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The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the right lighting can make or break this essential room. Effective light fixtures combine functionality with design. 

If your kitchen light fixtures feel lackluster, it may be time to upgrade them. In this guide, we explain the basics of how to choose light fixtures for your kitchen.

Layer Lighting in the Kitchen

Choosing the right light fixtures for your kitchen is important. Each light serves a unique purpose, so plan your kitchen lighting layers carefully to ensure everything is lit properly. 

Planning lighting layers in open-concept homes requires extra care to keep light from spilling into other areas.

If you need to choose light fixtures for a home like this, our kitchen remodeling services in Folsom, CA, can help. Let us do the measuring, cutting, and installation so you can focus on choosing the right fixtures for task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is any light that illuminates an important place in your kitchen, like the range, stove top, sink, or food prep areas.

This lighting should be even, bright, and the first type you consider since proper lighting in these areas ensures safety.

Overhead light fixtures make great task lighting. Avoid placing lights behind where people will be standing to prevent shadows.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting includes more than natural lighting that shines in through your kitchen windows — it includes any light that bounces or spreads through the kitchen. Ambient light is best as a foundation when layering lights. 

Ambient fixtures should provide uniform lighting throughout the room. Consider the available natural light before adding ambient lighting. 

Wondering how to choose light fixtures for ambient lighting? Consider these:

• Pendant lights
• Bulkhead lighting
• Surface lighting

A professional can help decide if your kitchen needs additional ambient lighting. 

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting highlights specific sections of the kitchen. You can use these lights to draw attention to special elements. These lights include:

• Recessed lighting
• Track lighting
• Adjustable lighting

Accent lights can also add color to the space. Use these lights to:

• Light the floor. Accent lights point towards the floor to provide a night light.
• Light cabinets. Accent lights help you find things in your cabinets. 
• Light wall artwork. Draw attention to the artwork in your kitchen.
• Light drawers. Deep drawers are dark without accent lighting.

Position accent lighting carefully to complement your task lighting. 

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting covers any light that serves an ornamental purpose. Chandeliers and wall sconces are examples of decorative lighting, and these types of lights often look best above the dining table.

Consider the size of your space when choosing decorative lights. If your ceilings are low, a large fixture will make them seem lower, so go for smaller, more delicate fixtures.

Do not use decorative lighting as the only light in your kitchen. Doing so leads to light that is not uniform or creates dark areas.

It is best to choose decorative lighting last to add depth and charm to your task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Light Bulbs

Choosing the right bulbs for your fixtures is as important as choosing the fixtures. Consider the following when choosing bulbs:

• Temperature. Bulbs come in different color temperatures, which experts measure in Kelvin. The higher the number, the “cooler” the color. Bulbs rated between 3,000 and 4,500 Kelvin are best for kitchens.
• Lumens. The amount of lumens determines how bright the light is. Higher lumen counts are brighter. Shoot for 3,000 to 4,000 lumens in your kitchen and dining area.
• Color rendering index. Known as CRI, the color rendering index measures the saturation of the bulb. Low CRI bulbs are duller than high CRI bulbs.
• Certification. Energy Star certification is important. Certified bulbs will last longer and save you money on electricity bills.
• Efficiency. LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs and don’t produce heat.

How To Choose Light Bulbs for Each Light Fixture

Different bulbs benefit fixtures depending on their purpose: 

• Task lights should have a higher lumen count and lower Kelvin temperature. 
• Accent lights require a lower lumen count and may use a colored bulb.
• Decorative lights look great with warm, low-Kelvin bulbs. 
• Ambient lights should have higher lumen counts to be bright and uniform. Choose their temperature to match incoming natural light.

A professional can help you choose the right fixtures and bulbs for your kitchen.

Don’t Forget the Details

Once you pick the right fixtures and bulbs, use the following steps to tie your kitchen lighting together:

• Choose a color palette. Decide the color of your fixtures. Stick to one palette to ensure everything suits your kitchen hardware.
• Determine a focal point. Pick a single spot in your kitchen to serve as a focal point. This can be the table, the kitchen island, or a piece of art. 
• Upgrade switch covers. Changing switch covers is a simple step with big benefits. Switch covers that match your new fixtures can make or break your lighting plan.
• Consider your aesthetic. Does your kitchen require a large chandelier or a simple pendant light? This helps you decide on consistent decorative lighting.
• Plan ahead for long-term savings. Dimmer switches for your kitchen lights can save money. By creating adjustable sections of light, dimmers can reduce individual lights.

Need Help Choosing Your Light Fixtures? Let Us Help.

Go Pro Handyman Services can shed some light on how to choose light fixtures in your kitchen. As a licensed general contractor, we offer services from minor repairs to major remodeling, and we stand behind every service with a one-year workmanship warranty. Our professional, friendly staff is available 24/7 whenever you need us. You can count on quality craftsmanship and a safe, efficient project, and we are insured up to $2 million for your peace of mind.

Go Pro Handyman Services is your go-to for legal handyman work. Call (916) 668-5318 or fill out our online form to get an estimate on your kitchen lighting project.