Most home remodeling projects are usually expensive. However, if properly planned and the right material used, kitchen remodeling projects need not be expensive. For example, if you plan to do lighting remodeling project in your kitchen, consider using LED lights. This is because LED kitchen lighting offers one of the most economical lighting methods available in the market today. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), use of LEDs for lighting can result in energy savings bordering on the 90% mark. The energy efficiency of LEDs is way above that of fluorescent, halogen and incandescent fixtures. These lights also have an amazingly long life. This is invaluable in this era of environmental awareness as they reduce a household’s carbon footprint.
Not too long ago, recessed cans and single bulbs were the main form of kitchen lighting. However, thanks to technological developments over the past few decades, LED kitchen lighting is now a reality. Some common LED kitchen lighting include in cabinet and under cabinet lights, soffit or above cabinet, pendants and recessed lights. Apart from increasing the kitchen’s energy efficiency, LEDs impart an elegant and modern look to any kitchen. LED fixtures are very recent innovations. As a result, their highly streamlined and sleek forms have the potential to update any existing kitchen décor.
LEDs are also quite easy to dim. This does come with a caveat: while some LEDs can make do with standard incandescent dimmers, others will require specialized models. As previously mentioned, various LED applications result in different color temperatures. According to ALA, the best color temperature for small residential kitchens is 3000k or lower. This provides a warm outlook for a kitchen. Color Rendering Index (CRI) refers to the ability of a lighting fixture to render colors. LED kitchen lighting offers excellent color rendering. This is critical during food appearance evaluation, complementing decorative kitchen finishes and for social interaction. It is possible to achieve virtually any conceivable kitchen lighting color with LEDs.
One of the fastest growing applications for LEDs is under cabinet lighting. This particular application takes advantage of the small size and directionality features of the LED. Under cabinet lighting provides task lighting and supplements the overall kitchen ambient lighting. Under cabinet LEDs, illuminate horizontal kitchen surfaces where food preparation, cooking, food packaging, reading cookbooks and clean up take place. They also provide illumination for the cabinet-holding wall.
Apart from energy efficiency, excellent color rendering and aesthetic appeal, LED kitchen lighting also provides the kitchen space with uniform illumination. This eliminates shadows and can create a semblance of larger spaces for smaller rooms.
