Light design for every occasion

Kitchen lighting: How to create custom light

Did you know? The beautiful pendant lamp creates great light over the cooking island and lets you keep everything in view. But when you turn around to cut vegetables, you cast a shadow directly over the cutting board – halving what you can see. It's clear: You need a well thought-out lighting concept! We’ll give you valuable tips and ideas for your kitchen lighting that combines function and style.

Kitchen island with pendant lamps
The two pendant lamps above the countertop conjure up a pleasant light that invites you to stay a while.

The basics for kitchen lighting: What you need to know

Black kitchen with direct and indirect lighting
Design-oriented lighting of the countertop and indirect lighting of the base cabinet create a warm, comfortable lighting atmosphere.

Whether it's a kitchenette or an eat-in kitchen, the cooking area always serves multiple purposes. It’s where we drink our coffee in the morning, where we prepare a delicious meal in the evening, and where friends and family gather around the dining table on the weekends. From bright, focused light for filleting fish to warm, dim light for game night with a glass of wine: Our tips will help you create optimal lighting scenarios.

  • Basic lighting: A large ceiling lamp with wide diffusion casts pleasant light for everyday work.
  • Focus light: To keep everything in view when cooking and serving food, LED spotlights above the countertop or very low-hanging pendant lights with a small diffusion are useful.
  • Accents for special moments: The beautiful floor lamp for diffused light next to the cozy armchair in the eat-in kitchen, or colored spots embedded in the ceiling or kitchen cabinets, create a special atmosphere.

Before you decide on your kitchen lighting, think through every possible scenario and consider the places you and your guests will be spending the most time

Also consider possible shadowing in your planning. This way, you can determine step by step the hotspots where individual lighting is needed. 

All light sources should also be able to be switched on and off independently of each other. Dimmable lamps are a special highlight due to their variable use.

Ideas for the right kitchen light

Kitchen in black and white with suspended luminaires
Black pendant lights fit perfectly into the design of the room.

Which lamp is suitable for which mood and situation? We’ll give you ideas for kitchen lighting here.

The individual piece

A large designer ceiling lamp above the cooking island or the expansive dining table is an absolute statement. Choose from the wide range of unusual shapes and materials: How about a ceiling lamp made of wire, floating like a cloud above the table? Or large, cubic lamps in exciting colors? Let your personal tastes decide!

Functional system

Rail systems in matte black are minimalist and subdued. The lights can be placed individually and moved as needed. A very flexible and elegant solution for the central cooking island!

Smart LED technology

Modern base lamps with LED technology are mounted under the wall units or wallboards. When needed, these inconspicuous lamps provide focused light on the work surface. But in the evening, they can also conjure up a warm, indirect light for a cozy atmosphere.

Suspended luminaires as an exciting highlights

Choose a single pendant lamps that hangs low over the cooking island on a long fabric cable. Or what about an adjustable pendant lamp that gives off beautiful light across the entire width of the countertop? These lamps come in almost any color and shape, and are made of a wide variety of materials.

Chandeliers 

The crystal chandelier is still a statement and part of an exclusive living style. There are classic designs, but also modern interpretations that fit seamlessly into functional designs.

Create the right mood with the right kitchen lighting

With a sophisticated lighting concept, you can bring light exactly where it’s needed. No matter whether your selected lamps fit together in design and proportion or create interesting contrasts – the right kitchen light creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen lighting

What do I need to keep in mind when planning my light concept?

Working, eating, relaxing: Each activity needs a different type of kitchen lighting. When choosing lamps and location, pay attention to possible shadowing.

What do I need to know when planning my lighting concept?

Consider where you want to prepare food, dine, and sit together. Classic areas to illuminate are the countertop, kitchen island, and dining table.

What types of light are there?

A distinction needs to be made between direct and indirect light, as well as warm and cold light. While cold, direct light is well suited for concentrated work, warm and indirect light creates a relaxed atmosphere.

How do I create a cozy lighting scenario?

Warm light fixtures with a wide distribution provide comfortable light. Interesting options include low-hanging pendant lamps above the kitchen island and indirect lighting on or under cabinets.

What kind of lamps are there?

Pendant lamps can be custom-adjusted in light intensity and height. There are also classic ceiling lamps and functional track systems. You can get indirect light via under-cabinet LED lighting. Chandeliers are suitable for an exclusive ambiance.
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