which kitchen lighting design is better

5 years ago

We got two proposals with different kitchen light approaches (see below). Option A has the recessed lights at the edge of the counter, as well as under cabinet lights plus the two island pendants. Option 2 has the recessed lights used as "pathway lights" as well as under counter lights and the pendants. We are wondering if the pathway lights would cast inconvenient shadows, as it will be behind you when you work at the counter. But would it be too dark with just the lights at the edges of the counter? Will the pendants be enough to light the middle part of the kitchen? Showing bordering living and dining room to show neighboring lights. (Also slightly different). Which approach do you see work better for an open kitchen? All lights will be on dimmers. Any insights are very much appreciated!

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Comments (5)

kj s
5 years ago
I am wondering why you have to have all one or the other? My personal, uneducated preference would be the counter edge lights near the counters but then also pathway lights in the border between kitchen/dining room and kitchen/living room. Hoping a pro hops on so I can learn the rationale for what would be best.
salex
5 years ago
Exactly what kjs said ^^. Put the lights near your kitchen counters (lower right of the plans) with lights centered over countertop edges, and almost everything else as shown in the second drawing. The only thing I might omit in that case would be the "path" lights between the island and the dining area, at least on the side toward the range.
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3onthetree
5 years ago
N B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for your input. We decided to definitely keep the ones at the edge of the counter. Still debating to also do the pathway lights. We don’t want to overdue it with lighting. :)
dan1888
5 years ago
Lighting is used in two different ways. Task lighting is higher lumens for prep/cooking/cleanup work at the sink. stove and counter work spaces. Ambient lighting light the room generally. Both types should be on dimmers. And your kitchen needs good coverage from both. An island needs task lighting just like other work areas.