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Using LED downlights in your kitchen An Expert Guide
LED downlights are an excellent option for kitchens and will provide increased efficiency and a flexible lighting solution. In this guide, we will provide you with all of the information you need to effectively install LED downlights within your kitchen, including the options available and the benefits they will provide.
In this guide:
Learn more about how LED downlights can be used in your kitchen.
This section discusses what you should think about when choosing and installing LED downlights for your kitchen.
Learn more about why you should install LED downlights in your kitchen.
Find out more about the LED downlight options available for your kitchen.
Learn more about our top picks for LED kitchen downlights.
How can LED downlights be used in a kitchen?
LED lighting has become one of the most popular lighting solutions. However, LED downlights have only become popular in recent years. There is no definitive guide to how downlights should be placed in a kitchen, with many factors to take into account such as kitchen size, shape and your own personal preference.
There are also many uses for this type of lighting in a kitchen, with the following being some of the most popular:
Illumination of food preparation areas
LED downlights provide a great solution for the illumination of worktops, hobs and food preparation areas. The lights can be positioned above the chosen area but, for the best results, should be set a few inches back from the front of the worktop or hob to minimise shadows.
Over a table area
If you are looking to create an inviting dining area in your kitchen, adding warmer toned LED downlights can be a great solution. The lighting in this area could contrast against the crisp white light installed in the main kitchen area.
Under cupboard lighting
If you are looking to add a statement or touch of glamour to your kitchen, LED downlights or LED strip lights can be a great addition to under cabinet areas. These are available in multiple colours, so you can create a great focal point.
Ambient lighting
LED downlights are a great way to create a modern ambience in your kitchen, as they are naturally facing downwards. This creates an even and smooth spread of light throughout your kitchen, with no areas too light or dark.
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Expert Tip “Always make sure that downlights are located very precisely over the centre of worktops if that’s what their purpose is. Don’t position them behind where you’d stand at a work surface, or your head will cast a shadow across your worktop. Directionals are your friend if you’re not quite sure of the end effect,” Danielle Lee, DCL Interiors |
Expert Tip
“Always make sure that downlights are located very precisely over the centre of worktops if that’s what their purpose is.
Don’t position them behind where you’d stand at a work surface, or your head will cast a shadow across your worktop. Directionals are your friend if you’re not quite sure of the end effect,” Danielle Lee, DCL Interiors
Factors to consider when choosing kitchen LED downlights
When looking to install LED downlights in your kitchen, there are a number of factors to consider:
Practicality
LED downlights provide a very flexible lighting solution. However, you will need to plan your lighting based on the size and shape of your kitchen to achieve maximum practicality. Although there are no definitive rules, qualified electricians will advise that a light is installed in every four to six square feet of ceiling space.
Colour temperature
If you are familiar with the older style incandescent bulbs, you will know that a higher wattage bulb will emit a bright light. However, with LEDs, the term lumens is used to describe the level of brightness provided by the light. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb.
In addition, LED lights are available in a variety of colour temperatures, so you can choose from options such as cool white, daylight, warm white and even coloured lighting.
Versatility
LEDs provide increased versatility, for example, if you have an open plan kitchen and living room area, you may want to create a brighter kitchen space and a warmer, more welcoming living room space.
Existing decor
You will need to consider your existing décor when planning your lighting. If you have a modern kitchen, you may want to consider bright and crisp LED downlights however, more traditional kitchens may be more suited to warmer tones.
Focal points
In general, lights should be spread evenly throughout the ceiling area if you want to create even lighting and reduce shadows. However, if you have a focal point in the room that you want to highlight, such as a table or island, downlights will provide the flexibility you need to add lights above these specific areas.
Ceiling height
The height of your ceiling can have an impact on the brightness you require. The taller the ceiling, the more lumens you will need, so higher ceilings may require 5-watt bulbs, whereas low ceilings may only need 3-watt bulbs.
IP rating
Within a kitchen, the lighting you use must have an IP rating of IP65 or above. These are water-resistant lights which are protected from steam and possible water splashes. You should choose these IP rated downlights to achieve optimum performance and for your own peace of mind.
The benefits of installing LED downlights in your kitchen
Cheaper to run than halogen lighting
LED lighting is much cheaper than traditional halogen lighting, with LED downlights using 90% less energy. For example, the light output on a 50-watt halogen bulb is roughly the same as an LED light which only requires 6.5 watts, which means your electricity bills will be much lower.
Longer lasting
Not only do LED downlights save you money, they also last much longer and will deliver light for up to 50,000 hours. This compares to just 2,000 hours with halogen bulbs.
Consumes less energy
LED downlights are designed to use much less energy than traditional bulbs so, naturally, they have a lower impact on the environment.
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Expert Tip “Use downlights in conjunction with other lighting sources in the kitchen to balance out the light. Rotating LED downlights are perfect for this as they can be positioned to reflect off walls for ambience or to light up task areas, spreading out light instead of creating mass pockets of unnecessary brightness,” Jennifer Kay, Owner, The Mini Interior Design Company. |
Expert Tip
“Use downlights in conjunction with other lighting sources in the kitchen to balance out the light. Rotating LED downlights are perfect for this as they can be positioned to reflect off walls for ambience or to light up task areas, spreading out light instead of creating mass pockets of unnecessary brightness,” Jennifer Kay, Owner, The Mini Interior Design Company.
LED downlight options for kitchens
Recessed
Downlights can be installed into a hollow opening, so that the recessed downlight sits below the surface. This creates a downward lighting effect, which is ideal for illuminating specific areas or creating the correct ambience in a room.
Dimming
Dimmable downlights can provide excellent control over your lighting, allowing you to increase the brightness to suit the time of day or kitchen use. For example, you may wish to increase lighting whilst cooking and then decrease the brightness to create a warmer ambience for dining.
Fitted to corners of a room
If you plan on installing lights around your ceiling space, this will naturally lead to shadows in the outer corners. However, fitting downlights in the corners of a room can help avoid these shadows and dark areas.
Top picks: our best selling LED kitchen downlights
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| Product | wattage | Lifespan | Colour Temp | Warranty | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Source Eco LED Dimmable Downlight | 5w | 50,000 hours | 3000k | 3 years | £8.99 inc VAT | Buy Now |
| Bright Source Eco LED Dimmable Downlight | 5w | 50,000 hours | 6000k | 3 years | £8.99 inc VAT | Buy Now |
| Bright Source Eco LED Dimmable Downlight | 5w | 50,000 hours | 4000k | 3 years | £8.99 inc VAT | Buy Now |
| SOLO Tilt All in One LED Dimmable Downlight | 10w | 50,000 hours | 3000k, 4000k, 6000k | 5 years | £19.97 inc VAT | Buy Now |
| SOLO All in One LED Dimmable Downlight | 10w | 50,000 hours | 3000k, 4000k, 6000k | 5 years | £18.55 inc VAT | Buy Now |
| All in One LED Dimmable Downlight – 106mm | 12w | 50,000 hours | 3000k, 4000k, 6000k | 5 years | £21.52 inc VAT | Buy Now |
Whether you are completely renovating your kitchen or simply looking to improve kitchen lighting, we have an excellent selection of LED downlights available. To find out more about installing downlights or any of the products we offer, please contact our team today.