Task Light |

Posts Tagged ‘task light’

The 3 Layers of Light Every Kitchen Needs, Part 2 – Task Lighting

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

The kitchen is really the heart of the home in today’s culture. In our kitchens we prepare food, our kids do homework, we pay the bills, and even have home offices located here. With so many tasks going on here, it is important to add the second layer of light.

Task Lighting: This is the lighting that shines directly on your work space to help you see what you’re doing. If the only lighting you have in your kitchen is the overhead ambient light – even if that’s track lighting or you have several recessed can lights – it isn’t enough. Here are the best ways to provide great task lighting.

source

Under Cabinet Lights - You just don’t know what you’re missing until you have these in your kitchen. They are wonderful! I highly recommend you choose ones with halogen bulbs rather than fluorescent. The light is much more attractive. Under cabinet lights come either in plug-in styles that you can install yourself, or in hard-wired styles that need to be installed by an electrician. If you are planning on upgrading your backsplash, this would be the perfect time to let an electrician run wiring for under cabinet lights that can then be hidden when you put your new backsplash in. If you don’t have that option, then buy the plug-in type. Attach the lights to the bottom of your cabinets close to the front so the light will be directly over your work area. Plug them in and then tack up the excess cord using U shaped tacks. Careful not to pound them in too tight or you risk damaging the cord. Choose lights that have a low and high setting. If you are having them hardwired, ask for a dimmer switch. If your cabinets are flat on the bottom with no recessed area, consider adding a 1-1/2″ molding that matches your cabinets around the bottom to hide the lights.

You can also create a design statement with your task lights, rather than hiding them. The ones in the photo above are on adjustable arms so you can aim the light right at your work area. They look pretty cool too!
Pendant Lights - Hanging pendant lights can put light right where you need it above a kitchen island or over a breakfast bar. Place them far enough in to the work area so that when your head is bent over the counter to work or eat, your head does not come between the pendant and the counter casting shadow onto the work space.
Plug In Lamps - Granted, it is a bit unusual to see a plug-in table lamp in the kitchen, but if you have a kitchen office area where you pay bills or clip coupons, consider placing a desk lamp or appropriately scaled table lamp there to illuminate the work space. Be sure to choose one in a style to complement the rest of your kitchen.

source