How to Choose the Right Light in the Kitchen

Have you ever heard of light colors? These are interesting for your entire interior, but they play a very important role, especially with the light in the kitchen. Because in the kitchen, several areas come together, each of which needs different lighting – for example, atmospheric light at the dining table and more neutral, brighter light on the work surfaces. This article explains which light goes where in the kitchen. To see custom made carpets, please check listofledlights.

The secret of the light color

The light color describes the inherent color of the light. It is measured in Kelvin (K) and can be roughly divided into three areas that form a good basis for the right light in the kitchen:

  • Warm white light (less than 3,300 K): creates a mood and comfort, often with a yellow hue
  • Universal white light (between 3,300 and 5,300 K): a neutral, bright light of pure white color
  • Daylight (more than 5,300 K): intensively illuminates rooms , may have a bluish tint

To ensure that the light in your kitchen creates a pleasant atmosphere and suits the respective room situation, it is advisable to combine several light sources.

How to Choose the Right Light in the Kitchen

Which light goes where in the kitchen?

The light in the kitchen will rarely have a value of more than 5,300 Kelvin, since it can be reflected by shiny work surfaces and then unpleasantly dazzle. It is more suitable, for example, for basement rooms that have no or only small windows and therefore need to be intensively illuminated.

Cool white light is a good choice for the kitchen light on the ceiling. It illuminates work surfaces and the floor pleasantly brightly, so that you can work well. Of course you can also install an additional kitchen light for the work surfaces. Universal white light is also well suited for this. A kitchen light in the lower, all-white range goes best with shiny work surfaces.

At the dining table , on the other hand, a homely, cozy atmosphere should usually be created. Choose warm white light here so that comfort or romance can arise. With 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin you are usually well advised.

Light color table

Temperature Typ
3400 K Warmton
4200 K Neutralweiss
3400 K Warmton
4000 K Neutralweiss
4200 K Neutralweiss
2700 K Warmton-extra
3000 K Warmton
4000 K Neutralweiss
6500 K daylight
3000 K Warmton
4000 K Neutralweiss
5000 K daylight
6500 K daylight

Kitchen lamps for ceiling, wall, countertops and cabinets

Once you have selected the right light color, it is now a question of suitable lamps. A kitchen light for the ceiling is almost always available. Ideally, this not only radiates to the ground, but also throws light to the sides and into any niches. Rail and cable systems are also becoming increasingly popular. You can position several lamp heads on these according to your wishes and thus individually align the light in the kitchen.

Sufficiently lit work surfaces are also important. Last but not least, you reduce the risk of accidents when cutting with the help of shadow-free and glare-free lighting. Linear luminaires with flat light emission are a good choice here. A practical and often cheaper alternative to permanently installed spotlights are adhesive LED kitchen lights. However, these should not be too bright due to the glare effect – or you can buy LEDs with glare protection right away.

By the way: You can also equip the kitchen cabinets with lighting. The little lamps turn on automatically when you open the door. So they only use electricity when you actually need light, and you can easily find what you are looking for even at night.

Indirect light in the kitchen is also suitable for romantic evenings and cozy get-togethers. For example, you can arrange warm white kitchen lights on the wall with fairy lights. Decorative lamps not only provide cozy light, they also look good – even when they are not switched on. They are perfect for placing on hanging shelves in the kitchen.

Tip: Candles are of course a classic for a romantic dinner. You can also find more tips on how to create a feel-good atmosphere with light in one of our articles .

How to Choose the Right Light in the Kitchen