The kitchen is the primary work area of the home. It may also the gathering place for family and friends. The kitchen may also be connected to other rooms so this connection between rooms may need to be considered when choosing lights for your space. Lighting that is comfortable and functional is required. The kitchen is too often one of the last things people consider when planning a kitchen. The right lighting can transform the space and really enhance the practicality of any kitchen.
Ambient
Ambient lighting is also called general lighting, and it's the most basic of the three types of lighting. It's the natural light from your windows, and the lighting that substitutes for natural light.
Among the fixtures that provide ambient lighting are:
Chandeliers and other ceiling fixtures
Light kits on ceiling fans
Track lighting
Recessed ceiling lights
Task lighting
Task lighting is just what it sounds like: it's the light you need to perform tasks―reading, studying, cooking, applying makeup, etc.
Task lighting fixtures include:
Table lamps
Desk lamps
Swing arm lamps
Under counter lights
Pendant lights
Directed track or recessed lights
Vanity lights
Adjustable floor lamps
Before you select task lighting, make of list of the activities you need to perform in each room.
Accent lighting
Some people think of accent lighting as mood lighting, and it is, but it's much more than that.
In addition to providing atmosphere and influencing mood, accent lighting is used to highlight architectural features and important objects, and to draw attention away from the things that aren't as pleasing. Even though accent lighting can disguise decorating blunders, it's the most often-forgotten of the three types of lighting.
Some examples of accent lighting are:
Can lights and up lights
Picture lights
Candlelight
Directed track or recessed lights
Niche lighting
Chandeliers with dimmer switches
Lighting inside glass or wire door cabinets
Light bridges on media furniture
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