Positioning Recessed Lighting for Ambiance and Utility: Kitchen versus Entertainment Room

Lighting is a powerful asset for creating the perfect atmosphere in your home. It plays more than the functional role of lighting your home; it also adds to the mood. Recessed lighting has become an excellent choice for anyone who wants utility without sacrificing ambiance. According to Spruce, recessed lighting could bump your home’s value by 1-3%. Discover the best tips to position recessed lighting for the kitchen and entertainment room ambiance.

Kitchen Area

Tip 1: Direct Lights Over Key Work Areas with Artful Precision

The best position for recessed lighting in the kitchen area is directly over task areas such as the sink, cooktop, and countertops. This position improves task efficiency by increasing visibility so you can read recipes and chop celery without injuring yourself. For the cooktop, position the lights slightly in front to prevent shadows while cooking. Focusing lighting on crucial work areas enhances aesthetics by reducing harsh shadows and creating a well-lit environment. Lighting installation services ensure your space is visually appealing and practical for everyday activities.

Tip 2: Space Additional Lights Evenly Around the Kitchen Perimeter

Apart from the task areas, add lights around the kitchen perimeter to illuminate the walls, cabinets, walkways, and the spaces adjacent to the walls. Also, position bulbs above cabinets and shelves to prevent dark corners. Home Depot recommends dividing the ceiling height by two and having the result as the space between two lights. For instance, if the ceiling has a height of 7 feet, the lights should be 3.5 feet apart. Evenly positioning the recessed lights helps reduce shadows and produce a uniformly lit space.

Tip 3: Use Adjustable Lights for Design Features Strategically

You can also position recessed lighting above or below design features for focused illumination. Design features may include unique cabinetry, open shelving, and decorative backsplashes. The technician can experiment with different angles and intensities to see how colors and textures play out. Focusing light on design elements adds visual interest and a layer of sophistication. It also creates focal points that emphasize the unique aspects of your kitchen.

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Entertainment Room

Tip 1: Illuminate the Main Seating

Just like the kitchen, you should position the recessed lights strategically above the main seating area for even light distribution. It should provide ample brightness on the sofa without causing glare when one is looking at the screens. Unlike in the kitchen, where the focus is task efficiency, the focus in the entertainment room is optimal viewing, that is, the perfect conditions for comfortably enjoying a game or movie. Recessed lighting enhances comfort and safety during games and nights by ensuring the eyes don’t strain.

Tip 2: Install Dimmer Switches to Adjust Lighting Intensity

Dimmer switches are a must-have when using recessed lighting in the entertainment room. They help control the intensity of illumination and hence the mood and atmosphere of the entertainment area. It also helps optimize energy use because lowering intensity improves the bulb’s lifespan. Unlike the kitchen, the entertainment area hosts vastly different activities that require different moods. You may want a vibrantly lit environment for indoor games and dimly lit for romantic dinners.

Tip 3: Accentuate Architectural Features

Just like recessed lighting illuminates backsplashes in the kitchen, you can use lighting to accentuate architectural features in the entertainment room. A good approach is to use adjustable recessed lights to experiment with different angles. These design features may include a built-in bookshelf, fireplace area, or unique ceiling designs. Recessed lighting can turn visual elements into focal points besides adding visual interest and depth.

Wrapping Up

The home’s entertainment and kitchen areas are vital since you will likely spend most of the day with your family. A good principle is to position lighting in a way that shows off the most essential pieces while allowing easy visibility. If you want to start a lighting project in the kitchen or entertainment area, Blakes Brothers Light Installation Services in Huntersville can help you. Call today to schedule an appointment with a lighting technician.