Light it up
Three in a row, a cluster, or an LED strip – kitchen lighting can make a strong design statement, writes
Many new kitchens feature an island, or a long peninsula, which invariably raises a question about lighting.
And it’s not just about what will look best; it’s also about providing good task lighting. For many of us, the island is where we do most of the food prep.
For several years now, three pendants in a row above the island has been the most popular option and every second house had glass pendants that resembled chemistry beakers or flasks. In more traditional homes, chandeliers in the kitchen were de rigeur.
Today, we are seeing a greater variety of lighting options, with a distinct Mid-century influence.
Clusters of lights in different shapes, but with matching colours and materials provide plenty of visual drama. So, too, do large pendant shades with gleaming metallic interiors.
More minimalist homes may feature a suspended, pelmet-style LED strip, which provides even task lighting right along the length of the island. These can be custom designed to match other items in the kitchen.
But are there any “rules” when it comes to island lighting? Probably, the main one would be to ensure you get the height of your lighting right. It’s usually recommended that pendant lights are 75 to 80cm above the benchtop, or 182cm above the floor if you want to be exact.
And it goes without saying that they’ll be spaced evenly. The most common way is to space them the same distance apart as the height – 75 to 80cm between the bulbs, not the shades. That not only looks best, but will also give you an even light distribution.
Even if you’re not planning a new kitchen, you may want to consider changing out the lighting. It’s an easy way to update the space – new lighting can lend an old kitchen a totally different “feel”.