There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to lighting.

Rather, the recommended way to brighten up a space is to utilize a variety of light fixtures that each fulfill a specific function. Typically, lighting can be broken down into three categories: ambient, task and accent. When decorating a space, it’s important that you pick lighting that satisfies each of these categories. This notion is especially important when choosing lighting for your kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a party or having a casual weeknight meal with your family, the kitchen is inevitability the space that people gravitate to. If you’re also looking to sell your home in the near future, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces for buyers. 

As the heart of your home, the kitchen deserves the perfect lighting. Kitchens are both a technical and an atmospheric space. Not only are kitchens used for cooking, but they also provide a lively space for entertaining. Incorporating ambient, accent, and task lighting into your kitchen design will ensure that your kitchen is well-lit, functional, and stylish.

---

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the first layer of kitchen lighting and sets the mood for the space. 

Ambient lighting is the base lighting for a kitchen as it provides overall illumination. This lighting is best described as a soft glow, which allows you to effectively see the room and navigate through it. Ambient lighting is important as it provides a space with a uniform lighting level. 

Generally, ambient lighting comes from recessed fixtures that are placed on the ceiling of the kitchen. Although recessed lighting tends to be the most popular, you can also experiment with track system lighting or flush-mount fixtures. If you opt for flush-mount lighting, it’s important to ensure that these fixtures are well-powered and are placed in locations that provide lighting throughout the space. If it’s difficult for you to move power around your kitchen, you may want to use a track system. However, be sure that you pick wide beam track lighting that create minimal glare.

As a general rule, all ambient lighting should be directed downwards. You may also want to make your lights dimmable to accommodate natural lighting, as well as different times of day.

Shop Our Favourite Ambient Lighting for Kitchens: a) Drum or Casual Chandeliers, b) Hanging Pendants, c) Recessed Lights, d)Track Lights

---

Accent Lighting 

Highlight key parts of your kitchen with accent lighting. 

Accent lighting is intended to highlight a particular object, area, or even a piece of artwork by making them into focal points. Unlike ambient lighting, accent lighting tends to be purely for aesthetic purposes. In order to properly accentuate the desired space, accent lighting should be up to three times brighter than ambient lights. 

When picking accent lighting for your kitchen, we suggest placing it above a table, over the kitchen sink, or placed over an island. For islands, be sure to select light fixtures that scale correctly. Specifically, be sure to leave clearance on the exposed sides of the workspace, as well as 30 inches between the surface and fixture. 

Shop Our Favourite Accent Lighting for Kitchens: a) Wall lights, b) Recessed spot lighting, c) Track lighting, d) Small hanging pendants, e) Wall-mounted picture lights

---

Task Lighting

Perhaps the most important lighting in a kitchen is task lighting. 

However, it is often overlooked. Kitchen’s are a workspace. As such, kitchens need to have proper lighting so that you can work both safely and efficiently. 

Typically, the countertop serves as the main workspace in a kitchen. As a result, kitchen task lighting tends to focus on brightening the countertop area. Installing under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen will help to improve the functionality and safety of the space. If you have open shelving, directional scones or small pendants will also work well. You may also want to add task lighting over your kitchen sink.

Shop Our Favourite Task Lighting for Kitchens: a) Under-cabinet lighting, b) Small Pendants, c) Recessed or “can” lights

---

Understanding the basics of lighting can transform a space. Although the differences between ambient, accent, and task lighting may seem minimal, they have a huge impact on the overall appearance of the room — especially when it comes to kitchens. Stop into our showroom today to find the perfect lighting for your kitchen, or to learn more about how you can elevate the appearance of your kitchen with the three types of lighting outlined above.