What Color Light Is Best for Kitchen: Best Lighting Solution For Kitchen

“What color light is best for kitchen?”-this is a frequently asked question. But it is not the last question asked when it comes to kitchen lighting. There are several questions raised regarding proper lighting for the kitchen. We will dive into each and every critical factor for the proper lighting in the kitchen.

The cooking activities will be hampered if the kitchen lighting is not right. Along with led kitchen lighting, we should consider what color light will be best for the kitchen. 

The lighting is often advised to do in layers, which means the inclusion of multiple lights. Among them, the task light is significant as it will focus on the primary purpose- cutting and chopping. Ambient and accent lights are also essential parts that will be discussed in detail.

This article will focus on types of light, light temperature, color, and all you need to know about kitchen lighting. Let us show you our pick at a glance keeping every factor in mind.

Lithonia Lighting Futra 2-Light: Best Budget Light Bulbs for The Kitchen Ceiling

Hykolity 13 Inch LED Ceiling Light: Simple but Classy Light Bulb For Kitchen

Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light: Best Under Cabinet Lighting for Kitchen

Effimero Pendant Lighting 3 Pendant Light LL-P335-BN:Best Feature for Kitchen

Lingkai Modern Kitchen Island Light 4-Light Chandelier: Lightweight and Suitable for Kitchen Lights.

Color Options Available for The Kitchen Light Bulb:

When the light bulb was introduced in 1879, we only knew of one color, that is, yellowish light at 2700 K.  Although this kitchen light bulb color might be suitable for bedrooms and other rooms, they are not entirely effective in the kitchen, bathroom, or garages.

Nowadays a variety of color temperature and lights are available:

Soft White:

It has a range of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin. It gives a warm and yellow color, which we usually see in incandescent bulbs. As they provide a soothing and relaxing feeling, they are ideal for living rooms and lighting in bedroom. 

Warm White:

It has a range from 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin. These lights have a deeper yellowish-white tone. It’s the right kitchen light bulb color temperature. 

Based on their color and brightness, they are well suited for kitchens and washrooms.

Bright White:

It has a range from 4,000 to 5,000 Kelvin. It has a color that falls in between white and blue tones. These white and more glowing lights will make you feel less relaxed and more boosted up, and that’s why they are best for garage lighting and kitchens.

Daylight:

It has a range from 5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin. They give a deeper bluish light. These bright lights are useful for reading, writing. They are also useful for lighting for office. 

Light Bulb Temperature: 3000K vs. 4000K vs. 5000K

Users can select kitchen lights with different light temperatures. The 3000 to 4000K lights give a warm yellow color that is ideal for bedroom or other rooms, but they can be used in kitchens as well.

The lights with 4000-5000K are the well-suited kitchen light bulb color choices. This is due to their white or natural color tone.

These lights make the kitchen bright, and people feel more energetic. As we all know, the light kitchen color schemes affects our mood; it is essential to feel awake and focused in the kitchen.

Should Kitchen Lights Be Warm or Cool?

Kelvin	Type of Light	Warm/Cool
1,000K	Candlelight Red/Yellow	– – –
1800K	Vintage-look Filament Lamp – Orange	Ultra Warm
2400K	Lamp style used in hospitality	Very Warm
2700K	Conventional Halogen and LED Lamp – Yellow	Warm
3000K	– – –	Warm White
4000K	CFL and LED – White	Cool White
5000K	– – –	Daylight
6000K – 7000K	– – –	Cool Daylight
10,000K	Blue Sky – Blue	– – –

Based on color and brightness, users can use 3000K to 5000K temperature bulbs for the kitchen. This is because it causes the user to become more energetic and have a clear focus on cooking and chopping. 

According to the table, warm white cool white and daylight type of light goes with the kitchen.

How Bright Should Kitchen Lights Be?

The brightness of a light is measured in lumens and known as luminous efficiency. Then the question comes how much illumination is enough for a room or a kitchen.

 A simple procedure is described below; also, there are lumen calculators available online, which will give you the appropriate brightness based on the size of the room.

Measure the length and width of the room and multiply it. For instance, your kitchen in 10 ft in width and 10 ft in length that gives a total of 100 sq footage.

Then measure the foot candle. A foot candle is how much light that a source will provide a foot away from it.

The following table can be taken as a reference.

Different Part of Kitchen	Foot candles
Kitchen Room	30-40
Kitchen Stove	70-80
Kitchen Sink	70-80

To find out the relation between foot candles and lumens, multiply the room sq footage by foot candles. In this case, the kitchen lumens general will need 3000 to 4000 lumens.

Equivalent Watta​​​​​ge of CFL, LED, Halogen Light:

The following table shows the Equivalent wattage of different lights. This table will come in handy if you want to replace an old bulb with a new one but don’t know the relationship between them.

What Color Light is Best for The Kitchen?

The kitchen light fixtures might include ceiling, under cabinet light, or accent light, but the color of light is also an essential factor. Usually, the bright white or cool white (4100K) is the best color light to choose for the kitchen. It is selected based on the following reasons:

• The bright white is a white color that is needed for the kitchen tasks; they also affect the mood to boost up. It’s the kitchen modern light fixtures option. 
• They give the brightest and most unobstructed view of things which is ideal for cutting and chopping
• Brightens up the entire kitchen without leaving shadows.
• The light makes you feel less cozy and relaxed but more energized.
• The white color lights are helpful to work both in day or night time.

How to choose the right color light bulb for the kitchen?

The kitchen lighting fixtures are often installed in layers. There are three types of lighting:

Ambient Lighting:

Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, focuses on the entire room. It will illuminate the room as a whole and is said to the room’s ‘natural light.’ Users might use a chandelier, pendant light, track lighting, recessed lighting, flush mounts, etc. to serve the purpose.

Some of the kitchen led lighting ideas can be found by using are: Hyperikon Recessed LED Downlight, and Lithonia Lighting WF6 LED 30K Recessed Ceiling Light

Task Lighting:

This light is essential to focus on any particular area and brighter than ambient lighting. These are essential in kitchens because, in the kitchen, we do sensitive things like cutting, chopping, measuring, decorating, and baking.

 Under-cabinet lights or lights above cabinetry are the best options for task lighting. Users can also use pendant and track lighting for Task.

For under cabinet lighting, users can use LED or fluorescent lights. The best fluorescent light bulbs for kitchen are miniature T5 fluorescent tubes, GE Lighting 66655.

Accent Light:

The kitchen accent lighting is cast light upon a showpiece, picture, or any decorative thing in a kitchen. It is mainly to focus on a particular element in the kitchen. Users can use toe kick lighting or any light above a vase or picture as an accent light.

Best Kitchen Light Review:

1.Lithonia Lighting Futra 2-Light​

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Best Feature Lithonia Futra 2-Light:

• A single light is enough to lighten the whole kitchen;
• Unique design that goes well in any room;
• Energy-star certified;
• The cost is affordable;
• Good customer feedback.

Design and installation:

The lithonia lighting futra 2-light brushed nickel ceiling is ideal if you have a bigger kitchen.

It has a sleek and slim design with the end caps wrapped with brushed nickel. The light should be powered in a 120V 60W power source. The 52 inches light is big enough for a kitchen and doesn’t require multiple lights.

The kitchen lighting installation requires simple installation where the installation guide is available online with step by step instructions.

Review:

The light has two 32-watt T8 straight tube bulbs to brighten up any space. The light is intense in brightness and instantly glows once it is switched on.

The device is also Energy Star certified. These lights are installed in the ceiling that helps in cooking and chopping by providing direct light.

Other Features:

​these indoor lights are suitable for kitchen, office, closet, or laundry rooms. The light comes with a 2-year warranty, and if installed in the kitchen, it will illuminate the whole kitchen without shedding any shadows.

It can be considered to be the best light bulbs for the kitchen ceiling.

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• Classy design.
• It has two 32-watt t8 bulbs that brighten up the room.
• Glows instantly without delay.
• Energy-star certified.
• It has a two-year warranty.

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• It doesn’t work with dimmer switches.

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2.Hykolity 13 Inch LED Ceiling Light​

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Best Features of Hykolity LED Light:

• Excellent design
• Immense brightness that spreads light to the entire kitchen
• The intensity is sufficient to cutting and chopping
• It has dimmable and color-changing features
• The product is quite cheap and affordable

Design and installation:

The design is classy yet simple that will go with any room in the house. It has a brightness of 1300 lumens. These are the best bulbs for kitchen, bedrooms, or stairways.

The installation is quite easier to do and is a DIY task.  The installation manual comes with details about how to set this product.

Review:

This hykolity 13 inch led ceiling flush mount light is 13 inches in size and has to be installed in the ceiling. It has both ‘color-changing’ and ‘dimmer’ features. Users can choose any color from 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K light temperatures.

This light works with almost any modern LED dimmer, and it will adjust brightness without flickering. It is ideal for kitchens as it will provide direct light needed for chopping and baking.

Other Features:

The light is Energy Star certified.The flush mount kitchen lighting flushes a huge amount of light to brighten up the whole kitchen without leaving any shadows. The 20W light is capable of replacing a 160W fluorescent light, which means energy is saved.

You should now have a clear idea about the viability of the hykolity led reviews. 

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• Stylish design and very bright light which is perfect for a kitchen.
• It has color-changing options from 3000K, 4000K, 5000K.
• It has a dimmer option that is compatible with many modern dimmers.
• It comes with a 5-year warranty and 50000 hours of a lifetime.
• The light will save energy.

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• The product might be costly for some users.

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3.Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Light

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Best Features of Brilliant Wireless LED Puck Light:

Design and installation:

The brilliant evolution wireless led puck light has 6 LED lights. They are round in size and have a luminous flux of 55 lumens.

The place under the cabinets usually has a shadow on them, so these lights should be installed under cabinets to light up that place. They are easily the best under cabinet lighting. You’ll find out why later on. 

The installation is simple and straightforward. Users can attach the lights with a tape or screws that will come along with the lights.  

A point to note is that the wireless symbol that should face the user, not the other way around.

Review:

These LED lights are perfect to cast light upon the ‘shadowy’ place under the cabinets. It is a 3000K light that emits a warm white glow that is perfect for a kitchen. The lights come with remote control; as a result, users don’t have to manually on/off them.

The device has a dimmer option as well as an auto-off timer. The remote has a 50% and 100% dimmer button or simply use the ‘+/-‘button to adjust the brightness as per requirement.

The auto-off option means users can use the remote to set 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes after which the lights will automatically turn off. This will save energy. Users can choose from kitchen light bulb color temperature of 3000k or 4000k led in the kitchen.

Other Features:

The light has 100 hour run time. Each light will need three batteries to operate, which will not come with the lights. The adjustable brightness gives a great advantage to increase or decrease the brightness as per wish.

The remote control can control 12 lights from 15 ft away. Based on characteristics, this light can be said to be one of the best light bulbs for the kitchen.

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• These lights are ideal for under-cabinet places.
• The 6 LED lights come with a remote control.
• It has a dimmer option.
• It has an auto-off option to turn off lights after a certain period.
• The remote control makes the control of lights easier.
• The cost is affordable and reasonable.

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• According to some users, the batteries drain out quickly.

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4.Effimero Pendant Lighting 3 Pendant Light LL-P335-BN

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Best Feature of Pendant Light:

• The hanging pendant acts as a decorative purpose as well as lighting.
• Three light bulbs to evenly distribute light.
• An adjustable rod gives users the freedom to choose the length.

Design and installation:

Kitchen lighting Installation should be done with the manual that comes with the product.

This effimero multi pendant lighting hangs from the ceiling and comes with an adjustable rod. It ends with three bulbs to lit up the island area in the kitchen.

The cylindrical glasses are clear so that light comes out of it effectively. The rod can be adjusted from 22 inches to 50 inches. This light will be decorative if set above the kitchen island.

Review of Pendant Light:

The pendant comes with three E26-base bulbs, which should be bought separately. Users can use a variety of bulbs, including smart bulbs, incandescent, LED, CFL, halogen.

 It has built with sturdy metal that has a nickel finish and hangs into three cylindrical glasses.When it comes to hanging fluorescent lights for kitchen, these do seem to stand out. 

The product will be dimmable if dimmable bulbs are used. They will also be compatible with dimmable switch.

Other features:

Pendant Lighting System will enhance the overall look of a kitchen when installed above the island. What makes this product unique is its compatibility with bulbs.

This pendant will work with smart bulbs and dimmable lights, so users have the freedom to choose what they want.

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• Based on product quality and compatibility, the price is reasonable
• Effimero lighting supports dimmer lights and switches
• It works with smart bulbs, incandescent, CFL, Halogen bulbs
• Adjustable height from 22 to 50 inches

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• The installation guide does not have detailed and clear pictures. As a result, the manual is confusing to use.

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5.Lingkai Modern Kitchen Island Light 4-Light Chandelier

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Design and installation:

This chandelier is easy to install due to its lightweight and is suitable for kitchen lights.

The design speaks for itself; it gives the kitchen a different outlook as it hangs from the ceiling. The rod is around 60 cm in height and makes of metal.

It consists of four lights to provide a soothing light as you dine in.

Review of Lingkai Modern Kitchen Light:

This light has four E26 sockets. It is compatible with LED, CFL, incandescent, halogen, and Edison bulbs. The bulbs need to buy separately, and they are UL certified. It comes with an adapter, and users can install these chandeliers in slope or vaulted ceilings as well.

Other Features:

These lights capture the perfect ambiance of any kitchen. They can also be installed in any corridor, café, library, reading room, etc. the rods are built with high-quality metal to avoid corrosion and ensure a long lifetime.

The product comes with a 1-year warranty, and all rods and sockets are UL approved.

If you have kitchen lighting ideas small kitchen then you may want to have at it and see if it works for you. 

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• A chandelier will change the outlook of the entire kitchen
• Strong metal rods with long lifetime
• Bulbs, sockets, and rods are UL approved
• The bulb sockets will work with LED, incandescent or CFL as per user requirement.

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• The product might be costly for some users.

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Daylight vs Soft White: Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Guide

What is Kitchen Light Fixtures: The Basics of Lighting 

Different types of bulbs are categorized in the following:

Incandescent Light Bulbs:

Incandescent bulbs are the traditional bulbs we have seen using for decades. They are electric lights that have a filament, and it is heated until it glows. 

Although these bulbs have low manufacturing costs, they can only convert 5% of the energy into the light as the rest is wasted as heat.

Because of their energy inefficiency, since 2007, they are not being produced anymore. These lights usually have a lifetime of one year. The luminous efficacy of a 120V lamp is 16 lumens per watt.

Fluorescent Bulbs: Fluorescent Lighting 

Standard fluorescent tubes or bulbs are gas-discharge bulbs that use mercury-vapor to glow. As the electric current excites the mercury vapor, they produce a coating of phosphor inside the tube, which is responsible for the glow.

They use electrical energy more efficiently than incandescent bulbs and have a luminous efficacy of 50-100 lumens per watt.

CFL Light:

A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a type of fluorescent tube that contains toxic mercury.

They came as a replacement to the incandescent lights. CFL is great to light up vast spaces, and they are quite energy-efficient. Compared to the incandescent bulb, the CFL uses 75% less energy and has 8 to 15 times more lifetime. They have a luminous efficacy of 50-70 lumens.

LED Light:

LED or Light-emitting diodes are electric lights that use several LEDs to produce light. They are significantly efficient than incandescent and fluorescent lights. They are used for any specific activity and are just as efficient as CFLs, but they can last up to three times longer.

They used to be mostly used for task lighting, where strong and direct light is needed.

The LED lights have a luminous efficacy of 200 lumens per watt.

Halogen Light:

The halogen bulbs produce a white light that looks like natural light. They do not contain mercury but have a filament that is heated up to the point of glowing. Halogens are more efficient and have higher luminous efficacy than incandescent and standard fluorescent lights. These bulbs usually have a lifetime of one year

Frequently Asked Question About Kitchen Light:

Is Soft White or Daylight Better for the Kitchen?

When it comes to kitchen led lighting ideas, the answer goes like this: 

Soft white lights (2700K) give a pale yellowish light. These warm lights are suitable for the bedroom or living room, and it makes people feel cozy and comfortable. So these lights are not ideal for the kitchen

On the other hand, the daylight (5000-6500K) gives a ‘bluish, whitish’ color, just like the sky view at 12 pm. These are usually preferable for writing, reading, or office work.

Although none of these lights are recommended for kitchens, it doesn’t mean there can’t be any exception. If you think your kitchen is a huge room that needs quite an amount of light, you can go with daylight.

What Color Light is Best for Kitchen? Are LED’s Good? 

LED lights are perfect for the kitchen due to their brightness. Users can install them under the cabinet or hang them above the island. The ideal bulb should be of 3000K, which is to make sure the light is bright enough to make users feel energetic.

The advantage of using LED is along with appropriate brightness; it is energy-efficient and has a long lifespan.So, you should look for the best led kitchen light. 

Is Warm White Better than Cool White?

The Warm White color has a range of 3000K, and the Cool white is between 4000-5000K. This warm white gives a warm yellowish color, and sometimes an orange shade is seen as well. The cool white has an intense white light similar to natural daylight, which effectively lifts the mood.

If you want to know whether it should be 3000K or 4000K for the kitchen, then the answer is you can choose either. Usually, warm white is preferred for bedrooms, living rooms and also can be used in the kitchen.

The best light color for the kitchen is cool whites. They are suitable for office work and will work very well in the kitchen because it makes people feel energetic and enhance focus for any particular task.

What is the best lighting for a small kitchen?

The type of light bulb for the kitchen will depend on its size. For small kitchens, the lighting should be done in different layers. The light should be dim or too bright. The layering includes ambient, task, and accent lighting.

The task lighting should focus on an island, and users can choose chandeliers or mini-pendants for a small kitchen room with different colors. Under-cabinet lights are essential to focus on cleaning, cutting, and chopping. In this case, users can use LED or cove lighting.

For ambient lighting, if you think hanging lights will make the small place look congested, recessed lighting or indoor ceiling lights (flush mounts/semi-flush mounts) are the ideal choices. The accent lights can also be used to shed light on any creative piece or artwork.

How can I improve the lighting in my kitchen?

if you think the kitchen lights are just not right, then you need to renovate. Firstly, identify the problem; if you think the color is dull, then switch to brighter bulbs. The best Kelvin for the kitchen is within 4000K to 5000K.

LED strips or recessed lighting can be installed in the ceiling to cast even lighting throughout the kitchen. The pendant or mini-pendant lights are also a great addition to the island of the kitchen.

 If you think the overall light is working fine but you are still having issues while chopping, then you should go with the task lighting, which is usually installed under cabinets.

Some other ideas are hanging a mirror to reflect light, re-color the kitchen with brighter colors, and use brighter bulbs. The best wattage for the kitchen lighting is usually 80-100W.

How Do I Choose Kitchen Pendant Lights?

A pendant light not only serves the purpose of lighting but is also a classy decorative addition to the kitchen. Users can hang pendants on mini-pendants above the island. The more light is needed, the bigger should be the pendant.

If the pendant is used for task lighting, select a light with an open-top so that the lighting is not too strong to glare.

If it is needed to lighten up the whole kitchen, install pendants with gaps between them. Mini-pendants are ideal for a small kitchen.

What light bulb is white?

white or cool white light bulbs are of 4000K to 5000K. A white light bulb will be best within the range of 3500K to 4100K.

How Many Lumens do I Need in a Kitchen? 

This depends on the size of the kitchen. More lumens mean more brightness, and the brightness will depend on kitchen size. Measure the kitchen size and multiply by foot candles.

Or, use a ​Online Lumen calculator. For a 100sq footage kitchen, 3000- 4000 lumens light will be needed.

Is Soft White Good for the Kitchen?

Soft white lights has a range of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin. They have a yellowish color or sometimes give an orange shade. These warm yellow colors make people feel comfortable and relaxed and therefore are not ideal for kitchens where we should feel energetic.

These lights are well-suited for bedroom or living rooms.

Final Thought about Best Color Light For Kitchen:

This article is a complete guide towards perfect kitchen lighting. 

The lighting should not be too dim or too bright but should have the exact amount of brightness. In the kitchen, we should divide it up into different sections and light up accordingly, which is also known as layered lighting.

Chandeliers and pendants are best to bring a change in the kitchen.

For small kitchens, LED strips or mini-pendants are ideal. Along with light, color and temperature should be selected correctly. As the kitchen is the place where we spend most of our time, we should put effort into choosing the lighting correctly.

But the best type of lighting for kitchen will depend on your needs. So, start searching. 

Related Content:

1. Daylight vs Soft White: Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Guide
2. Light Bulb Sizes- Different Size of Light Bulbs and Its Usage

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_temperature
• How much electricity is used for lighting in the United States?
• https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_us/rooms_ideas/splashplanners_new.html