Effective Kitchen Lighting

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Learn how to choose the most functional and efficient kitchen lighting.

The kitchen is usually the central room of a home. Often it serves many functions other than cooking and eating. Placement and style of lighting can play an important role in the functionality. The best way to achieve this is by having a good design plan from the start.

Proficient kitchen lighting should focus on the task areas first. Task lights should go over an island, sink, countertop, stove or any other important work areas in your kitchen. Having your task lights set on separate on/off switches will keep you from using too much energy in the room. Separate switches also allow you to be able to keep one small task light on during the day or as a night light.

Depending on the size of your kitchen, the number of task lights you include and the type of light you use will heavily influence the need for background lighting. In many cases, the task kitchen lighting is sufficient without the need for background lights. In many kitchens, background lighting is used only to accentuate certain areas of the room or as a focal point display

Kitchen Lighting

Kitchen lighting that is placed using the task placement encourages energy efficiency. Task lighting allows you to only use light in the areas in which you do work. This can save you a tremendous amount of energy throughout the house. Another way to have great kitchen lighting, and still save energy, is by installing dimmer switches. Using a dimmer allows you to adjust the light by reducing or increasing the power of the bulb as you see fit.

Using motion sensor lights are also great for lighting and saving energy, even if it is not typically used for kitchen lighting. Most people are familiar with outdoor motion lights but not too many think about using them inside. In fact, motion lights make great closet, bathroom, pantry and small space lights.

The success of your kitchen lighting is dependent on incorporating bulbs, fixtures and controls in an overall plan that is well thought out. Planning out all apsects of your lighting desgin is the key to having more effective and efficient kitchen lighting.

About the author:

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com