The kitchen island is the centerpiece of a kitchen, which makes lighting an important element of its design. In today’s post, local kitchen contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Burlington County shares a quick guide on effective kitchen island lighting.
How Big Is Your Kitchen Island?
The size of the kitchen island is a key consideration for its lighting design. Keeping in mind that it’s a multifunctional area for many tasks – food preparation area, writing surface, even a study table for your kids – and it will need an amount of lighting proportional to its size. Good lighting will also highlight the features of your island countertop.
To calculate your kitchen island’s lighting requirements, the rule of thumb is to provide 35 to 50 lumens of lighting per square foot. For example, if you have a kitchen island that measures 2.5 by 5.5 feet (13.75 square feet), you will need lighting with a total of 481.25 to 687.5 lumens. The amount of lumens on a lighting product is listed on the packaging or on its product specifications. Just add them up to get an idea of how many you will need.
Types of Lighting
It’s easy to get lost in all the lighting options available on the market. Your kitchen remodeler will help you navigate the options and plan the final lighting design, but here’s a look at the types of lighting that are typically used for kitchen islands:
- Pendant lights. This is the most versatile of all kitchen lighting options. You can install as many lights as you need, at any height above the countertop surface. They can be decorative as well.
- Linear chandeliers. Whereas pendant lights need to be wired individually, linear chandeliers only require one wire for all fixtures. The trade-off is that the lighting will be limited to the number of bulbs in it, which means you have to make sure you’ll be buying a fixture that produces enough light to illuminate the entire island.
- Recessed lighting. Recessed lighting is ideal if your kitchen has a low ceiling or if the two types described above don’t seem to work with your kitchen design. Positioning is important for to ensure even lighting, and you’ll likely need bigger and brighter bulbs. You’ll also need to separate the switch from other recessed lights in the kitchen.
Color Temperature
There’s also the matter of choosing the right color temperature when choosing your light bulbs. Color temperature in terms of lighting is measured in Kelvins (K). The ideal lighting for kitchens falls between 2,700 and 5,000 degrees. 2700K bulbs create a cozy, yellowish tint, while lighting from 4100K to 5000K can be described as “cool white”. “Daylight” bulbs are typically 6500K and up. It’s important to note that color temperature needs to work with the kitchen island’s color palette. Your kitchen remodeler can help you choose the right lighting.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Searching online for a “kitchen remodeling contractor near me”? Get started with a no-obligation consultation with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Burlington County! Call us at (856) 656-4488 or contact us online.
