A Comprehensive Guide To Types of Kitchen Lights in Kenya

Lighting is vital to a fully functioning kitchen. Proper kitchen lighting will not only make your kitchen space look great but will also make your cooking process and tasks easier to perform. A single lighting fixture will not satisfy all the lighting needs of your kitchen, unlike other spaces in your home. using various kitchen lighting types with different brightness levels and shades is indispensable for a balanced kitchen space. In this guide, we are going to discuss the different types of kitchen lighting in Kenya and how to effectively use them to create the desired lighting for your kitchen space.

General types of lighting in Kenya

A good lighting plan uses a combination of all three basic lighting to illuminate your home according to function and style, it is important to understand each type and its purpose in order to determine which one to use. the three basic types of lighting include:

1. Ambient lighting

   Ambient lighting offers the most light in a room and provides uniform lighting throughout the space independent of other sources of light. This light bounces off the walls to illuminate as much space as possible. Windows and doors offer natural ambient light but fixtures like chandeliers, floor, and table lamps, and LED downlights also do.

2. Task lighting

   This lighting provides increased light for specific tasks they may already have ambient lighting. It also provides increased light for tasks that require accuracy and helps reduce eye strain and see small objects. Task lighting features include pendant lighting, portable lamp, recessed fixture, and under-cabinet lighting.

3. Accent lighting

   These lights are used to illuminate specific points of interest such as artwork or architectural features. they are often decorative and can also be used to achieve a desired effect like making a room feel bigger. they include picture lights, track lights, or outdoor lighting.

Best options for kitchen lighting in Kenya

Below are the typical lighting options to  include in the kitchen

1. Surface lighting

   These are standard fixtures designed to provide ambient light. these fixtures are mounted directly onto the ceiling and are capable of lighting a larger space.

2. Cabinet Lighting

   These can function both as an accent and task lighting. under cabinet lighting includes focused light fixtures that provide task lighting over counters, sinks, and prep areas. This type of lighting is becoming popular in home kitchens.

3. Kitchen island lighting

   This type of light hangs directly over the kitchen island. Island pendants or chandeliers offer direct task lighting for the prep zone. They hang directly from the ceiling and can be set on dimmers for increased functionality.

4. Pendants

   A pendant light is a fixture mounted on the ceiling and hangs down on a rod or chain. They are a type of surface light but not designed to provide ambient lighting for a large area, pendants bring light closer to the surface for increased visibility.

5. Recessed lighting

   These are installed directly on the ceiling, wall, or other surfaces. The lighting fixture is hidden within the wall or ceiling. They are an excellent option for ambient lighting, they are unobtrusive and preserve a sense of openness and space in the kitchen.

Take away 

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to properly illuminate because of the cabinets and appliances. The right balance of lighting in your kitchen will help you better perform your daily tasks but first, you must determine your kitchen lighting needs. Most kitchens will have a central surface light, while some will have windows that provide ambient light. Once you determine how much ambient lighting you have, you can then decide which type of kitchen lighting in Kenya to add.