Kitchen lighting recessed lights and track lighting

Style has found its way into the kitchen over the past couple of decades, with builders and homeowners recognising that a kitchen is as important as the rest of the home when it comes to stylish functionality. Therefore, while colours and materials are naturally important, good light sources should not be overlooked when renovating or designing a new kitchen.

Kitchens benefit most from using layered lighting effects - you should use at least three light sources with each performing a different role. Choose ambient lighting for general lighting over a wider area, task lighting for specific areas and mood lighting for a more subtle effect on the room.

Track lighting for the kitchen

Track lighting is an easy and affordable option when it comes to kitchen lighting. Track lighting offers:

• Flexibility in lighting design
• Is available in black, white, silver and powder coat colours
• Is good for task lighting
• Can be easily installed
• Is an inexpensive alternative to recessed lights

Track lighting is also versatile, adaptable and comes in a low voltage range that you can install yourself. High voltage versions need to be installed by a licensed electrician. Track lights can also be moved to direct light where it’s needed most. They come in both rustic and contemporary designs.

Recessed kitchen lights

Recessed kitchen lights offer stylish, streamlined looks and can be used to highlight your kitchen’s features. They can be run along the underside of wall cupboards or the bench top as well as in the ceiling. The advantages in using recessed lights are:

• Clean lines
• Create a more open feeling
• Mood and accent lighting effects
• Unobtrusive
• Concentrates light to specific areas

Recessed lights are more expensive than track lighting to install, as installation is more labour intensive.

Whichever option you choose (you may decide to use both!), make sure it suits the general theme of your kitchen and existing décor.