Proper kitchen lighting not only allows you to use the room when there's no longer the possibility of using natural daylight, it also highlights the unique character of the interior. However, the question arises: what lighting should you choose for the kitchen to achieve the desired effect? More and more people are choosing to complement the main kitchen lighting with additional light points, such as LED strips placed under hanging kitchen cabinets or spotlights above the work surface.
What will you learn from this article?
- How the right light colour can improve daily kitchen functionality.
- The features of modern lighting sources and why they're worth considering.
- The principles of correct light source placement in the kitchen.
Why is the colour of light so important?
When choosing LED lighting for the kitchen, special attention should be paid to the colour of the light. Simply put, you can choose between cool and warm light, and the decision on which type you choose is a personal matter. However, it is important to remember this distinction. During the day, it's best to use sunlight, as it is best suited to our biological needs. Unfortunately, in our geographical region, we often have to rely on artificial lighting for the kitchen and other rooms throughout much of the year...
An ideal solution is LED lighting that doesn't strain the eyes, allowing free use of the kitchen, in other words, it's neither too dim nor too bright. This brings us to light colour, which – contrary to what you might hear – doesn't affect its intensity or power consumption. The most common recommendations for choosing the right lighting suggest it should be as close to daylight as possible. Therefore, a neutral colour will be an excellent solution, regardless of whether the room has hanging lamps or additional sources of light.
Light in the kitchen – warm or cool colour?
The question posed above cannot be answered definitively, as it depends on various factors – mainly on the preferences of the kitchen's owners. It is much more important that lighting needs are fully met.
- You can opt for uniform kitchen lighting, meaning both the main light source and additional lighting can be cool or warm.
- The second option is to combine both types of light. This solution works especially well in large kitchens.
When considering which light colour would be most suitable for the kitchen, it's worth considering your feelings in rooms where these various types of light are installed. Some suggest that using cool light in a room gives a cold effect – something between a factory and a clinic. If you like such climates, then cool light is made for you. On the other hand, warm light is associated with the sun, fire, often with a cosy and friendly atmosphere, which is why many people choose warm light as central lighting.
Which light sources for which kitchen?
Light helps shape the character of an interior, something that photographers are well aware of. So if you want to give your kitchen a specific style, ensure proper central and additional lighting. Neutral light will suit any kitchen, but if you dream of an industrial style room, the best choice would be cool colours – LED strips placed under cabinets and around the worktop will help highlight the modern character of the interior.
In a more traditionally arranged kitchen, a warm light colour will definitely work better. Especially as the main lighting used during meals. You will appreciate the warm colour on dark autumn and winter mornings. Conversely, the colour of the light reminiscent of sunlight will help wake you up fully and put you in a good mood for the whole day.
How to arrange main lighting in the kitchen?
Decorative plus functional kitchen lighting is a solution probably found in most modern meal preparation rooms. Ceiling lamps usually complement an LED strip for the kitchen placed:
- under kitchen cabinets
- near the kitchen counter.
LED strips are a great addition but won't replace central lighting. Installing an LED strip means we are thinking more of decoration or illuminating a place rather than ensuring proper lighting.
When thinking about which LED strip to choose, again you should answer what visual effect you wish to achieve. Using a warm light colour can create a cosy kitchen with a very homely character. Spot lighting placed correctly can further warm up the room. On the other hand, cold LED kitchen versions are a great way to emphasize modern furniture and decorative accessories.
In summary of considerations on the best light colour for a kitchen, it can be concluded that it mainly depends on the effect you want to achieve. Kitchen LED will work both as a warm colour and as cool light. The most important thing is the proper intensity of kitchen lighting. It should be bright enough to work comfortably in, yet pleasant enough to enjoy meals under. And if you want to know how to quickly clean the kitchen after meals, read our other article – Cleaning the kitchen – 10 tips for cleaning the kitchen to shine!
Summary
The choice of the right light colour is crucial for the comfort of space use. When deciding on a specific colour temperature, it's worth considering whether a warm, cool or neutral colour would be better. Each has different uses and effects on the atmosphere of an interior.
Warm colour (about 2700–3000 K) promotes relaxation and creates a cosy climate. Warm light is perfect in the bedroom, living room or dining room, where a pleasant atmosphere matters.
On the other hand, the topic of neutral and cool light is often discussed in the context of functionality and efficiency. Neutral or warm light? Neutral light (about 4000 K) is closest to natural and fits well in offices, kitchens or bathrooms where vision precision matters.
Cool or neutral light? Cool light (5000–6500 K) stimulates and increases concentration, making it a suitable choice for studies, workshops or places requiring intensive work. However, it can seem harsh and less cosy.
Many users seek information about the impact of different light temperatures. Regarding light colours – opinions are divided. Some prefer warm shades for comfort, others opt for neutrality or a cooler tone for greater efficiency.
The selection of the correct light colour depends on the function of the room and individual preferences. It is worth experimenting and combining different light sources to achieve the best visual effect and comfort of use.