Kitchen Lighting Can Be Varied Too
Kitchens, by design, are typically thought of as purely functional parts of homes. They are the center of consumption and food preparation, and therefore do not receive the same design attention as a living or dining room. While many kitchens are indeed customized, the general idea is to light a kitchen as practically as possible and leave it at that. This does not have to be the case. There are a number of options available that will not only light a kitchen effectively, but do so with panache.
At the core of standard kitchen lighting [http://www.eco-lights.com/ceiling-lighting/kitchen-lighting.php] is the island light. Due to the fact that they are hanging fixtures, island lights come in a wide range of styles and designs. Typical island lights consist of a long bulb or bulbs housed in a rectangular shade. While this style is tried and tested, there are now many more options available to consumers. In essence, the ideal island light is a hanging downlight fixture. Aside from that, nearly anything goes. Pendant lights are a great alternative to the traditional fluorescent island light, and they add a unique flavor to any design scheme. Pendants are available in a multitude of sizes and even come in clusters. A fixture consisting of several pendant lights lined up provides two levels of lighting: functional and ambient. The small space between each bulb adds a level of shadowing which cannot be achieved with single, long bulbs.
Beyond pendants, and even downlight fixtures, are chandeliers or other similar hanging ceiling fixtures. These provide the same ambient shadowing through the use of multiple bulbs and also appear distinct. Hanging fixtures are very open in terms of design and may represent a number of styles. Wall fixtures such as sconces may also be used in kitchens. While this is not typical, many larger kitchens with sectioned areas may benefit from such a practice. A breakfast nook, for example, will take on a look of subdued elegance when lit with several sconces in the evening. Many of these fixtures, ceiling and wall mounted, can even be matched to create a uniform flow throughout the entire kitchen.
Finally, bulbs play an important role in kitchen lighting as well. Energy efficiency is crucial, as is the color of light each bulb produces. Fluorescent lights are long lasting and efficient, and produce a characteristic blue sheen. Halogen bulbs produce a brighter light, are smaller, but produce more heat. There are many types of bulbs available to suit any design scheme or lighting preference.
At the core of standard kitchen lighting [http://www.eco-lights.com/ceiling-lighting/kitchen-lighting.php] is the island light. Due to the fact that they are hanging fixtures, island lights come in a wide range of styles and designs. Typical island lights consist of a long bulb or bulbs housed in a rectangular shade. While this style is tried and tested, there are now many more options available to consumers. In essence, the ideal island light is a hanging downlight fixture. Aside from that, nearly anything goes. Pendant lights are a great alternative to the traditional fluorescent island light, and they add a unique flavor to any design scheme. Pendants are available in a multitude of sizes and even come in clusters. A fixture consisting of several pendant lights lined up provides two levels of lighting: functional and ambient. The small space between each bulb adds a level of shadowing which cannot be achieved with single, long bulbs.
Beyond pendants, and even downlight fixtures, are chandeliers or other similar hanging ceiling fixtures. These provide the same ambient shadowing through the use of multiple bulbs and also appear distinct. Hanging fixtures are very open in terms of design and may represent a number of styles. Wall fixtures such as sconces may also be used in kitchens. While this is not typical, many larger kitchens with sectioned areas may benefit from such a practice. A breakfast nook, for example, will take on a look of subdued elegance when lit with several sconces in the evening. Many of these fixtures, ceiling and wall mounted, can even be matched to create a uniform flow throughout the entire kitchen.
Finally, bulbs play an important role in kitchen lighting as well. Energy efficiency is crucial, as is the color of light each bulb produces. Fluorescent lights are long lasting and efficient, and produce a characteristic blue sheen. Halogen bulbs produce a brighter light, are smaller, but produce more heat. There are many types of bulbs available to suit any design scheme or lighting preference.
