Kitchen and bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom buying guide

The bathroom and the kitchen are rooms apart that need special, appropriate lighting, or rather several kinds of lighting. Several, for the simple reason that a room like the kitchen, by its very nature, serves different purposes: eating and cooking don't call for the same type or intensity of light. Like the kitchen, the bathroom also needs several types of lighting to be enjoyed to the full. Of course, light sources are first planned around the practical use of these rooms, but also to enhance their comfort and sense of space.

The kitchen

The kitchen is a special room that plays a dual role in the home. First, it is devoted to what we might call the practical, technical side of the flat or house; but it is also a place where we have lunch and dinner. In short, it is a living space that is not just about preparing meals: as its name suggests, we cook there, but we also gather there with family or friends to share the very meal prepared a few hours earlier. It is therefore important to have several light sources: one fairly bright light suited to the cook's work, and another that creates a convivial atmosphere. For the general lighting, choose a ceiling light or pendant capable of lighting the whole room, while specific light points such as spotlights or fluorescent tubes will precisely light the work surfaces, such as the sink and the hob.

The bathroom

Because of the heavy use of water, which can lead to splashes, bathroom lighting has to follow a number of safety rules. You should therefore only use Class I, II or III light fittings with a protection rating of IP21, as these are protected against dripping water and the ingress of dust. Light sources should be split into several beams to suit the different activities that take place in the bathroom (shaving, applying make-up, washing and so on). A ceiling light is perfect for the main lighting, while the lights for the mirror are best placed on either side of it to spread the light evenly. Spotlights or two rows of fairly low-wattage bulbs will be ideal.