The main secret of functional kitchen lighting is its multi-level nature. Each functional area - where dishes are washed, work area, eating area - should be well lit. Let's figure out what light sources will help solve this problem.

Basic rules for lighting in the kitchen

Designing kitchen lighting is not an easy task. Light has a great influence on the organization of space. With its help, you can visually enlarge and reduce the size of the kitchen, highlight some areas and shade others.

If the lighting is designed correctly, the lamps are chosen with love and in accordance with the interior, then working in the kitchen will be a joy for the housewife, and family dinners will become a tradition.

So, what are the basic rules for effective kitchen lighting:

1. The kitchen should always be light. During the day there should be natural lighting, in the evening and at night - artificial. A well-lit room has a positive effect on the psyche and stimulates the appetite.
2. However, it is important not to overdo it with artificial lighting. Very bright light hurts the eyes and is not always economical from a financial point of view. The more light sources there are in the kitchen, the less power they should have.
3. Only multi-level lighting will allow you to conveniently distribute the flow of light throughout the kitchen, creating a unique style.
4. In fashion - . If you are striving to create a comfortable, modern, functional space, your choice is strict, laconic forms and smooth lines. Moreover, this is not just a fashion trend, but also the convenience of cleaning contaminated surfaces.
5. Don't forget that the times when the kitchen had one lamp hanging in the center of the ceiling are long gone. Large ceiling lamps go well with spotlights, with LED strip along the apron and even with sconces near the dining table.
6. Consider the color scheme of the kitchen. Light walls and facades will reflect up to 80% of the light flux, dark ones - only 12%.
7. The working area requires a power of 100 W/m2; for a dining room 50 W/m2 will be enough.
8. The distance to water from all light sources should be at least 60 cm.
9. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and sooner or later you will find exactly the option that will become yours.

Organization of general lighting in the kitchen

When organizing general lighting, you need to take into account the most natural lighting possible. To have a lot of light in the kitchen, you need to use transparent or translucent curtains, or drop-down blinds.

The only exception can be the first floors - they require some protection from the curious glances of passers-by.

The lighter the walls, the more light they will reflect. A kitchen with light walls will look more illuminated than the same one with dark walls.

The main lighting is traditionally ceiling lighting. Conventional whitewashed ceilings with a lamp on a hook in the center have long since become a thing of the past. Today's trend is multi-level stretch ceilings. Stretch ceilings allow you to play with lighting.

A chandelier under the ceiling for the interior is not completely excluded. You can't go anywhere without a chandelier, and even Art Nouveau will be boring without it.

The only rule for choosing a chandelier is the height of the ceilings. If the ceilings are low, it is better to choose a creeping lampshade, and with high ceilings you can choose a hanging lamp.

You can find out more about how to choose a chandelier for the kitchen.

In long kitchens, the idea of ​​main lighting can be supported by a row of hanging lampshades. However, in very large rooms, 4-5 lamps arranged in a row above the dining table will help highlight the dining area, even if it is not in the center.

Please note that lampshades pointing downwards will illuminate the outlined space below them. If the lampshades are directed upwards, the light will reflect from the ceiling and softly dissipate, providing the kitchen with a cozy look.

Organization of spot lighting

Spot lighting will look organically in modern styles. But at the same time, it can organically complement the main lighting in.

The layout of ceiling spotlights can be different: around the perimeter, in a circle, in two parallel lines, and even in a checkerboard pattern.

Ceiling spotlights in the kitchen act as a general background that complements the functional one - above the work area, for example.

When organizing lighting in the kitchen, you need to consider how it matches the interior. For example, if the kitchen is small, it is recommended to use light-colored wallpaper and curtains so that the light fluxes reflected from them visually expand the space.

The same applies to the ceiling. A glossy ceiling that reflects rays of light will help create a higher perception of the room.

Work area lighting

Illumination of the work area determines the convenience of working in the kitchen. The lighting is organized depending on the location of the work area.

If the kitchen is of a traditional type, the work area is located under the wall cabinets, then the lamps are placed on the bottom of the cabinets.

In a high-tech kitchen, lamps can be placed on. If narrow cabinets are located in one row higher than usual, then you can install lighting directly on them.

As light sources, you can use directional lamps that will not dazzle the eyes of people sitting at the table, or LED strips that provide diffused light - quite sufficient for work. The simplest option is ordinary overhead spotlights, which are mounted directly on the bottom of the cabinets.

What may be the rules for placing lamps on the bottom of cabinets:

• they can be installed in the corner between the bottom of the cabinet and the apron, in the middle of the bottom surface of the cabinet or closer to the end;
• if lighting is installed under a cabinet above the washing area, the lamp must be waterproof. Here the backlight can be brighter, but it is also important that it does not blind the eyes.

Lamps illuminating the work area, placed above the wall cabinets from above with directional light, will look organic.

When choosing the type of lamps, you need to consider the following features:

• Built-in lighting looks neat and does not hit the eyes, but it is much more difficult to install and requires drilling of wall cabinets.
• Overlays are more noticeable visually, but are easier to install (you don’t need to cut holes in the furniture for them), and it’s easier to change light bulbs in them.
• LED strips help to realize any configurations - triangular and round in different places. Installing this LED backlight is very easy. However, the LED module requires connection through a transformer, which increases its cost.
• Spot spots are ideal for lighting and furniture. They come in different types and sizes, and can be built-in, rotary or overhead. Spots with LEDs do not lose brightness over time and do not emit heat.

Dining area lighting

The dining table should have soft, non-irritating lighting. To be able to make the most of natural light, the table should be placed close to a window.

However, if the table is located against the wall, you can use a couple of small wall sconces, and if the table is in the center of the kitchen, ceiling lamps are the ideal solution.

Several lamps with shades that match the kitchen interior and with the ability to adjust the height are a traditional option for any kitchen. By the way, adjusting the lamp length is an excellent option for a small kitchen.

When lowered as far as possible above the table, such a lamp will create comfortable light for eating, and when raised to the ceiling, it will organize general lighting.

When choosing lamps, you need to take into account the shape of the furniture. If the table is oval or rectangular, ideally you need to place 2-3 lamps in a row above it: this arrangement will help illuminate the table evenly. For a round table, one pendant lamp above the center of the tabletop will be enough.

The light source should be located slightly above eye level, approximately 60 cm above the table. For an adjustable model, at the lowest position of the lamp, the circle of light should match the dimensions of the tabletop.

Lighting in cabinets

Lighting in kitchen cabinets will serve well when you have to look for something in the depths. As a rule, it will perform purely functional tasks only in the lower, deeper cabinets.

In upper cabinets, lighting can also perform decorative functions if the furniture doors have glass inserts. Such lighting will even help to visually expand the room. The easiest option is to decorate such lighting using LED strip.

Decorative lighting in the kitchen

Decorative lighting does not carry any functional load, but should add comfort to the room. A very good lighting option is an LED strip placed between the kitchen unit and the ceiling. This design technique is great for compact kitchens - it will make them taller.

Another great option for small kitchens is lighting the base of the furniture set. This solution creates the feeling that the kitchen seems to be floating in the air.

To create decorative lighting, you can use an LED strip to highlight paintings; you can hang sconces over the same paintings, photographs and plates.

In a dark kitchen, if you place several sconces around the perimeter at the same height, the space will visually expand.

If you need to separate the functional spaces of the kitchen/studio, you can also use light accents created by decorative lighting.

Either it can be a row of ceiling lights, lighting, floor lighting, or sconces along the wall.

Which light bulbs to choose

For lighting, you can combine different types of light bulbs, differing in power, efficiency, and design.

The most popular today remain:

• incandescent lamps: the big drawback of which is uneconomical energy consumption has made them less popular compared to past decades;
• LED lamps are a good economical alternative to incandescent lamps. In addition, the price for them falls every year, and the range only increases;
• fluorescent lamps are also an order of magnitude more economical than incandescent lamps and last much longer;
• halogen lamps, thanks to a huge variety of shapes, allow you to create original interior solutions;
• LED strip is selected according to size, number of crystals and their brightness.

When choosing lamps to illuminate kitchen areas, it is necessary to adhere to a single concept so that they do not conflict with each other in color or size.

Lamps should be easy to clean, not afraid of water, and not get dirty from any touch. Only by following all these rules can you create a beautiful and comfortable kitchen space.

The design of the work area in the kitchen needs to be thought through to the smallest detail. Everything is individual. The main thing is that the hostess feels comfortable, and with constant eye strain, you can forget about convenience. No matter how bright the ceiling lamps are, they are not capable of fully illuminating the work area, so there is a need for additional lighting.

Additional illumination of the working area

In addition to practical issues, one must take into account the design possibilities that can be realized using light elements. Using modern technical means and design imagination, even a trivial kitchen turns into a unique work of art.

Illumination of the working area in the kitchen is an issue on the correct solution of which depends the originality of the overall design of the room and the comfort of the owners.

Possible backlight options: advantages and disadvantages

Beginning housewives sometimes underestimate the importance of designing a work area and make mistakes that are then difficult to correct.

Remember the following rules:

• the backlight should provide neutral lighting;
• the light should not cause discomfort (too bright or have an unpleasant tint to the eyes);
• the lighting is directed downwards to the surface so as not to blind the eyes.

An interesting design solution is double-sided lighting, when the light sources are located above and below. Let's consider the main options for organizing lighting for the work area in the kitchen.

LED lights

One of the most modern solutions. LEDs have a long service life, are practical, resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and pollution. The cost is an order of magnitude more expensive than other types of lamps, but due to long-term use they pay for themselves very well. Another undeniable advantage of LEDs is the ability to experiment with design. LED modules have different powers. It is worth calculating their number depending on the desired combination. Compositions made from LEDs built inside a glass apron look stylish and unusual.

The popularity of LED strips is increasing. They are easy to use. For fastening you do not need to have any special skills. It is enough to select the surface on which the tape will be located and secure it with tape, special glue or staples. It is better to use neutral shades to decorate your work area. In other areas, such as around the dining table, richer colors will work. Using LED strip has many advantages, the main ones:

• wide scope for creativity;
• savings due to self-attachment;
• low power consumption;
• stable, silent operation even with voltage surges;
• long service life (among experts there is an opinion that LED lamps do not burn out at all).

Please note: Some LEDs can be controlled by adjusting the brightness using the remote control. It is very comfortable. When the work is completed and the backlight is not needed, you can reduce it to a minimum, and the LED will start working in night light mode.

Halogen backlight

The use of halogen lamps in the design of residential premises has been practiced for a long time. Small size, quite affordable cost, long service life compared to incandescent lamps explain why this type of lighting is popular.

An example of halogen lighting for a work area in the kitchen

Time does not stand still - the operating life of a halogen lamp is 4000 hours, which is 4 times longer than that of a conventional light bulb, while the LED operates for 100,000 hours, so this factor can no longer be called a clear advantage. Another drawback is that the halogen lamp gets very hot, which means that if it comes into contact with any surface it will quickly burn out.

The main advantage of using them in the kitchen in the work area is that the light emitted by halogen bulbs is closest to natural. In this regard, they have no equal today. This is especially important for people with vision problems.

Incandescent lamps in the design of the kitchen work area

Incandescent lamps are practically not used for lighting. Even if you are an opponent of new technologies, this type of lamp can only be used for chandeliers. When illuminating the kitchen work area, their use is not recommended. They have much more disadvantages than advantages: they consume a lot of energy, do not provide enough light, cannot distribute it evenly, and quickly burn out.

Fluorescent backlight

Fluorescent lighting in the kitchen has been used for general and spot lighting for many years. These lamps are economical and provide even light, especially if equipped with a diffuser. Although it not only performs the task of uniformly distributing lighting, but also protects the lamp from dirt and grease, which is especially important when illuminating the work area in the kitchen. The advantages of this type of lighting are:

• pleasant, non-irritating light;
• energy saving;
• the presence of different shades;
• ease of installation;
• duration of operation.

It is worth noting the disadvantages. Perhaps the main thing noted by users is that the lamp does not light up immediately after switching on, but after 5-7 seconds. The same thing happens during power surges. It either goes out completely, or begins to blink and make unpleasant noises. Those who choose fluorescent lamps should know that they contain mercury: if such a lamp breaks, it is necessary to carry out special treatment of the room. Another nuance that should be taken into account when organizing lighting for the work area in the kitchen. Fluorescent fluorescent lamps are not recommended for this area. They are more suitable for large rooms.

Fluorescent lighting in the kitchen photo

Spot lighting

When it comes to spot lighting in the kitchen work area, you should pay attention to light beams. This type of lighting is similar to the fluorescent lamps that we discussed above, only the option is much more simplified. They are designed for installation directly into a niche, although sometimes beams are also found in lampshades.

The disadvantage is the high cost. But the solid appearance that the kitchen acquires when using such lamps, as well as their durability, compensate for the price.

Spot lighting for the kitchen work area photo

The light beam provides soft and even lighting. Its use in the kitchen guarantees adequate lighting that will not cause discomfort. The presence of switches allows you to regulate the flow of light and its power, making it possible to illuminate only those areas that really need lighting.

Backlight Modes

When choosing lamps to illuminate the kitchen work area, consider not only their features and characteristics, but first of all the power, the ability to adjust brightness, lighting mode, or, as designers also call it, color temperature.
The following main types are distinguished:

• warm light;
• natural light;
• cold light.

Warm and pleasing to the eye. It has a yellowish tint, does not irritate, does not strain the eyesight, and does not distort the colors of objects.

Natural light is white. It is considered the most beneficial for the eyes, but it is more appropriate to take it in work areas; in the kitchen there is no need for such bright lighting.

Cold light has a bluish tint and is rarely used in the kitchen, except perhaps for decorative purposes of the overall interior, but not for illuminating the work area. It distorts the color of objects and negatively affects vision.

How to choose lighting fixtures: useful tips

Kitchen work area lighting has a lot of nuances. We looked at what types of lamps exist and determined that the main thing is practicality and comfort.
Before you go shopping for a lamp, answer the following questions:
who spends the most time in the kitchen work area. A lot actually depends on this; everyone has an individual understanding of comfort:

• where the light source will be mounted. This could be the bottom surface of hanging kitchen furniture, the perimeter of the apron, etc.;
• power and brightness that light bulbs should have;
• price.

Remember that regardless of the choice of lighting device, it must be resistant to dirt, not afraid of contact with other surfaces, and can withstand high temperatures.
Listen to the following tips that interior designer Victoria Nikolskaya shared with our readers:

• much depends on the location of the work area. If, for example, it is located near a window, it is necessary to position the lamps in such a way that there is no glare from the natural light source;
• the light should fall on the tabletop, and not shine into the eyes;
• it is optimal if you can adjust the position of the lamps;
• You should not use light bulbs with decorative designs. Dust accumulates in the patterns, and some of the light will be lost.

Where to place sockets and switches in the work area

It is not difficult to determine the sockets in the work area. There are rarely many household appliances located here. Most often this is an electric kettle, maybe a microwave. However, it is on the work surface that assistants such as a multicooker, food processor, and blender are used. The frequency of use of such devices determines the optimal number of sockets in the work area and their location.

The overall design also matters. If the kitchen apron and countertop are made of decorative glass with a pattern, the socket will spoil the overall impression. Consult with experts. It might be possible to consider some kind of hidden placement option. A popular solution is retractable sockets. They are invisible from the outside and are completely hidden in the surface of the tabletop or can be built into furniture.

Retractable socket in the work area photo

When extended, they resemble a regular extension cord, which is used for a different number of household appliances.

Regarding the switches, the answer is clear - they must be here, unless the backlight is controlled using a remote control. The following mistake is often made: the switch is placed at the entrance to the kitchen, next to the main one. But it is more convenient if it is planned in close proximity to the working surface. Place it on the side of the cabinet, or underneath. The main thing is that you can reach it without interrupting your work.

LED strip lighting

Using LED strip in the interior allows you to create a unique design with minimal investment of time and money.

As the name implies, LEDs are used to make the tape. Placed on a strip, they can be of different shades and are multifunctional, allowing not only to organize the illumination of the required area, but also providing all the possibilities for creating an original and unique design. The tape is placed around the perimeter of the cabinet, kitchen apron, and countertop. You can use it to mark drawers, etc.

Mounting LED strip in the kitchen

To illuminate the work area in the kitchen, it is better to purchase tape in sealed packaging. This will protect it from contamination, surface maintenance will be reduced to a minimum, and will also significantly extend its service life. In terms of color, it is better to opt for warm shades.

Determine the location of the tape and measure the perimeter. If installation will be carried out independently, pay attention to the method and the availability of detailed instructions.

Organization of two-level lighting in the work area

Lamps for illuminating the work area in the kitchen can be placed not only around the perimeter or in one layer. Two-level lighting looks very nice, but it serves more of a decorative function. This design is available if there are no cabinets above the countertop. With the help of two-level lighting it is possible to visually make the ceiling higher.

It is recommended to use LED strip, individual LEDs or fluorescent light bulbs for two-level lighting.

We hope that we were able to answer all your questions regarding the organization of lighting for the work area in the kitchen and now the design of this area will not cause you any problems. If you still have questions, you can ask them in the comments, and our designer consultant will answer them.

The only room in an apartment or private house for which there is not enough central lighting is the kitchen. Depending on the requirements of certain parts of it, several lighting sources are selected. At the same time, the greatest load lies on the work area, where the greatest amount of time is spent, household appliances, the sink, and other kitchen utensils are concentrated.

Modern technologies make it possible to create stylish and invisible lighting that will become one with the kitchen set. Many of its options help to significantly save on electricity. Proper and well-thought-out lighting is the key to comfort and convenience in the kitchen work area.

Specifics and lighting options

Lighting of the work area must take into account a number of specific nuances. If built-in lights are placed in the hood, they will illuminate only the stove or hob. And you need to capture much more space, and not just its individual parts. The work area must be fully illuminated.

Regarding lamps, we are talking about ease of care and ease of access to the switch. To ensure the practicality of this type of lighting, it is worth considering the scheme in advance. Otherwise, you can simply ruin the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen with wires, cables and tees.

Don't forget about the decorative component. Lighting can either complement the overall idea or ruin it. Among other things, in the dark, you can save energy or create a romantic mood by using the backlight as a night light.

One central light source cannot fully meet the needs of the work area. It also creates shadows that interfere with the cooking process. Local lighting would be the right choice.

Today there is a wide range of lighting products on the market. Therefore, the options for illuminating the work area in the kitchen can be very diverse.

The main light sources include:

• light beams;
• spots;
• Spotlights;
• LED strips;
• fluorescent lamps;
• rotating and pendant lamps;

The decision always remains with the owner. But lighting, in addition to beauty, must ensure the full functioning of the work area, be practical and easy to maintain.

Efficiency of light beams

The light beam is a simple version of a lamp for fluorescent lamps. If this is an inexpensive copy, then it does not have a lampshade and is mounted in a niche. Other light beams are more complete and have, in addition, separate switches. But they are quite expensive. This is their main drawback. More efficient similar devices will have the same cost.

There are two main advantages:

1. quality of lighting (soft, not dazzling, but strong enough);
2. Possibility of use in zones of different lengths, with individual sections turned on/off.

The installation is very simple. Each individual beam is equipped with connectors at both ends. Power is supplied to one, and the next one is attached to the second. It turns out to be a kind of chain of lamps. Beams are attached under wall cabinets. They are screwed to them with self-tapping screws. If the power supply was not planned in advance, then the beams can be powered from the nearest outlet, hood, etc.

Use of spots and spotlights

These are relatively cheap lighting options. But, like similar ones, they have a number of disadvantages. First of all, this is low efficiency associated with their installation locations. Often it is not possible to install spots under wall cabinets. And choosing another place leads to the formation of shadows from the cook or furniture.

It is also not always possible to achieve an aesthetic appearance. For high-quality lighting you need to use several devices. Although a matter of taste also plays a role here. If the shortcomings are considered insignificant, then you can safely install lighting.

It is customary to install spotlights in a furniture cornice, which is installed specifically for this purpose. This option provides lighting along the front of the cabinet and covers only the edge of the working surface. Thanks to the ability to adjust the direction of light in the spots, they give better results. Their modern mini-versions can be adapted for wall cabinets. There is also a lighting fixture that includes several small spots mounted on a thin rail.

Advantages of LED strip

LED strip is an economical option that can evenly illuminate the entire length of the tabletop. As a standard, it is installed under a wall cabinet. The tape is quite inconspicuous; it can work autonomously and from the general lighting network. It can vary in light intensity and degree of protection. The tapes provide white, yellow or multi-colored light. The intensity of the glow depends on the number of LEDs. This can be an economy option, standard or premium.

The more electrical components in the tape, the brighter and more uniform the lighting will be.

LED strips can be coated with silicone or unprotected. There is no particular difference, except for the greater resistance of the first to humidity, dust, and dirt.

Other work area lighting devices

There are other options for effective lighting of the work area in your kitchen, including:

• fluorescent lamps (installed in the upper zone of the cabinet along the entire working area, which allows for uniform and full illumination);
• rotating lamps (fully cover the required space, illuminate it well);
• pendant lamps (placed above the work area; add originality to the interior, but do not interfere with work; give good, rich light);
• skinali (this is a glass apron in which the backlight is located; they can be of different colors, have a pattern or a photo print; the thickness of the panel is less than 2 cm).

It is important to take into account that they removed not only very expensive lighting, but also fragile one. It can crumble, leaving the room without lighting and the owners with cuts.

Lighting the kitchen work area is a must. There are quite a lot of options. You can choose the best one in terms of price, practicality, ease of use and maintenance, as well as energy saving. Don't forget about kitchen design. Your imagination and our advice will make it irresistible, bright and comfortable.

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LED lighting for the kitchen work area: installation and connection rules

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The kitchen is the most visited place in the house, where the whole family spends a lot of time. And the housewife is still working at the stove, preparing various dishes. The workplace should be comfortable, well lit and safe. What the kitchen will be like is decided by the owners, they come up with a design, equip it with household appliances, choose the style and furniture. It is imperative to think through all the zones, design them in accordance with their purpose and provide the necessary lighting. In this article we will talk about LED lighting in the kitchen work area.

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Common types of lighting

Each kitchen area is illuminated according to requirements. A variety of lamps transforms a room and creates an atmosphere of comfort. There should be several types of them in the kitchen:

• Ceiling or hanging chandelier– placed on the ceiling in the center of the kitchen. Selected to match the style of all furniture and illuminate the dining area. In addition to lighting, it has an aesthetic function.
• LED Strip Light It has several colors and performs a decorative and practical function.
• Skinali- These are glass panels with a variety of patterns. Used to finish kitchen aprons. The built-in LED light illuminates the image from the inside. Seascapes with fish and corals look original.
• Spot LED Bulbs used in large quantities, placed in lamps or in ceiling decoration.
• Pendant lamps with rotating mechanisms located on the furniture and ceiling, illuminate in the right direction and create a flow of light onto the work area.
• Spots installed in ceiling structures, in cabinets. Their light is clearly directed to one point.

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In the kitchen you can’t get by with just one lamp; there must be at least 3 types of lighting: general, local lighting of different zones and decorative.

What types of LED kitchen lights are there?

There is no need to change electrical wiring or equipment for LED lamps; they are available for any base and are easy to install. It is not difficult to match them to the style of the kitchen; they are very diverse.

• Main lighting provided with pendant or ceiling lamps with LED bulbs. If the kitchen is small or has a low ceiling, it is better to use a ceiling one.
• Linear surface-mounted luminaires assembled into a module, from which you can assemble a backlight of the required length, connecting with adapters.
• Surface-mounted lamps various shapes and methods of power connection: from the mains or with batteries. They can be attached anywhere with Velcro or a magnet, used in cabinets and on internal shelves.
• Built-in in walls and floors: they are installed flush and can withstand heavy loads.
• Flat design panels, installed on the ceiling. The variety of sizes allows you to create a unique look for the kitchen with uniform lighting.
• To illuminate the contents of the boxes, it is mounted recessed LED lighting. It is better to entrust its installation to specialists.
• Common type of lighting - LED strip. Its advantages are a wide selection of colors, the ability to cut the desired length, adjust brightness, and mount in inaccessible places.

Operating principle of LEDs

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Light Emitting Diodes (LED or ICE)- These are semiconductors. Color, brightness and saturation depend on the chemical composition. They consume little electricity, are used in light bulbs, linear lamps, strips and come in warm and cool white, and can also have up to 50 thousand other shades. In addition to color, they differ from each other in the type of glow and the number of crystals.

Advantages

• The main advantage of LEDs is energy saving;
• Resistance to mechanical damage;
• Large selection of colors, possible use for decoration;
• Unlike some types of lamps, LEDs are environmentally friendly;
• Moisture-proof models are available, which allows them to be used in the kitchen and bathroom;
• Quite a long service life, about 15-20 years;
• They do not heat up and can be used in any lampshades and suspended ceilings;
• Can be small in size and used in inaccessible places;
• The use of 12 V voltage allows you to install devices in damp places and safely carry out cleaning.

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Flaws

• To connect, you need a power supply, which often fails;
• High price. But the long service life and low power consumption compensate for this disadvantage.

How to decorate a kitchen with LED lighting

Lighting helps you do your kitchen work safely, with good lighting. Above the stove, lamps are built into the hood, and additional light is installed above the work table. To decorate the kitchen, many types of lighting are used to suit every taste and style. The main thing is that it must be safe.

Lighting options

For decoration, lighting is used in different places:

• The light directed upward above the cabinets visually makes the room higher and gives it an “airiness”.
• The kitchen glass cabinets illuminate the dishes, creating the effect of reflection in the mirrors.
• LED lighting under the lower tier of cabinets “lightens” the kitchen unit. The color is selected according to the style of the kitchen design.
• Parallel light sources visually enlarge the room.
• Decorating glass shelves in cabinets with lamps that turn on when the door is opened. It is very convenient, beautiful and rational.
• Decorating doors, arches, paintings, mirrors.
• Ceiling structures on several levels are equipped with a chandelier, lamps, and LED strip.
• The most original and beautiful decoration option is skinali. A flat diode panel with a selected pattern is illuminated from the inside, creating the effect of a plasma panel.

You can decorate the kitchen to suit every taste, come up with a design, and use your imagination.

Important! A large number of multi-colored lights is tiring. It is better if the light is soft, with a brightness control.

Illumination of the work area - tabletops

The work area requires special attention. The light source from behind the hostess casts a shadow on the table and does not illuminate it well. It is convenient to use controllable lamps that can be set in a direction.

The tabletop is illuminated in several ways:

• On the lower part of the upper wall cabinets, overhead linear lamps of the required length are installed. The light falls evenly, does not create a shadowed area, and is convenient to work with.
• Moisture-proof diode strip under wall cabinets and along the countertop.
• Glass tabletop with lighting from below. This option is original, unusual and beautiful.
• The luminous skin covers the entire working surface. In addition to decoration, it serves as a backlight.

DIY LED strip installation

How to choose LED strip

To select a tape, you need to decide where it will be located and for what purpose it will serve.

• Degree of protection against water . If the LED strip is placed on the top of wall cabinets, then splash protection is suitable. The countertops and bottoms of tables will require protection from jets of water. For use in swimming pools and fountains, a special moisture-resistant tape is produced.
• Voltage, used in work for diodes – 12 V.
• Brightness depends on the number of diodes per 1 meter of tape, from 30 to 240. The more diodes, the brighter the light. For a design solution, the additional lighting is less bright.
• Color It is better to choose white for the work surface. All other shades will distort the appearance of food when cooking. And for decoration it is possible to use any color scheme, even changing color and blinking.

Necessary tool

The best way to install a diode strip is to purchase the entire installation kit. It includes a power supply, cable, plug, and heat-shrink tubing for sealing. If the installation will be carried out in a guide profile or with double-sided tape, they are purchased separately.

Diode strip is sold by the meter, it is convenient to measure the desired size. In addition to the kit, you will need a soldering iron, a switch, a dimmer, and a plastic box for placing excess cable in cabinets.

Selecting a power supply

Important! It is strictly forbidden to connect the LED strip directly to the network. This is done only through the power supply.

You can choose the model and power of the device based on the technical characteristics of the diode strip (read the instructions or ask the sales consultant when purchasing). The power reserve should be 25% higher than the calculated one, which depends on the type of tape and its length.

The power supply comes in different sizes, so the choice should be made in favor of a high-quality device that can be easily mounted in the right place.

Connection and installation diagram

Installing the backlight is easy. With a little electrical knowledge and following the recommendations, it is easy to install lighting.

• Cut the tape only in those places where there are special marks. Expose the extreme contacts by 1-1.5 cm.
• Connect the electrical cable from the power supply only by soldering - this is more reliable. Solder 2 pieces of cable to the contacts and insulate with heat shrink tube.
• A switch is installed and the power supply is connected to it.
• A regular switch is installed before the power supply, and a dimmer is installed after it.
• The tape is attached under cabinets or to a selected location using double-sided tape. First, the place is lightly marked, the correct placement is checked, then it is pressed firmly against the surface along the entire length.
• The fastening can be in an aluminum profile.
• Convenient installation of self-adhesive LED strip.
• Install a plastic box inside the cabinet for excess wires so that they do not interfere or spoil the view.

Important! Multiple tapes are connected only in parallel!

If you do not have electrical knowledge, then it is better to entrust the installation and installation of lighting to specialists.

Video: master class

LED lighting in the kitchen is not only functional, but also beautiful, modern and safe. It can completely change the look of a room. By using your imagination, you can get a comfortable, functional work area where you can enjoy cooking.

Housewives spend quite a lot of time in the kitchen. Good lighting should be included in any design and layout of the room. With the correct distribution of light sources, cooking will only bring joy. LED lighting for the kitchen work area looks stylish and does not require large energy costs.

Benefits of tapes

LED strip has many advantages when compared with conventional light sources. You can make a lamp from it yourself or buy a ready-made diode lamp. Main advantages:

Kitchen lighting can have various complex shapes, as this material is highly flexible. The adhesive layer on the back allows you to use the devices in any convenient place. It also makes installation much easier.

Kitchen LED lighting for the work area is very comfortable for the eyes. It doesn't have annoying flicker. This solution allows you not to use the main light if the required number of diodes has been correctly calculated.

The service life of such lamps does not depend in any way on the number of switchings on, unlike conventional incandescent lamps. If the equipment was installed correctly, it can last up to 16 years. This is approximately 50 thousand hours. The device does not need time to warm up.

When designing a kitchen, you can use a variety of lighting colors. There are also tapes that work in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum.

Backlight location

To make the right lighting in the kitchen, you need to divide it into several zones. There should be working and dining areas, as well as general light. Often people do not limit themselves only to functional lighting, but use LED strip in a wide variety of places. Position the backlight possible in the following areas:

Attaching an LED strip to a kitchen unit is not difficult. This type of lighting can be placed almost anywhere.

Product design

All products based on LEDs (strips, lamps, various types of lamps) are able to provide an optimal degree of illumination and maximum comfort. Such systems perfectly complement general lighting and can fit into any interior. To create a spectacular design for a room, it is necessary to correctly distribute the light fluxes and select the necessary lighting. Ice strips perform not only a functional role, but also an aesthetic one. LED lighting can introduce new elements into the interior design of a space.

LED-based strips are used for decorative lighting of furniture and various niches, and they can also be installed on cornices. In the kitchen they are most often used to provide high-quality illumination of the work area.

These tapes are very elastic and have an adhesive base. An LED is a semiconductor that begins to emit light when electrical current is applied. Brightness depends on the chemical composition and the specific type of element. The lighting scheme includes:

1. Power supply or generator.
2. Dimmers. These are certain connectors with which you can easily connect several individual elements.
3. Controller. It is used for multi-colored ribbons.

When installing LED lighting yourself, you must remember that you cannot connect the equipment directly to the network. This way the device can quickly overheat and burn out. You definitely need to use a stabilizer.

Types of diodes

Equipment comes in various types and types. When planning the organization of lighting, this must be taken into account. Before purchasing a device, you should find out its technical characteristics. It must be remembered that the kitchen is a room in which the temperature and humidity level are constantly changing.

To create additional lighting in a room, an SMD-3528 diode is often used. This type consists of only one crystal. The diode produces quite a bit of light. It is used only to implement design ideas.

SMD-5050 has 3 crystals in its design. Each of them has 2 outputs. Can emit light of various colors. Often blue, orange, red and other crystals are installed on the tape. From a functional point of view, they are used only as additional lighting.

The brightest diodes are SMD-5630, 5730, 2835. The propagation angle of light radiation reaches 160 degrees. Such devices provide good lighting, which can be used as the main one.

When choosing an ice strip, you need to know how many diodes there are per meter. The maximum amount provides the brightest and most uniform glow.

Also, tapes can have varying degrees of protection. They are used for installation in different conditions. Types of LED devices by degree of protection:

To organize lighting in the kitchen, it is best to choose LEDs of the second type (one-sided). It is also very important to choose the right power supply.

Illumination of the work environment in the kitchen with LEDs: photo gallery

Selecting a power supply

For stable operation of the backlight, you must purchase a power supply that has a power reserve of 25%. The technical characteristics of the tape itself should be obtained from consultants. On the product, the power is indicated taking into account one linear meter.

It must be multiplied by the footage. For example, if one meter consumes 7 W, then the power of four will be 28 W. This means you need to buy a 36 W power supply. The more compact the model, the easier it is to solder and hide the device so that it is not conspicuous. Switches for LED strips there are several types:

1. The simplest ones are push-button ones.
2. Sensory. They work by touch.
3. Infrared. You can control the backlight with a wave of your hand.
4. Dimmer. With its help you can adjust the brightness of the light. Produced in mechanical and sensory form.
5. Control block. This element is necessary if you need to create blinking or play of different colors. Used for multi-color RGB strips. Such effects are used quite rarely.

If the backlight consists of several strips, then they should be connected only in parallel. This allows you to save the allocated luminous flux power.

Making a lamp yourself

To assemble the device, you need a diode strip of the required length and, preferably, a guide profile (usually aluminum is used). If the backlight is placed in an aluminum guide structure, it will look much neater. You will also need the following items:

1. Power supply of the required power.
2. Switch.
3. Heat shrink. It is needed for a hermetically sealed connection of the elements.
4. Electrical cable.
5. Plug for wire or terminal. The choice depends on the type of connection.

The LED strip must be completely protected from moisture. This is necessary to comply with fire safety. It is best to choose a type of protection that can withstand a stream of water. The safest voltage is considered to be 12 W.

The backlight must provide the required level of illumination. According to the spectrum, it is better to choose diodes whose glow is close to daylight. It is advisable to choose a device that has 3 crystals in its design. To provide the room with bright light, you can use a strip with 60 diodes per linear meter. But most often 30 is enough, since kitchen lighting should not be too bright.

Installation of equipment

The lighting device must be assembled taking into account several rules. This way the entire system will last much longer. Basic recommendations:

The LED strip is fastened using an adhesive base. At first, the device can be attached only in some places to ensure the correct position, and then you need to firmly press the tape along its entire length.