Kitchen Lighting

The best colour temperature for kitchen light fixtures depends on how you
use the space. Cooler light around 4000K–5000K suits task‑focused
kitchens, offering bright, clear illumination for cooking and food prep. Warmer
tones between 2700K–3000K create a more inviting atmosphere, ideal for
kitchens used for socialising as well as practical tasks. Modern kitchens often
benefit from cooler whites, while traditional designs feel more comfortable
with warmer lighting. Choosing the right CCT helps you balance functionality
and ambience in your kitchen lighting.

Most LED kitchen lights do not need a high IP rating, as it isn’t
classed as a wet zone like a bathroom. However, areas exposed to steam, grease
or occasional splashes — such as above sinks or hobs — benefit from fittings
with at least IP44 for added protection. General ceiling lights,
pendants and under‑cabinet fittings can usually be standard indoor rated,
provided they’re kept away from direct water contact.

Kitchen island lighting works best with focused, even illumination that
supports both cooking and socialising. Pendant lights are the most popular
choice, typically hung in a row and spaced evenly to avoid dark spots. For
larger islands, three pendants often give the best balance, while smaller
islands may only need one or two. Position lights around 70–90 cm above the
worktop for comfortable brightness without glare. If you prefer a cleaner look,
linear LED bars or recessed downlights provide excellent task lighting while keeping
the space streamlined.

Kitchen lighting needs to be bright enough for safe food preparation
while still feeling comfortable for everyday use. As a guide, aim for 300–400
lumens per square metre for general ambient lighting. Task areas such as
worktops, hobs and sinks benefit from stronger, focused light, often achieved
with under‑cabinet LEDs or spotlights. These areas typically need higher
brightness to ensure clear visibility when cooking. Balancing bright task
lighting with softer ambient light creates a practical and welcoming kitchen.

Shadows on kitchen worktops usually occur when the main ceiling light is
behind you while you’re preparing food. The best way to avoid this is to add task
lighting directly above the work surface. Under‑cabinet LED strips or
spotlights provide bright, focused illumination that removes shadows and
improves visibility. Positioning lights toward the front edge of cabinets also
helps spread light evenly across the worktop. Combining this with balanced
ambient kitchen lighting creates a clear, shadow‑free workspace.