Features of lighting the kitchen dining area
If the layout of the kitchen allows, it is better to place the dining area closer to the window, so in addition to artificial light there will also be natural light. The light above the table should be up to 5500 Kelvin - warm or neutral white, it does not irritate the eyes, is soft and moderately bright.
The location of the dining area next to the window opening
If the kitchen table is located against the wall or far from the window, then it can be supplemented with wall sconces or floor lamps with direct light. Decorative lighting interestingly decorates the kitchen interior. Sconces are placed slightly above a person's eye level to create the effect of light coming from the ceiling rather than the wall.
If the dining table is in the center of the kitchen, it is illuminated by a single ceiling chandelier, which is located directly above it. A simple lamp does not look very beautiful, so they often use a chandelier with a lampshade or unusually shaped lamps, depending on the style of the interior.
The most popular materials for lamps are crystal, glass, plastic. Paper lampshades are not used, as they break down and cannot be cleaned with moisture. Metal lampshades get dirty quickly and will have to be constantly cleaned.
How to choose the right lamps and chandeliers
The best option would be a compact chandelier that will perfectly match the style of the kitchen interior. The intensity of illumination depends on the shape of the ceiling lamp. Therefore, it is better to choose open options so that the light can diffuse throughout the room. The material of the lamp in the kitchen should not be affected by humidity and temperature changes. Fabric ones are quite difficult to care for. The best option would be a frame made of metal or glass.
Types of lighting fixtures for lighting above the kitchen table
To illuminate the dining table in the kitchen, you can use different types of lamps:
- The pendant chandelier is considered the most popular light source. It comes in different sizes, most often it is made triple, with many light bulbs. Depending on the size and style of the kitchen, you should choose the right size of the chandelier. For example, for low ceilings, a ceiling model is appropriate; for high ceilings, you can install a more voluminous and hanging one. To soften the light, choose chandeliers with lampshades. Most often, it acts as the main lighting; in addition to it, you can install spotlights in the work area;
Chandelier with lampshade above the table
- Busbar structures are small lighting fixtures that are located on a metal housing built into the ceiling. Some models allow you to move the lamps along the track, which allows you to install the light as needed;
- The spot has the shape of a cylinder on a movable base, which allows you to direct the light in the desired direction. The lamp can be single or placed in a group on the base;
- Ceiling lighting is an unusual design solution that does not take up space. The LED strip is fixed to the ceiling, and a canvas is stretched over it, which transmits light, softly scattering throughout the kitchen.
Warm light
Lamps of this type of luminaires have a yellowish tint. Many consumers choose them because... They believe that this light corresponds to natural sunlight.
The palette in the light of “warm” light becomes saturated, excessive brightness and contrast disappear.
The placement of lamps above the table in the kitchen
A single pendant light of any size is usually placed above the kitchen table in a circle or square shape. To correctly calculate the diameter of the lampshade, subtract 30 cm from the width of the tabletop, otherwise the lamp will press with its volume, creating discomfort for those sitting. For example, in a spacious kitchen above a 1.2 m wide dining table, a chandelier up to 90 cm will look beautiful and proportionate.
If the table is long and rectangular, install several pendant lamps at the same distance from each other, 30 cm away from the edge of the furniture. It is recommended to use simple lampshades in the shape of a ball, cone, or rectangle.
An excellent option is lamps with adjustable height: to create a cozy atmosphere, they are lowered lower, and for uniform lighting they are raised to the ceiling.
Cold light
The bulbs of such devices have a bluish tint. The contrast and brightness of colors reaches its maximum.
The disadvantages of such lighting are rapid fatigue, a feeling of cold and discomfort while eating or preparing food.
Plus – it drives away laziness and makes the person working in the kitchen concentrate.
Arranging lighting above the dining table depending on the size of the kitchen
When decorating lighting above the kitchen table in a small kitchen, the area of which does not exceed 7 square meters. m. one chandelier in the middle of the ceiling and several LED lamps in the work area will be enough. You can highlight the dining table with a couple of miniature sconces that do not take up space, but create a cozy atmosphere.
Lighting for the dining area in a small kitchen
On a note! If there is only one ceiling lamp in the kitchen, then its light narrows the walls, which is not appropriate for narrow rooms.
Lampshades and lampshades should be proportional to the kitchen area. With low ceilings, it is inappropriate to use lamps with long cords. When using LEDs, they are directed upward to visually expand the space.
Arranging lighting above the dining table in a small kitchen
In a kitchen combined with a living room, a bar counter or a regular dining table is often used to zone the space. In this case, lighting can be spot or in the form of a lamp of any size. Sometimes a plasterboard structure is made directly above the dining area, into which LED lamps are mounted. This visually demarcates the space between the kitchen and living room and becomes an unusual interior solution.
Lighting for the kitchen dining area combined with the living room
Decoration
Lamps that do not carry a functional load are used for interior decoration. There is no practical use from them, but it is this kind of lighting that creates the overall impression of the design of the room.
Light bulbs can be of different colors and any light temperature.
Types of lamps
To create complete lighting above the kitchen table, it is better to use several types of lighting fixtures at once to make it easier to regulate the level of light intensity.
Combined lighting for the dining area
For the kitchen, several types of lamps are most often used that meet regulatory requirements:
- The most popular are LED lamps, which consume minimal energy. They have a long service life, increased strength, compact size, and lower body temperature compared to other types. In addition, the lamps are easy to install, are environmentally friendly, and can be disposed of without problems. Some consider the increased price to be a disadvantage, but given the service life, it is justified. Cheap, low-quality LEDs can quickly burn out;
- Incandescent lamps are cheap, look compact, and are not afraid of low and high temperatures. But they have a short service life, overheat during prolonged operation, and do not produce enough light;
- Halogen light bulbs are more compact compared to previous ones. They last a long time, are highly efficient, but quickly overheat;
- Fluorescent lamps have a long service life and create pleasant diffused lighting. Disadvantages include chemical hazards due to the presence of mercury, as well as insufficient power.
Track models
Lately, lamps that are placed and then can be moved in a special device - a busbar trunking - have come into fashion. For the most part, such lamps are used in large rooms such as exhibition halls, offices, cafes, and restaurants. Often a similar system is installed in residential premises.
A wide range of similar lamps for the kitchen is presented in the Leroy Merlin online store.
Choosing lighting for the dining area depending on the style
Each style has its own sound, so the choice of lamps for the dining area greatly depends on this:
- In the Scandinavian style, preference is given to natural light, so whenever possible the kitchen table is placed next to a window. If this is not possible, choose lamps that emit light as close as possible to daylight. A voluminous chandelier would not be appropriate here, but a ceiling lamp or fixtures with long cords of simple design will create the right atmosphere. If there is not enough light, you can add a couple of sconces or install a decorative lamp directly on the dining table;
- In a classic style, a beautiful crystal chandelier will become a bright accent. Depending on the size of the kitchen, a ceiling or hanging model is installed. A chandelier should not only illuminate, but also decorate the interior of the kitchen. Multi-level lighting will be provided by chic floor lamps and sconces;
- The loft style is characterized by a commitment to space and light. Avant-garde lamps with long pendants and light bulbs without shades or lampshades are installed above the kitchen table. Common materials are wood and metal. An unusual option is a simple chandelier on a rod in the form of a water pipe above a massive wooden table;
- In high-tech style, natural light can be replaced with artificial light. The lamps use LED lamps, and they themselves have a futuristic shape. Lighting above the dining area can be represented by several spots grouped together. The glass tabletop, complemented by an LED strip, looks beautiful;
- For the Provence style, chandeliers with textile lampshades and sconces decorated with embroidery or appliqué are appropriate. If you want to use lamps or spotlights of modern design above the table in the kitchen, they are hidden in the wall. It is better to hang two romantic lighting fixtures with plant or floral motifs and soft, sunny light;
- The minimalist style uses simple, laconic lamps. A strict chandelier with bright light is installed above the dining table, and spots are used as additional lighting. LED lighting for the tabletop would also be appropriate;
- In the Art Nouveau style, several lamps are usually placed above the kitchen table, which become an interior decoration. If you want to hang a chandelier, choose a model with a forged frame with shades made of colored glass or metal. Art Nouveau style does not like symmetrical, clear lines, so it is preferable to use lamps of unusual shapes.
Design ideas
Two chandeliers can be hung above a large and elongated table. This way the lighting will be more harmonious, and the interior will take on an original look.
Ceiling lamps grouped in one place may have different suspension lengths. Thanks to lamps located at different heights, it will be possible to create a cascading light flow.
The painted product looks very unusual. For example, a stylish round lamp or a long rectangular lamp is decorated with interesting graffiti, bright paintings, mosaics or prints in the pin-up style.
The photo shows the interior of a kitchen in an apartment with two chandeliers on the ceiling above the dining group.
A lantern or chandelier with LED lamps is perfect for beautiful and high-quality lighting of a summer kitchen. Several devices with the ability to change the light intensity will create the most comfortable conditions. The optimal solution would be to install a two-key switch that allows you to control individual groups of light sources.
For safety reasons, the space is equipped with special electrical fittings that have additional protection against moisture in order to prevent a fire or short circuit.
What are the best ceiling lighting options?
An interesting type of ceiling lighting is the installation of electrical appliances along the entire perimeter of the ceiling. Fluorescent and neon lamps will create an unusual effect on a glossy stretch ceiling. Lighting with duralight is necessary where light weight of the structure is needed. The LED strip will last longer if you use its length greater than 16 m.
The correct choice of kitchen lamps takes into account the area of the room, the color shades of the interior and the style.
It should be noted that when starting to install electrical appliances, you need to contact specialists and designers who can create a safe and cozy atmosphere in your home.
Global BL2016
The model is the vice-champion of the rating. Spectacular appearance, excellent quality and beautiful design characterize this series of lamps.
Having appeared on sale three years ago, it is still at the peak of popularity. As they say, this is a device that “never goes out of style.”
The lamp sits deep in the body, which allows you to get comfortable lighting that does not blind people in the kitchen.
The sophistication of the lamp is emphasized by the inner ring. The buyer can choose the ring option in gold or black.
Maytoni TR002-1-GU10-B
The brand belongs to the middle price category. The shape and quality of the case are of high quality. You can change the lamps, which makes the lamp universal and allows you to use it both for general illumination of the space and for accent lighting of individual areas of the kitchen.
Experts consider the disadvantages to be a sloppy adapter, which negatively affects the appearance of the lamp.
BL2020 from Global
The newest model that has appeared on the Russian goods market since the end of last year. The quality of materials, functionality, and excellent design have made the lamp one of the best-selling lamps, and this despite the significant price.
It was the price that did not allow the device, which belongs to the premium segment, to take a higher place in the ranking.
The company produces two more models in this line - one in white (WH2020), and the other (BL2020) in black with a gold interior surface.
Top five
Experts have compiled a rating of the best track lamps, which includes the following models:
- GlobalBL2020;
- Maytoni TR002-1-GU10-B;
- Feron 32474;
- GlobalBL2016;
- Global WH2017.
The ranking is based on the principle from fifth place to first.
