Kitchen lighting should light the worktop with no shadows or glare. Combine general light, spotlights and pendants, then check colour temperature and CRI.
Three sources for a well-lit kitchen
Colour temperature and colour rendering
Warm white at 3,000 K suits the general lighting and the table: it stays welcoming at mealtimes. Over the worktop, neutral white at 4,000 K helps with precise tasks such as chopping or keeping an eye on the hob. A CRI of at least 80 shows the true colour of food. To switch from cooking mode to dinner mode, plan two circuits or a dimmer compatible with your bulbs.
Practical materials and styles
Near the hob, go for metal, glass or acrylic, which are easy to degrease, and simple shapes that collect little grease. Modern lines lead the way, followed by vintage and retro and industrial styles, with pendants in black, copper or brass metal, then rustic and country, classic and Scandinavian. Keep wood, fabric, ceramic and concrete away from the cooking area. Our guide to lighting your kitchen has more advice.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen lighting
How do I avoid shadows on the worktop?
Shadows come from a light behind you, in the middle of the room. Add light above or in front of the worktop: spotlights aimed at the front edge, a strip light under the wall cabinets or pendants in a line over the island. Aim for 300 to 500 lux on the surface, in neutral white at 4,000 K.
Do kitchen lights need to be waterproof?
No rating is required as it is in a bathroom, but steam and splashes quickly dirty lights close to the hob. An enclosed fitting, IP44 for example, is easier to clean and protects the bulb. Above the sink, choose an enclosed light too, safe from splashes.
How do I clean a kitchen light?
Switch off the power and let the bulb cool down. Glass and metal can be cleaned with hot water and washing-up liquid on a non-abrasive sponge, then dried straight away. Avoid solvents on lacquered brass and painted metal. For a fabric shade, simply dust it regularly.
What colour temperature for an open-plan kitchen?
Keep warm white at 3,000 K for the lights visible from the living area, so the kitchen doesn't look cold once the meal is served. Save neutral white at 4,000 K for the worktop lighting, on a separate circuit that you switch off after cooking.
