Photo: @assalveshome
Attractive, yes, but that’s not enough. When choosing the kitchen chandelier, there are a few things we need to consider: its size, the material, but also where we are going to place it. And above all, we have to remember that, in most cases, a single light source won’t be enough and that, alongside the classic pendant, we should add other lights that are anything but secondary.
1. How many light points should you plan for in a kitchen?
There are small kitchens frozen in time, as well as vast open-plan kitchens that become the heart of the home. It is therefore impossible to give a single answer to this question, as it depends on the size of the room, whether there is a table or an island, and many other variables... However, there are some key points to bear in mind because lighting it incorrectly is easier than you might think.
The chandelier and all other light sources, such as spotlights or table lamps, should be positioned to illuminate all the essential areas of the kitchen: the sink, the food preparation area, the hob, the breakfast or dining table. Each of these should have its own dedicated light source. Think about how important it is to see clearly while reading a recipe, chopping vegetables, or checking on a dish as you prepare a romantic dinner or decorate a birthday cake.
2. How/where should you position the chandelier in the kitchen?
Considering that the chandelier will be the primary light source in the kitchen, the ideal place to position it is above the table or the island, making them even more the focal points of the room.
Imagine a family dinner with a beautifully set table and children’s laughter, or a standing aperitif with all your friends gathered around a designer island, glasses clinking.
In these cases (and any others you can think of), you might consider solutions with broad, diffuse light that are visually comfortable, relaxing, and wonderfully sociable.
Photo: @athomeonthegrove
3. And how should you light kitchen wall units?
The most classic solution is technical under-cabinet lighting, already found in many kitchens.
But if the model you have chosen does not include this type of built-in lighting, or if you would like something more distinctive, you could opt for spotlights, which can be customised to match your home’s style.
However, pay attention to where you install them: you should avoid creating areas of shadow and reflections on objects. For this reason, it’s best to position the light sources centred over the work surface, so the light beam is projected perpendicular and central to the top.
Photo: @seasidevictorianhome
4. What is the right light intensity for the kitchen?
The perfect amount of light is the one that best illuminates the area in question: too little will strain your eyes, but too much will also cause discomfort. The choice will depend on the type of kitchen you have chosen, its colours, and the ambient lighting in the room. The most important thing is that the light is in the right places, without overdoing it: 4-5 Watts directed where you need them are, in some cases, better than 20 Watts diffused.
Don’t forget that many kitchen lamps and chandeliers allow you to adjust the light intensity as you wish: by dimming the light you can always achieve the perfect level of brightness.
Because you might find yourself preparing delicacies at midday on the brightest summer days, but also reheating ready meals in the middle of the night (and perhaps in these cases you’ll need even more to see things... in the right light!).
Photo: Alessandra / Studio Mimoa Milano
5. Is there a right temperature for the light from kitchen chandeliers?
In general, warm light bulbs cause less eye strain because they produce fewer UV rays compared to cooler light bulbs.
And in particular, while we are cooking, the lights should be as neutral as possible, to avoid seeing the colour of the dishes altered. The ideal is therefore light sources from 2700 to 3500 Kelvin.
Photo: @ale_spadina
6. Which materials are best suited for kitchen chandeliers? And what is best avoided?
Creativity in the kitchen knows no bounds. And no, we’re not talking about dishes with refined pairings and elaborate gourmet preparations, but about interior design styles and light design.
If you’re thinking about which chandelier to put in your kitchen, it’s important to remember that some materials tend to absorb grease and odours, typical of food preparation and cooking, while others are easier to clean than most.
So yes to metal lampshades or those made from painted materials, but take extra care if you opt for materials that are harder to clean, such as fabrics.
Photo: @halfpaintedhouse
7. What changes with open-plan spaces?
If the rooms are close together, it’s better to use the same pendants, or coordinated lamps and chandeliers.
Failing to harmonise the type of lighting could result in a chaotic and uneven style for the room. Exactly as with the rest of the furniture and decor.
Photo: Milanese design studio Moodular
8. What’s the most common mistake people make when choosing kitchen lights and pendant lamps?
One of the most common mistakes when choosing kitchen lighting is underestimating the number of light sources needed.
It’s often thought that a powerful light bulb is enough to illuminate the worktop, but it’s definitely better to opt for multiple light sources. However, we’ve also come across a DIY kitchen chandelier installed… too close to the cupboards, which then couldn’t be opened! In short, style choices are great, but when in doubt, it’s best to ask a professional.
Here are some ideas for the perfect kitchen chandelier for…
...a modern kitchen
Sleek, clean lines, neutral colours. Here are some ideas for minimal-style lighting.
...a shabby chic kitchen
All pastel shades, or white and beige, with soft, flowing lines.
...a Nordic and Scandinavian kitchen
Clean, minimal lines, simple and highly functional design. The colour? White, or beige.
...a colourful kitchen
If you love colour and pop accents in your lamps too, here are some themed ideas.
...an ethnic and boho chic kitchen
Hippie and '70s vibes, with nods to nature and exotic lands.
...an industrial kitchen Iron, raw finishes, exposed bricks for a bold style.
...a classic, traditional kitchen
Solid wood and ceramic handles, framed doors in warm colours.
