What Kind of Lights Are Being Used in Kitchens Now?

Fluorescent Lights

• The size of the kitchen is the primary factor in determining what type of lighting to use. Fluorescents are good for small kitchens, and they are also energy efficient. A 100-square foot kitchen or less can use a two-light fluorescent fixture whereas a four-light fluorescent can light a 250-square foot kitchen. An area greater than this will require the four-light fluorescent plus additional lighting.

Under-cabinet and Pendant Lights

• Under-cabinet lighting is installed on the bottom of the upper cabinets and casts a warm glow in perimeter areas of the kitchen while illuminating the dark space underneath cabinets. In the past, some homeowners addressed this problem with lamps which were bulky, took up valuable space and could be knocked over; however, under-cabinet lighting provides more functionality. For decorative accents and ambient lighting, use pendant lights. These adjustable height fixtures come in an array of pretty designs and colors and hang from the ceiling to provide additional lighting over islands and bars.

Recessed Lights

• With recessed lights, holes are drilled in the ceiling and the lights are placed into the openings, flush with the ceiling. Recessed lights are usually scattered throughout the kitchen to provide concentrated light, as they shine straight down. Since the lights cannot be moved or angled, they work best when placed over stationary areas like the kitchen sink or stove.

Track Lights

• Track lighting has several small light fixtures on one rail or rod, which can usually accommodate anywhere from two to eight fixtures. Each individual fixture on the rail can be turned in any direction to project light where it is needed. Most of the fixtures can also be slid back and forth on the rail. One variation of track lighting is monorail lighting; unlike the straight rod of track lights, the monorail lighting rail is bendable and can be curved and shaped into any configuration.