The Best Lighting for Kitchens

Task Lighting

• Task lighting is critical since food preparation is the primary objective in your kitchen. You need good lighting at the stove, sink and counter tops. You may also require task lighting in the pantry. Under-cabinet lights work well, providing light for chopping, mixing and reading recipes. Strip lights and puck lights are also options for task lighting in a kitchen.

Ambient Lighting

• Ambient lighting, or general lighting, provides softer light than task lighting. This type of lighting is necessary since a kitchen also functions as a gathering place; the softer light is more inviting than the brighter task lights. Ambient lighting options include ceiling fixtures, pendant fixtures and adjustable track lighting.

Accent Lighting

• Accent lighting is used to highlight anything you want to display in your kitchen, such as an elaborate backsplash or your grandmother's collection of teacups. Focal points can be created in your kitchen with this type of lighting. Common options for accent lighting include track lighting, directional eyeball lighting and wall sconces.

Decorative Lighting

• Decorative lighting takes the form of eye-catching lights, such as chandeliers and hanging pendant lights. A general rule is to have bigger decorative lights for a bigger kitchen and smaller decorative lamps for a smaller-sized kitchen. It is often advised to match decorative lights to the lighting used throughout your house.