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Kitchen downlighters, otherwise known as kitchen ceiling lights, are one of the important aspects of a layered light design. With their ability to serve as both ambient and task lighting, kitchen downlights are versatile and easy to work with. Below, we will explore downlights in kitchen spaces such as ceiling spotlights, including the best way to incorporate them.
Why Use LED Recessed Downlights in a Kitchen?
Recessed kitchen spotlights are among the most popular types of ceiling lights. Recessed kitchen down lights are lights that are recessed into the ceiling and sit flush with the surface. Because of their minimalistic appearance, these light styles are favoured among those who like modern styles. When it comes to downlights, kitchen spaces always benefit with the use of LED bulbs.
LED lights have skyrocketed in popularity due to their many benefits besides just providing illumination.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT. Where traditional bulbs output most of their energy as heat, LED lights are different. They instead give off almost all of their energy in light. Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also save you money on your electric bills.
- LONG LIFESPAN. Since LEDs are so energy efficient, they take much longer to burn out. You can expect a traditional bulb to last only 1,000 hours, whereas LED bulbs last for a minimum of 20,000 hours. This can save you money on purchasing new bulbs or fittings, further lowering the cost of using LEDs.
- LATEST TECHNOLOGY. LED bulbs revolutionised the way that people light their homes and businesses. Beyond the energy efficient nature of them, they also allow you to choose the light colour and lumen count. This leaves you in better control over the overall appearance of the illumination itself.
How Many Kitchen Downlights Do You Need?
The number of downlighters in kitchen spaces will vary depending on the needs of your specific kitchen. However, there is a general formula for kitchen downlights UK home layouts that you can use to determine how many lights are appropriate.
Once you know the square footage, you can determine how many downlights in kitchen areas will work best for you.
The first thing you will need to do is determine the kitchen’s square footage. You do this by multiplying the width by the length of the room. Take this number and multiply it by 1.5 to determine how many wattages or lumens you will need.
Then, you can look at the advertised lumen count of LED kitchen downlights to determine how many you will need to adequately light the room.
Do LED Kitchen Downlights Need to be Waterproof?
When choosing down lights, kitchen environments need to be considered. Like bathrooms, there is a certain level of moisture and humidity that kitchens have. Down lights for kitchen areas should have a certain IP rating to ensure they are not damaged by steam-generated moisture, condensation or droplets of water.
IP ratings, also called Ingress Protection ratings, indicate the light’s ability to remain protected against both moisture and solid particles. Solid objects are represented by the first digit. Moisture is represented by the second digit.
First Digit – Solid Objects
0 Â – Â Offers no protection
1 Â – Â Gives protection from objects that measure over 50 millimetres in size
2 Â – Â Gives protection from objects that measure over 12 millimetres in size
3 Â – Â Gives protection from objects that measure over 2.5 millimetres in size
4 Â – Â Gives protection from objects that measure over one millimetre in size
5 Â – Â Gives protection from limited quantities of dust
6 Â – Â Gives protection against all dust entry
Second Digit – Moisture
0 Â – Â Offers no protection
1 Â – Â Gives protection against falling drops of water
2 Â – Â Gives protection from direct sprays of water from a 15-degree tilt
3 Â – Â Gives protection from direct sprays of water from a 60-degree tilt
4 Â – Â Gives protection from direct sprays of water from any direction
5 Â – Â Gives protection from low-pressure water jets
6 Â – Â Gives protection from high-pressure water jets
7 Â – Â Gives protection from short periods of water immersion
8 Â – Â Gives protection from long periods of water immersion
What Is the Best LED Light Colour Temperature for a Kitchen?
As you look for LED downlights, kitchen environments are important to consider. This includes the appearance of the kitchen and what sort of colour temperatures will work best in it.
Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin. Kelvin ratings run from 1,000k to 10,000k. On the upper end of the spectrum, you will find cooler lights. On the lower end of the spectrum, you will find warmer lights. Each has its own application and where it works best.
Downlights for kitchen areas do best with lights somewhere in the warmer range. This is true not only for downlights for kitchen areas but for most domestic spaces. As you shop for kitchen ceiling downlights, you should aim for somewhere between 3,000k and 4,000k.
That said, it ultimately comes down to preference. Some people choose to have cooler lights in that space, opting for colour temperatures between 4,000k to 5,000k.
How Do You Position LED Downlights in a Kitchen?
As mentioned, the number of LED downlights for kitchen spaces depends on the kitchen itself. The same can be said for choosing the position of kitchen spotlights. There are a few things to consider before deciding on the position of your LED kitchen ceiling lighting:
- Height of the ceiling
- Size of the room
- Whether the room is an open plan space
- How the room will be used
- Whether you want to give special focus to a part of the room or not
When it comes to spacing out the lights, it is recommended that you place them on the ceiling around two feet from where it meets the wall. This will help you avoid any shadows. From there, space the lights evenly across the room to give it some balance.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that you divide the ceiling by two to get the distance between the lights you will need. For instance, if you have an eight-foot-high ceiling, you should position the lights four feet apart.
What Other Lighting Can be Used to Light a Kitchen to Complement LED Downlights?
When it comes to downlights, kitchen spaces have a lot of versatility. The same can be said about the various types of lighting.
Task Lighting
Since the kitchen is a heavily task-based area, it is important that its visibility is prioritized. Choose task lighting above workspaces like the countertops and islands. You can use recessed lighting for this job, or you can opt for pendants if you have a higher ceiling.
Accent Lighting
Mood lighting is useful in kitchen spaces for entertaining purposes. You can install accent lighting to create a pleasant atmosphere using wall lights and lamps.
How To Light a Kitchen Island
In many kitchens, the island is the central focal point. From food prep to cooking to socialising, the kitchen island has multiple purposes it can be used for. Therefore, lighting should be given special attention.
Generally, it is recommended that you have three average size pendants or one oversized pendant over the island to light the entire area. You can also include spotlights around these pendants to ensure that the entire island is well lit.
You should hang pendant lighting around 30 to 36 inches from the top of the island. This generally amounts to 60 to 66 inches from the floor. When possible, it is good to space them around two feet apart.
How To Light Under Cabinets in a Kitchen
To further the practicality of kitchen lighting, you can install lighting under cabinets. You can light:
- Below the cabinets or cupboard shelves
- Inside kitchen cabinets for easier visibility
- Rope lighting or plinth lighting along the base of cabinets and islands
Tips for Lighting Under Cabinets Include:
- Be sure to always attach under cabinet lighting near the front of the cabinet to prevent any shadows
- The lighter the colour of the countertop, the lower lumen count the under cabinet lighting will require.
- Choose brighter lights if you have a glossy finish on the countertops to better reflect light around the room.
How To Improve the Look of a Dark Kitchen
Dark kitchens make it difficult to see, which can inhibit your ability to comfortably prep food and cook. You can brighten up dark kitchens with the following tips:
- HANG A MIRROR. A well-placed mirror in the kitchen will help bounce light around the room while making it seem larger.
- CHOOSE GLOSSY FINISHES. When possible, choose countertops that have a shiny, glossy finish. This will scatter illumination around.
- OPT FOR METALLICS. From lampshades and fixture finishes to appliances, choosing glossy metallic surfaces will allow you to similarly reflect light.
- CHOOSE MORE LUMENS. You can always get brighter lights to compensate for darker kitchens, no matter the size.
- USE UNCONVENTIONAL LIGHTING. Consider bringing illumination from the top down by installing under cabinet lighting or plinth lighting.
- BRIGHTEN THE COLOUR SCHEME. Choose brighter paint colours for the walls and kitchen accessories to make the room seem brighter.
What Is the Best Beam Angle for LED Kitchen Downlighters?
Beam angles are the angle at which a light shines downward. Different beam angles are better for different rooms and situations. In kitchens, 36-degree beam angles are recommended, but it ultimately comes down to personal choice.
- 15-DEGREE BEAM ANGLE. This angle brings concentrated light in a thinner beam down onto an area and is best suited for accent lighting.
- 25-DEGREE BEAM ANGLE. At this angle, intense light is provided in a larger area of space. It is a good idea for use in kitchens as task lighting as it can better illuminate countertops and islands.
- 36-DEGREE BEAM ANGLE. One of the best beam angles in general, this versatile angle can be used in any area of the kitchen, providing a nice wash of light while still looking concentrated.
- 60-DEGREE BEAM ANGLE. This beam angle is even wider and is therefore better for larger rooms. It is generally recommended for living rooms.
Ideas for Kitchen Downlights
If you like minimalistic, modern appeal, the CSL022 5 Watt Round Recessed LED Downlight Fitting is a great choice. This light is recessed into the ceiling and therefore sits flush with it. It has an aluminium body, making it good for darker kitchens. This light outputs 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light and features an IP20 rating.
Enhance the look of your kitchen with the contemporary CSL024 5 Watt Square Recessed LED Downlight Fitting. This recessed light has a sleek square shape for added modern flair. It comes in a white finish with your choice of a black, white, rose gold or silver interior to reflect light. The fixture generates 430 lumens of 3000k warm white light and is protected by an IP20 rating. It also offers a 23-degree beam angle, making it ideal for task lighting.
Designed to eliminate glare, the LDC734 5 Watt Anti Glare Recessed LED Downlight is perfect for use in the kitchen. The product shines a brilliant 430 lumens at a 24-degree beam angle, ideal for task lighting. The IP20 rating protects it from humidity in the kitchen.
For a sleek and modern look, the LDC725 10 Watt 1000 Lumen Recessed Anti Glare LED Downlight is an excellent choice. This fixture includes five bulbs in a line, recessed into the ceiling. Its design ensures that it won’t cause a glare when you look up it, ensuring your comfort. The fitting is ultra bright with a total of 1000 lumens of 3000k warm white light.
Give yourself greater control over your kitchen spotlights with the LDC701 5 Watt White Gimbal Tilting Recessed LED Ceiling Spotlight. This recessed light features a gimbal that you can tilt 60 degrees and rotate 350 degrees. It shines 430 lumens of light at a 24-degree beam angle and features a crisp white finish.
