How to choose the best lighting for kitchen ceiling? This question can be particularly confusing, especially if you have a kitchen with inadequate lighting. The kitchen ceiling is the surface that remains at the top of your room. Its size is big enough to cover the topside of the kitchen just like a roof. This ceiling remains a prominent part when you enter the kitchen.
Adding beautiful, yet functional lights can brighten up the kitchen and also enhance its aesthetics. Utilizing an advanced lighting setup within the kitchen lends it a modern and sleek appearance. In this article, I will guide you through selecting the ideal lights for your ceiling. This article is essential for anyone seeking to decorate their kitchen practically.
Types of Best Kitchen Ceiling Lights
Let's first discuss the lighting options available for the kitchen ceiling. Once you understand these lights, we can then discuss how you should choose the right ceiling light.
1- Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are an excellent way to add beauty to your kitchen. These lights can be installed on the ceiling and offer highly focused lights. In a single kitchen, you can have multiple pendant lights that will remain hung from the ceiling. Apart from their functionality, these lights add a decorative touch to the kitchen. In case you want more illumination, you can use clusters of pendant lights in a row. Remember, pendant lights, when installed in a row, give a modern look to the kitchen space.
2- Recessed Lights
Do you have a kitchen with a shorter height? If so, these recessed lights are the perfect option. These lights don't hang, but sit on the surface of the ceiling. From a distance, they appear to be stuck or pressed against the ceiling.
Only the lighting bulb remains visible, which gives lighting. What I like about recessed lights is that they are more functional. A few recessed lights can easily illuminate the whole kitchen space, helping to prevent accidents. These lights are the ideal choice for those seeking a classic look in their kitchen space.
3- Chandeliers
Chandeliers are ceiling-mounted fixtures that can be used in any space. Chandeliers have multiple arms attached or connected to a single frame. Each arm can hold a dedicated bulb for lighting purposes. In the past, these chandeliers were more commonly found in drawing rooms for a modern look. However, people now use them for dining or kitchen ceilings. The primary reason for using a chandelier is to enhance the kitchen's appearance. However, they only have a large kitchen with a higher roof. The reason is that these lights remain hung, giving the kitchen space a modern look.
4- LED Panel & Strip Lights
Are you one of those who prefer practicality over style? If so, the LED panel lights are an ideal option for you. Why? Because they offer excellent brightness along with energy efficiency. They are generally installed directly on the ceiling.
The strip lights are excellent for use with LED panels. These strips are generally installed under the cabinets or in storage compartments. They offer decent lighting, which helps you use items stored in those cabinets or storage compartments. The strip lights also provide a modern feel, making the kitchen space look sleek.
5- Flush & Semi-Flush Mount Lights
Flush and semi-flush mount lights are excellent options for the kitchen ceiling. These lights offer the same level of brightness and illumination. However, they differ in terms of their styling. Flush-mounted lights sit directly on the ceiling.
They seem like a portion of the ceiling with ambient lighting. On the other hand, semi–flush mount lights are flush with the ceiling, not the light fixture. These two styles have no noticeable impact on their practicality or lighting. You can choose any of them depending on your preferred styles.
6- Track Lighting & Cove Lighting
The combination of track and cove light is another option you can try in your kitchen ceiling. The track lighting includes an adjustable lighting fixture installed directly on the ceiling. These fixtures can be adjusted at various angles. In this way, they can illuminate different parts of the kitchen. I consider track lighting the most practical option. How?
You can move the lighting fixture to illuminate areas such as countertops, islands, or open shelves. On the other hand, cove lighting is installed on the edge of the ceiling. However, they are not perfect for illuminating the kitchen space. Instead, they are more aesthetically appealing by defining the edges of the ceiling. The track lighting provides functionality, while cove lighting enhances the kitchen's look and feel.
How to Choose the Best Lighting for Kitchen Ceiling?
Have you understood the different types of kitchen ceiling lights? But the question is, how to choose the right kitchen ceiling light for your specific kitchen type? That's the most confusing question one can ask. Let's dive in and discuss how to choose ceiling lighting by considering the kitchen's size and parameters.
1- Kitchen Size
First, consider the size of your kitchen. Interestingly, small and bigger kitchens require different lighting setups. If your kitchen is small, consider choosing flush or semi-flush lights. They will offer optimal lighting while uplifting the look and charm of the space. You can also try LED panel lights as they will provide better illumination.
However, if your kitchen is large, I don't recommend using flush or semi-flush lights. In such a case, you should consider chandeliers. Why? Because they will create a more modern look and offer optimal brightness. If you want more brightness, consider installing a series of pendant lights in a row. They are also decent options for a large kitchen.
2- Layout of Kitchen
The layout of the kitchen also influences the selection of lighting for the kitchen ceiling. If you have a kitchen island, you'll need more functionality from the light. In such a case, I recommend opting for track lights. Why? Because they will provide more focused light on the area where you stand and cook. Your cooking and chopping area will be perfectly illuminated.
Does your kitchen have a dining nook? In such a case, you can adjust the lighting fixture of a track light and illuminate the dining nook. Additionally, you can also use chandeliers for perfect style and functionality. These chandeliers will hang on the ceiling, above the dining nook. This lighting setup will enhance the kitchen space, making it more modern.
3- Consider Your Decor
I am a big advocate of harmony when it comes to lighting in a home. Do you have a modern house with a minimalist style or a more bold (farmhouse-style)? For contemporary homes, I recommend using kitchen lights with a minimalist design. For this, consider looking for recessed or minimalist pendant lights. Choosing a larger light for a modern home can look somewhat out of place.
On the other hand, some homes are built to make a lasting impression. They look more dominant, bigger, and more focused on boldness. You get a villa-type feel when entering such homes. In such a case, I recommend choosing chandelier lights. They will complement the overall feel of the house while providing optimal lighting. You can also try semi-flush lights for such kitchens.
4- Brightness & Color Temperature
The brightness and tone of the light are other vital factors. You should choose lighting for the kitchen ceiling after analyzing your needs. For better brightness, I recommend choosing LED panel lights. They will be mounted on the ceiling and create excellent brightness.
There are two types of color tones, i.e., warmer and cooler. For cooler temperatures, consider using lights such as pendant or chandeliers. They remain at a height and can give a cozy feel. However, for warm temperatures, choose flush or semi-flush lights. I highly recommend using strip lights for more accent and a softer feel.
5- Energy Efficiency & Budget
Some lights are more expensive and premium than others. An individual's budget and preferences also influence the choice of light. If you have a tight budget, I recommend choosing LED panels or strip lights. You can also consider recessed lights, which are relatively inexpensive. All these lights consume very little electricity.
On the other hand, pendant, chandeliers, or track lighting are very expensive. However, they are excellent options if you want a more decorative feel in your kitchen. Chandeliers come with multiple arms. Each arm holds a bulb – when all the bulbs are lit up, they consume more electricity. Similarly, pendant lights are also installed in series. Adding more pendant lights to a kitchen will increase electricity consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose a kitchen ceiling light?
You should choose the kitchen ceiling light based on the size of the kitchen. I recommend opting for chandeliers and pendants for a bigger kitchen. Recessed lights are suitable for small kitchens. You should also consider brightness requirements. For more brightness, I recommend preferring LED panels or track lights.
What type of light is best for a kitchen ceiling?
It depends on the size and design of the kitchen. Chandeliers and pendant lights are best for bigger and higher kitchens. On the flip side, recessed lights are ideal for a small kitchen that requires more brightness.
Are LED lights suitable for a kitchen ceiling?
Yes. I always favour LED lights when brightness and illumination are prime requirements. These lights consume less electricity and offer optimal performance. You can consider these lights for modern kitchen ceilings.
How many ceiling lights should a kitchen have?
There is no fixed answer to the number of lights. If you use LED panel lights, one of these lights will be enough to illuminate the kitchen space. Conversely, multiple pendant lights will be required as their brightness is low. Additionally, the size of the kitchen also defines the number of lights you need.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of kitchen lighting ideas to try. However, when it comes to ceiling lights, many seem to be confused. Interestingly, various types of lights are available for use in the kitchen ceiling. Some of those lights are more towards functionality and offer excellent illumination.
However, some lights focus on uplifting the decorative feel of the space. In this article, I have discussed various types of light and how to choose them. Remember, each kitchen ceiling light comes with pros and cons. Therefore, I highly recommend carefully analyzing each light type before making a final decision.
