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Lighting concept for the kitchen

Practical lighting and a cosy atmosphere

Function meets emotion in the kitchen - it is the centrepiece, meeting point, working and living space at the same time. People cook, laugh and live here. For all this to succeed, you need the right light in the kitchen. A well thought-out lighting concept uses different light sources to create harmonious, balanced lighting that makes any activity effortless. The kitchen truly becomes a favourite place!

Why is a lighting concept in the kitchen indispensable? A modern lighting concept in the kitchen not only ensures optimum visibility when cooking, but also creates feel-good moments when eating or relaxing. The lighting in the kitchen creates structure and atmosphere - from bright task lighting to cosy Akzentlicht. A harmonious lighting concept transforms the kitchen into a room that combines function and design in a unique way.

Basics

the kitchen lighting design

You plan a kitchen lighting concept by harmoniously combining the three types of lighting basic, task and accent lighting. The right combination of ambient, task and Akzentlicht lighting usually consists of bright ceiling lighting, targeted light on the work surface and atmospheric accents for atmosphere.

The basic lighting ensures uniform brightness throughout the room and is irreplaceable for good orientation and pleasant brightness for working. It is usually realised with ceiling lights, recessed lights or spots on the ceiling.

The working light specifically illuminates the working surfaces for which the ambient lighting is not sufficient due to the many nooks and crannies in the kitchen, for example due to wall units. Under-cabinet lights that provide glare-free, bright light are ideal here.

The accent lighting provides mood lighting, which is used when the kitchen is transformed from a workspace into a living space. Indirect lighting with LED strips or batten lights that are invisibly installed on furniture edges or on shelves is very popular.

Avoid typical mistakes in kitchen lighting design: When planning lighting in the kitchen, it is worth taking a careful look at the light sources used. Common mistakes in kitchen lighting are incorrect light colours, insufficient brightness or glare. However, all these mistakes can be easily avoided: Make sure you position light sources so that the kitchen is properly lit - bright but pleasant. Too bright light or an unsuitable colour temperature disturb the feeling of the room. Our kitchen lighting tips will help you find the ideal balance.

Zone-by-zone lighting design in the kitchen

Work surface and cooking area

The work areas in the kitchen should be brightly lit and shadow-free. However, due to kitchen cabinets, the light from the ceiling lighting is often not enough to provide sufficient light. For this reason, recessed lights, under-cabinet lights or spotlights, which are usually mounted under the kitchen cabinets, are used for precise work. Shadows can be avoided when cooking by positioning work lights so that the light comes from the side or from the front. Cool white light (3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin) is also best for the kitchen worktop.

Kitchen island

The kitchen island is not only a workstation, but also a communication zone and the true centre of the entire kitchen. Pendant lights or downlights are ideal for the kitchen island to direct the light specifically onto this area. Dimmed, warm white light (<3,300 Kelvin) creates a cosy atmosphere after dinner, while bright, cool white light creates ideal conditions for cooking. To use the same light for both, dimmable light sources with CCT function are ideal. Dimmable light in the kitchen is very useful as it creates flexibility and the brightness can be adjusted to suit the mood or activity.

Dining area

Whether it's a family meal or an evening with friends: The lighting above the dining table sets the mood. Pendant lights with a warm white light colour are best suited above the dining table and create a cosy atmosphere. They also ensure that the dining area is gently emphasised. If the light source is also dimmable, it can be conveniently switched to a lower brightness level after the meal so that you can linger together for a long time.

Niches, cupboards & shelves

Pieces of furniture in the kitchen are ideal for creating a unique, atmospheric ambience with indirect lighting. Lighting ideas for the kitchen such as LED strips or batten lights create accents under wall units, on shelves or under the kitchen island. These small details have a big impact, give the kitchen depth and emphasise the architecture in a modern way.

How many lumens in the kitchen? One of the most frequently asked questions when planning lighting in the kitchen is: How many lumens in the kitchen are optimal? For kitchen lighting, around 100 to 150 lumens per square metre for basic lighting plus a light source of at least 400 lumens at the work area are sensible. It is crucial that the lighting in the kitchen is not too dark or too bright and does not dazzle under any circumstances.

Kitchen lights at a glance

Functionality and design are combined in kitchen lighting by choosing modern, energy-efficient lights that provide both targeted light and an aesthetic effect. Whether recessed lights, spots or pendant lights are better depends on the area: spots for work surfaces, pendant lights for dining areas and recessed lights for ambient lighting are a popular combination of modern kitchen lighting concepts.

Design with light colours & atmosphere

Understanding kitchen light colour: Warm white, neutral white, daylight white

The colour temperature in Kelvin strongly influences the mood in the kitchen. For each activity and time of day, a different colour temperature is more suitable than the other. Maximum flexibility is offered by light sources that can be dimmed and their light colour changed using a smartphone app, remote control or classic switch. This is called the CCT function.

  • Warm white (2,700-3,300 K): creates a cosy atmosphere - ideal as a feel-good light.
  • Cool white (3,300-5,300 K): supports concentrated work - ideal as a work light.
  • Daylight (from 5,300 K): has an activating and fresh effect - ideal for the morning hours.

Combination of different light colours for harmony: A harmonious lighting concept in the kitchen depends on the right combination of light colours. Use warm white light in the dining area and cool white light on the work surface to create a harmonious overall look.

Inspiration and creative ideas for kitchen lighting

More lighting tips for kitchen lighting
What does a good lighting concept for the kitchen look like?

Good kitchen lighting combines different light sources to create a harmonious lighting concept. Balanced kitchen lighting includes uniform ambient lighting, for example using LED panels or ceiling spotlights. Stylish pendant lights are used for kitchen islands, kitchen counters or the dining table, while LED light strips add decorative accents. Under cabinet lights are usually used for hobs and work areas beneath kitchen cabinets. Recessed lights on the kitchen ceiling are also a modern, decorative and practical lighting solution.

Which lighting solution is suitable for kitchen-dining room combinations?

A customised kitchen, especially when combined with a dining room and other living areas, requires special lighting solutions. In this case, it is worth thinking about rail systems. because they allow you to plan multiple ‘around the corner’ connections. Different areas of the room can be individually illuminated with just one power connection. Various types of lights can also be installed within the track system, e.g. spotlights, pendant lights or LED panels. The system thus achieves complete, balanced lighting. Track lighting systems are not only purely functional, but also enhance stylish interiors.

How does modern kitchen lighting work with smart home?

Smart home lighting has long since conquered the modern kitchen. Smart lamps offer numerous possibilities for customising the lighting ambience, for automation and for convenient control via smartphone, remote control or voice. Retrofitting smart lighting today often works without interfering with the electrical installation and often begins with the simple replacement of a bulb. Smart home technology turns cooking and dining into a convenient, connected experience. In this way, the lighting concept in the kitchen adapts to the individual's everyday life.

Combination of function and design: The best kitchen lighting combines function, safety and style. Lights for the kitchen support cooking, create atmosphere and emphasise the design of the interior. There is a suitable lighting solution for every lighting concept - for a home that is optimally illuminated at all times.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about kitchen lighting

What is the rule of thumb for kitchen lighting?

What is the best light for the kitchen island?

How many LED spotlights are recommended per square metre of kitchen space?

How bright does a kitchen lamp need to be?

What do you need to consider when planning your kitchen lighting?

What light colour should a kitchen lamp have?

What should you consider when choosing a kitchen lamp?

How many watts should a kitchen lamp have?

Is dimmable light recommended in the kitchen?

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