

Fig.20.

Halogen backlighting is connected to the mains in the traditional way using a 12V transformer, the power of which is chosen slightly more than required.

Fig.21.

Can be applied LED bulbs for kitchen lighting. Thus, you can save significantly on electricity.

To make the right lighting in the kitchen, it is not at all necessary to order an expensive project from designers.

By following certain steps and rules, you can independently calculate the required number of light sources and choose the best option for combining them with each other.

Any lighting in an apartment or house has three main functions:

• light to see - general lighting

• light to see - accent lighting

• light to look at - decorative lighting

The main lighting in the kitchen is a chandelier or spotlights

Let's start with general lighting in the kitchen. The light to see is actually a central ceiling light.

It should evenly fill the entire room with light. How to choose the right lamp or chandelier?

First, determine the electrical wiring outlet on the ceiling for it. Many people mistakenly place this lamp exactly in the center, not paying attention to the kitchen unit or refrigerator. It is not right.

Take a plan with the arrangement of furniture and draw a rectangle, stepping back from the edge of the kitchen unit. Next, find the center and this is where you make a conclusion for the ceiling lamp.

If the kitchen is narrow or long, then the central chandelier can be replaced with spotlights or built-in lamps.

To do this, also find the center of the ceiling, moving away from the kitchen unit, and place the lamps along the kitchen furniture.

If the room is large and has an elongated shape, you can place light sources in two rows.

What types of lamps may not be suitable as the main light and why? For example, modern popular models are so-called track lamps, moving on a rail or tracks.

Although they have a rotating design, plus they move under voltage to any point, it is better not to use them for kitchens with low ceilings.

The design will look too bulky and create the feeling of a technical room.

However, in some interiors they look very good.

For the loft style it may be suitable, but for other styles it’s an acquired taste.

Kitchen accent lighting

When you have decided on the conclusions of the main light, you can begin designing the location of the accent light. That is, light to see.

Why do you need accent lighting? To illuminate the kitchen work surface while cooking.

For this purpose, it is best to use two levels of lighting. The first level is located on the main ceiling or in a constructed box above the upper cabinets.

These are spotlights or surface-mounted recessed lamps. The depth of the upper kitchen cabinets is usually 35 cm, and the lower ones - 60 cm.

Therefore, to illuminate the tabletop, it is necessary to place the outlets at a distance of 45cm or 47cm from the wall.

Also, do not forget to take into account the diameter of the lamp itself. If it is large, then the distance from the wall also increases.

The first level of lighting should not be used if the kitchen is narrow and you have already chosen spotlights as the main lighting.

The second level of accent lighting is located at the bottom of the wall cabinets. Previously, these were only point light sources, but today LED strips are increasingly used here.

They are very easy to install. They do not require replacing bulbs, and are also unnoticeable.

Many may have a question: if there is a first level of accent lighting, then why make a second one?

Firstly, it is necessary for people with poor vision. Secondly, in many kitchens there are no windows at all and, accordingly, there is not enough light.

And thirdly, the more light in the kitchen, the better. It’s unlikely that you’ve heard complaints that someone has too much light in their kitchen. But more than once we have been faced with a situation where it is sorely lacking.

How to correctly calculate the number of light points, and not make mistakes in this matter, by trusting various online calculators, read below.

It is worth especially noting that it is better to mount the LED strip in a special profile and use a waterproof design.

Location of switches and sockets

How to provide lighting if the kitchen furniture is still at the order stage? The most important thing here is not to forget to draw a conclusion for this lighting, approximately at a height of 160 cm from the finished floor level, in the place of one of the upper kitchen cabinets.

You can provide a separate switch for this backlight or use a built-in switch that responds to movement or touch.

You can learn in detail from the article below where to correctly place sockets in the kitchen in compliance with all distances and standards.

Decorative lighting

This lighting is needed for eating, drinking tea, romantic dinner or just a pleasant conversation in the kitchen with your friends or relatives.

Decorative lighting should be in the dining area. There are three main options for table lighting:

• long cord pendant lights

They are suitable if the main lamp is a ceiling lamp and not a pendant lamp. Also, if you do not plan to change the location of the table in the future.

Pendant and spotlights are also ideal for placement above the kitchen island.

• table sconces

They will illuminate not only the dining area, but will also serve as wall decor near the table. Sconces are suitable if the dining table is placed close to the wall.

• desk lamp

This option requires a console or chest of drawers located near the dining table.

Once you have decided on the location and purpose of the lamps in the kitchen, you need to begin choosing the design and characteristics of each light source.

The design of the work area in the kitchen needs to be thought through to the smallest detail. Everything is individual. The main thing is that the hostess feels comfortable, and with constant eye strain, you can forget about convenience. No matter how bright the ceiling lamps are, they are not capable of fully illuminating the work area, so there is a need for additional lighting.

Additional illumination of the working area

In addition to practical issues, one must take into account the design possibilities that can be realized using light elements. When using modern technical means and the designer's imagination even a trivial kitchen turns into a unique creation of art.

Illumination of the working area in the kitchen is an issue on the correct solution of which depends the originality of the overall design of the room and the comfort of the owners.

Possible backlight options: advantages and disadvantages

Beginning housewives sometimes underestimate the importance of designing a work area and make mistakes that are then difficult to correct.

Remember the following rules:

• the backlight should provide neutral lighting;
• the light should not cause discomfort (too bright or have an unpleasant tint to the eyes);
• the lighting is directed downwards to the surface so as not to blind the eyes.

An interesting design solution is double-sided lighting, when the light sources are located above and below. Let's consider the main options for organizing lighting for the work area in the kitchen.

LED lights

One of the most modern solutions. LEDs have a long service life, are practical, resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and pollution. The cost is an order of magnitude more expensive than other types of lamps, but due to long-term use they pay for themselves very well. Another undeniable advantage of LEDs is the ability to experiment with design. LED modules have different powers. It is worth calculating their number depending on the desired combination. Compositions made from LEDs built inside a glass apron look stylish and unusual.

The popularity of LED strips is increasing. They are easy to use. For fastening you do not need to have any special skills. It is enough to select the surface on which the tape will be located and secure it with tape, special glue or staples. It is better to use neutral shades to decorate your work area. In other areas, such as around the dining table, richer colors will work. Using LED strip has many advantages, the main ones:

• wide scope for creativity;
• savings due to self-attachment;
• low power consumption;
• stable, silent operation even with voltage fluctuations;
• long service life (among experts there is an opinion that LED lamps do not burn out at all).

Please note: Some LEDs can be controlled by adjusting the brightness using the remote control. It is very comfortable. When the work is completed and the backlight is not needed, you can reduce it to a minimum, and the LED will start working in night light mode.

Halogen backlight

The use of halogen lamps in the design of residential premises has been practiced for a long time. Small size, quite affordable cost, long service life compared to incandescent lamps explain why this type lighting is popular.

An example of halogen lighting for a work area in the kitchen

Time does not stand still - the operating life of a halogen lamp is 4000 hours, which is 4 times longer than that of a conventional light bulb, while the LED operates for 100,000 hours, so this factor can no longer be called a clear advantage. Another drawback is that the halogen lamp gets very hot, which means that if it comes into contact with any surface it will quickly burn out.

The main advantage of using them in the kitchen in the work area is that the light emitted by halogen bulbs is closest to natural. In this regard, they have no equal today. This is especially important for people with vision problems.

Incandescent lamps in the design of the kitchen work area

Incandescent lamps are practically not used for lighting. Even if you are an opponent of new technologies, this type of lamp can only be used for chandeliers. When illuminating the kitchen work area, their use is not recommended. They have much more disadvantages than advantages: they consume a lot of energy, do not provide enough light, cannot distribute it evenly, and quickly burn out.

Fluorescent backlight

Fluorescent lighting in the kitchen has been used for general and spot lighting for many years. These lamps are economical and provide even light, especially if equipped with a diffuser. Although it not only performs the task of uniformly distributing lighting, but also protects the lamp from dirt and grease, which is especially important when illuminating the work area in the kitchen. The advantages of this type of lighting are:

• pleasant, non-irritating light;
• energy saving;
• the presence of different shades;
• ease of installation;
• duration of operation.

It is worth noting the disadvantages. Perhaps the main thing noted by users is that the lamp does not light up immediately after switching on, but after 5-7 seconds. The same thing happens during power surges. It either goes out completely, or begins to blink and make unpleasant noises. Those who choose fluorescent lamps should know that they contain mercury: if such a lamp breaks, it is necessary to carry out special treatment of the room. Another nuance that should be taken into account when organizing lighting for the work area in the kitchen. Fluorescent fluorescent lamps are not recommended for this area. They are more suitable for large rooms.

Fluorescent lighting in the kitchen photo

Spot lighting

When it comes to spot lighting in the kitchen work area, you should pay attention to light beams. This type of lighting is similar to the fluorescent lamps that we discussed above, only the option is much more simplified. They are designed for installation directly into a niche, although sometimes beams are also found in lampshades.

The disadvantage is the high cost. But the solid appearance that the kitchen acquires when using such lamps, as well as their durability, compensate for the price.

Spot lighting for the kitchen work area photo

The light beam provides soft and even lighting. Its use in the kitchen guarantees adequate lighting that will not cause discomfort. The presence of switches allows you to regulate the flow of light and its power, making it possible to illuminate only those areas that really need lighting.

Backlight Modes

When choosing lamps to illuminate the kitchen work area, consider not only their features and characteristics, but first of all the power, the ability to adjust brightness, lighting mode, or, as designers also call it, color temperature.
The following main types are distinguished:

• warm light;
• natural light;
• cold light.

Warm and pleasing to the eye. It has a yellowish tint, does not irritate, does not strain the eyesight, and does not distort the colors of objects.

Natural light is white. It is considered the most beneficial for the eyes, but it is more appropriate to take it in work areas; in the kitchen there is no need for such bright lighting.

Cold light has a bluish tint and is rarely used in the kitchen, except perhaps for decorative purposes of the overall interior, but not for illuminating the work area. It distorts the color of objects and negatively affects vision.

How to choose lighting fixtures: useful tips

Kitchen work area lighting has a lot of nuances. We looked at what types of lamps exist and determined that the main thing is practicality and comfort.
Before you go shopping for a lamp, answer the following questions:
who spends the most time in the kitchen work area. A lot actually depends on this; everyone has an individual understanding of comfort:

• where the light source will be mounted. This could be the bottom surface of hanging kitchen furniture, the perimeter of the apron, etc.;
• power and brightness that light bulbs should have;
• price.

Remember that regardless of the choice of lighting device, it must be resistant to dirt, not afraid of contact with other surfaces, and can withstand high temperatures.
Listen to the following tips that interior designer Victoria Nikolskaya shared with our readers:

• much depends on the location of the work area. If, for example, it is located near a window, it is necessary to position the lamps in such a way that there is no glare from the natural light source;
• the light should fall on the tabletop, and not shine into the eyes;
• it is optimal if you can adjust the position of the lamps;
• You should not use light bulbs with decorative designs. Dust accumulates in the patterns, and some of the light will be lost.

Where to place sockets and switches in the work area

It is not difficult to determine the sockets in the work area. There are rarely many here household appliances. Most often this is an electric kettle, maybe a microwave. However, it is on the work surface that assistants such as a multicooker, food processor, and blender are used. The frequency of use of such devices determines the optimal number of sockets in the work area and their location.

The overall design also matters. If the kitchen apron and countertop are made of decorative glass with a pattern, the socket will spoil the overall impression. Consult with experts. It might be possible to consider some kind of hidden placement option. A popular solution is retractable sockets. They are invisible from the outside and are completely hidden in the surface of the tabletop or can be built into furniture.

Retractable socket in the work area photo

When extended, they resemble a regular extension cord, which is used for a different number of household appliances.

Regarding the switches, the answer is clear - they must be here, unless the backlight is controlled using a remote control. The following mistake is often made: the switch is placed at the entrance to the kitchen, next to the main one. But it is more convenient if it is planned in close proximity to the working surface. Place it on the side of the cabinet, or underneath. The main thing is that you can reach it without interrupting your work.

LED strip lighting

Using LED strip in the interior allows you to create a unique design with minimal investment of time and money.

As the name implies, LEDs are used to make the tape. Placed on a strip, they can be of different shades and are multifunctional, allowing not only to organize the illumination of the required area, but also providing all the possibilities for creating an original and unique design. The tape is placed around the perimeter of the cabinet, kitchen apron, and countertop. You can use it to mark drawers, etc.

Mounting LED strip in the kitchen

To illuminate the work area in the kitchen, it is better to purchase tape in sealed packaging. This will protect it from contamination, surface maintenance will be reduced to a minimum, and will also significantly extend its service life. In terms of color, it is better to opt for warm shades.

Determine the location of the tape and measure the perimeter. If installation will be carried out independently, pay attention to the method and the availability of detailed instructions.

Organization of two-level lighting in the work area

Lamps for illuminating the work area in the kitchen can be placed not only around the perimeter or in one layer. Two-level lighting looks very nice, but it serves more of a decorative function. This design is available if there are no cabinets above the countertop. With the help of two-level lighting it is possible to visually make the ceiling higher.

It is recommended to use LED strip, individual LEDs or fluorescent light bulbs for two-level lighting.

We hope that we were able to answer all your questions regarding the organization of lighting for the work area in the kitchen and now the design of this area will not cause you any problems. If you still have questions, you can ask them in the comments, and our designer consultant will answer them.

Only competent and technically thoughtful lighting will effective tool, simplifying the performance of household or work duties. The cooking process is no exception. Good light is needed for chopping vegetables, cutting food, and sorting cereals. Therefore, high-quality and powerful kitchen lamps above the work surface are required.

Often cooking takes place in the evenings, when you return from work, and, depending on the time zone, it will be twilight or darkness outside. Additional lighting is needed in the area of ​​the cutting table and sink. An ordinary chandelier located in the center of the kitchen cannot emit enough light to all parts of the room, so people think about organizing an auxiliary system.

Kitchen lighting requirements

The average lighting power for a kitchen workplace is about 40 W per 1 sq. m, which is relevant for halogen and fluorescent lamps. LED products shine much brighter with a power 6-8 times less, hence the lower requirements - 5-7 W per 1 sq. m. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to these products, which will save on energy consumption and return the money spent due to a long service life.

The quality of lighting depends not only on the power of the light sources used, but also on the location of the devices. In the countertop area there are usually wall-hung cabinets, and it is best to install lamps from below, into the base.

You need to pay attention to the direction of the light flux. The light should be concentrated, pointed, falling on the place where food is cut and prepared. Avoid lighting that will be directed toward your eyes. To reduce the glare effect, use diffusers that evenly distribute light throughout the room (desired area).

The kitchen work area is divided into several parts:

• gas/electric stove;
• food cutting place;
• food storage place;
• washing.

Above the stove there is usually a hood in which lighting elements are already built-in. In most cases, food is stored in the refrigerator, which is lit by default, and in wall/floor cabinets. You can build light sources into these cabinets by installing sensors for opening/closing doors. On the other hand, perhaps basic lighting from a chandelier or spotlights in the ceiling. The place of cutting of products was written above.

Methods of lighting above the kitchen work surface

The main choice when organizing a lighting system for a kitchen above a work surface involves different types of fixtures.

LED lights

These lighting devices work in conjunction with semiconductors that emit light when electrical current is applied. The devices operate from industrial network voltage 220 V and frequency 50 Hz or from autonomous energy sources (12 V). In the latter case, batteries or special power supplies (drivers) are used that convert alternating current into direct current and then reduce the voltage.

These are environmentally friendly products that, unlike other devices, do not contain harmful substances (mercury, gases).

During operation, no carbon dioxide is released. LEDs are characterized by a uniform glow, operate without flickering, and their service life can reach 100,000 hours. In addition, the products are not highly dependent on voltage fluctuations, and energy consumption at the same level of luminous flux, compared to fluorescent and halogen lamps, can be two or three times lower.

Fluorescent lamps

Special glass flasks containing mercury vapor inside. When connected to a power source, an arc discharge is formed, causing an ultraviolet glow that is visible during operation of the lighting fixtures. Usually produced in the form of tubes of a certain length and diameter. Main feature A fluorescent lamp has a cool white glow with increased intensity, which allows you to effectively use devices to illuminate the work area in the kitchen.

To change the shades of light, various impurities are added to mercury vapor, so the glow can have bluish, crystal white, yellowish or violet tints. This is very convenient when creating a room design!

Similar to LED lamps, fluorescent lamps have low power, produce little heat and consume minimal electricity. On the other hand, the devices contain harmful gases and mercury vapors inside. Even though the substances are hidden under a shock-resistant glass case, the latter can be destroyed, which is why the device poses a danger to human health. In addition, such lamps cannot be disposed of with regular waste.

Halogen spotlights

Halogen lamps containing bromine and iodine vapors are usually purchased for the kitchen. The main element of the glow is still a tungsten filament, as in conventional light bulbs, but due to additional filling with the specified gas, the service life is significantly extended.

Also, in comparison with their predecessors, with identical power, halogen lamps are characterized by a higher level of illumination. The color temperature is in the range of 2600-3000 K, so the light is soft, with yellowish tints.

Compared to the gases in fluorescent lamps, bromine and iodine are much less dangerous for people, but you still need to be careful during operation, since the bulbs are very fragile, the slightest shakes lead to rupture of the filament. Halogen lamps can be used in conjunction with dimmers, which allow you to adjust the intensity (brightness) of light radiation. High-quality and branded products are well protected from moisture penetration, and this fact is very important for the kitchen.

Self-contained models powered by batteries or special adapters are very convenient. Their operation is relevant in cases where it is not possible to connect the power cable to the location of the lamp. The advantages of this method include independence from interruptions in the supply of electricity to a private or multi-storey building, savings, no need to lay an electrical cable, especially when there is no desire to ditch the walls and disturb the finished finish, and the possibility of installation anywhere. Lamps in which the batteries are periodically and promptly changed will produce the same bright and intense light as other devices.

Surface-mounted lamps

This is one of the most interesting types of autonomous wireless light sources. There is no need to build them into furniture or niches or hide them in lampshades. The device is sold as a ready-made, complete product with built-in light bulbs and a replaceable battery. After purchasing, it is enough to secure them in the desired place, which can be done using Velcro or four screws located in the corners of the metal base. Most often, the mounting location is on the kitchen furniture.

Touch lights

IN last years are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. The main advantage is the ability to configure automatic switching on and off of the light, which leads to significant energy savings. Various sensors can be used. For example, lighting devices that turn on when a certain noise threshold is exceeded are easy to operate and have low cost. You manually set the desired noise threshold.

Touch-sensitive lamps with a photocell can be installed in the kitchen, which will be triggered when moving objects are detected. The cost will be higher, but the solution is more functional.

How to choose and arrange

When choosing a lamp for the work area in the kitchen, consider several important requirements:

• the light should be soft, diffused, not directed towards the eyes, and not cause discomfort;
• no flicker;
• energy saving;
• compact overall dimensions, the ability to be built into kitchen furniture;
• design compatible with the overall interior of the room;
• convenient installation and acceptable connection (if it is not possible to lay a power cable, then you should not buy devices connected to a 220 V network).

It is also important to correctly calculate the required number of lamps. There should be enough light above the work area, but at the same time excessive glow should be avoided. The lighting system should look harmonious and be effective.

You can install one or two light bulbs in each zone: above the stove (if there is no lighting or it is poor in the hood), the sink and the cutting surface. When installing lamps, do not forget to purchase various auxiliary accessories, including wires, shades, automation, fasteners, regular or touch switches.

In almost all kitchens, the work area is arranged along one wall, along the length of the room. Sometimes it covers two adjacent walls at once in the shape of the letter “L”. More spacious rooms may include an island arrangement of the cooking area.

The lighting system should be formed depending on the chosen option. The most common way to place point-mounted appliances will be the direct option along the stove, countertop and sink.

Moreover, all lamps are located at an equidistant distance from each other. If there are hanging cabinets above the work area, then it is best to install the lamps in them (in the base).

The kitchen table can be illuminated with halogens or fluorescent products. In this case, you can choose a beautiful decorative case that is compatible with the design of the room. Elongated luminescent products can be built into the side walls of cabinets - it looks very creative and unusual!

Most modern electrical appliances have increased fire and electrical safety. They practically do not heat up and emit minimal heat. For this reason, many of them can be installed on any trim. Please note that kitchen appliances require waterproof housings.

Do not forget to carry out timely cleaning, be sure to remove dust from the surfaces of the lamps. Not only dust, but also grease and fumes will accumulate on the diffusers, so it will be much easier to remove them from simple-shaped devices.

The yellow glow distorts colors, so your kitchen furniture may appear “in a different light.”

Consider installing a dimmer to control the brightness level, thereby saving energy consumption. The device is otherwise called a rheostat or dimmer.

To avoid problems while organizing kitchen lighting, think through the smallest details at the planning stage or performing rough renovations. Thanks to this, it will be possible to lay hidden electrical wiring to the location of all the lamps - main and auxiliary for the work surface.

Remember that it is important to create comfortable lighting not only in the area of ​​food preparation, but also in its consumption. This will make it much more enjoyable to spend time with family and friends.