If you’re in the process of planning a new kitchen, one of the first things to consider is lighting.  Long gone are the days where the only option for lighting a kitchen was an unattractive fluorescent tube light, and thanks to the wide choice of lighting available, getting it right is easier than ever before.

The key to successful kitchen lighting is in ‘layering’.  This means thinking about lighting in terms of ‘zones’ and planning the lighting according to its use – lighting for working (cooking), dining, mood lighting and feature lighting.

Thanks to the wide range of kitchen lighting available, it is possible to light a kitchen without having to use ceiling lights.  Down lighters, spotlights, uplighters and lighting strips can be placed under or on top of kitchen units.

Efficient lighting to work under is important for every kitchen.  Direct lighting should be used wherever you prepare food – over worktops, the sink and  the hob – to ensure that cooking and chopping can be done safely and not in shadow.  Under mounted lighting is the ideal option here, provided you opt for recessed or semi-recessed lighting as exposed fittings will trap grease and dirt.

Open-plan kitchens which have a dining area will require a combination of different lighting for eating and relaxing after a meal.  This is where overhead pendant lighting can come in useful whilst lamps or wall lights can be a useful way to create softer mood lighting.

If you would like advice on planning kitchen lighting, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  Here at Dalec we’re electrical installation specialists and our services are available to residential and business customers throughout Leeds.