What Is Kitchen Worktop Lighting?
Kitchen worktop lighting refers to the lighting that is installed under or above kitchen worktops or countertops to provide additional illumination for tasks such as food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. This type of lighting is typically installed in the form of under-cabinet lights or pendant lights above the countertops. It is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing and can easily be integrated into the overall design of a kitchen.
What’s the Purpose of Kitchen Worktop Lighting?
The main purpose of kitchen worktop lighting is to provide additional light for tasks that are performed on the top of the work surface, such as food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. This type of lighting helps to improve visibility and reduce eye strain in areas of the kitchen that may not be well-lit by overhead lights.
Additionally, worktop lighting can be used to create a specific ambience or aesthetic in the kitchen, as it can be used to highlight certain features of the worktop or cabinets. Furthermore, kitchen worktop lighting is essential for creating a safer kitchen environment by illuminating the work surface and reducing the chance of accidents.
How is Kitchen Worktop Lighting fitted?
Kitchen worktop lighting is typically fitted by cutting a hole in the worktop surface and installing the light fixture underneath. The light fixture is then connected to a power source and the switch is wired to control the light. It is important to make sure that the hole is cut to the correct size and shape to fit the light fixture and that the electrical connections are properly fitted. It is also important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation instructions and it is advisable to hire a professional electrician to install it.
Different types of kitchen worktop lighting
There are several types of worktop lighting that can be used in a kitchen or workspace. Some common types include:
Undercabinet kitchen worktop lighting is a type of lighting that is installed underneath the upper wall cabinets or shelves of a kitchen and provides additional illumination to the kitchen work surface underneath. This makes it easier to perform tasks such as food preparation and cooking. This type of lighting is typically mounted on the underside of the cabinet, and can be either hardwired into the electrical system or installed as a plug-in option. The lights themselves are available in a variety of styles, including LED strips, puck lights, and linear fixtures. Undercabinet kitchen worktop lighting can be a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
This type of lighting is installed inside the ceiling and shines down onto the work surface.
These are small, circular lights that can be recessed or surface-mounted and are often used as modern, under-cabinet lighting.
Strip lights are long, thin lights that can be installed underneath cabinets or along the back of a countertop. They provide a consistent, even light across the work surface.
LED strip lights are similar but are made of LED lights instead of traditional bulbs. They have become an increasingly popular option in recent years, as energy-efficient lighting solutions which provide bright, even light.
This is a type of kitchen lighting that is suspended from the ceiling by a cord, chain, or rod, typically over a kitchen island, dining table, or worktop. Pendant lights come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, and can be used to provide both ambient and task lighting in the kitchen. Pendant lights can be used to create a focal point in the room, draw attention to a specific area or feature, or simply add a touch of style and personality to the overall design.
Some common materials used in kitchen pendant lighting include glass, metal, and fabric, and there are a wide range of colours and finishes available to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern pendant light or a more traditional or rustic option, there is sure to be a pendant light that will meet your style and functional needs in the kitchen.
This type of lighting is installed inside the ceiling and shines down onto the work surface..
This type of lighting is installed above cabinets to provide additional light to the worksurface and backsplash.
These lights are installed on a flexible arm that can be adjusted to direct light where it’s needed. These lights are particularly useful for highlighting specific areas of the work surface. Flexible arm lights can be installed under cabinets, above worksurfaces, or on kitchen islands, and are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any kitchen design aesthetic.
Additionally, many modern flexible arm lights use energy-efficient LED bulbs, which can help reduce energy consumption and save money on electricity bills. While other types of lighting such as recessed lighting or pendant lighting are also popular in modern kitchen design, flexible arm lights can be a practical and stylish choice for homeowners who prioritize flexibility and versatility in their kitchen lighting.
Need help planning your kitchen worktop lighting?
At Net Worktops we want to show your new worksurfaces off in the best light and so our expert team are always on hand and happy to give advice in helping you plan the perfect work surface lighting solutions. We can liaise with your kitchen designer or interior designer, helping you choose the right lighting to meet your needs whilst also choose the right style, colour, and placement of lights to ensure they complement your kitchen’s aesthetic. For more information in this regard, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
