Lights for kitchen?

smallblueplanet

Hi, not only do I know little about kitchens I know next to nothing about kitchen lighting - it hadn't crossed my mind, doh!

Anyway I had downlighters recommended as the ceiling is being replaced. But thinking about it I'm not sure what type I want or whether I want a combination of downlighters over the 'food prep' area and spots for general lighting.

Can anyone help with the different type of downlights/spotlights ie should I go for led lights, but the budget is tight?

Thanks.

iamcornholio

Downlights tend to give a crap shadow-prone light whether halogen or LED

Diffused fluorescents either on the ceiling or under cupboards give the best light for food prep

You can mix lighting though - some of each

smallblueplanet

Thanks, not something I've heard of except of course as nasty, flickering fluorescent tubes...do you mean like these?

http://www.qvsdirect.com/2-x-20W-ES-Energy-Saving-Display-Downlight-pr-25504.html

iamcornholio

Those fittings in that link tend to give a wide-ish flood, but not really suitable for kitchens IMO, as the light is not dispersed enough. They are also quite big

You can get high frequency fluorescents (long tubes) which most people can't detect a flicker

It is probably best for you to do a google search on kitchen lighting or lighting in general and look at some images - as its all difficult to explain

Look for examples of mood and working lighting, and direct/spot and diffused lighting

yangptangkipperbang

Would suggest you consider these:

http://www.halers.com/led_downlights/10765_0c.html

I had my kitchen ceiling replaced and took the opportunity get some better lighting fitted. They are not cheap to buy but have a 7 yr warranty, so they should last for ever

If you get them installed directly above the edge of your work surfaces you will have no problems with shadow pools. Mine are in three rows following the edge of the work surface all round the kitchen.