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The right lighting for your open kitchen

12 min Time to read

Haus mit warmweißem Licht

Sophie E.

When lighting your open-plan kitchen, it is important to design the space so that it is not only functional but also atmospherically appealing. Start by defining different zones such as the cooking area, dining area, and living area, as each of these zones requires its own lighting.

Optimal lighting in your open-plan kitchen


Lighting plays a crucial role in the functionality and aesthetics of the cooking area in your open-plan kitchen. Bright, targeted light sources are essential here, as they ensure optimal visibility when preparing food. Start by using LED under-cabinet lights. This type of lighting is ideal for effectively illuminating work surfaces without causing glare. LED lights are energy-efficient and have a long service life, making them a practical and sustainable choice.


They provide a clear, bright light that is crucial for working precisely when cutting, chopping, and preparing food in your kitchen. Mounting them directly under the cabinets ensures that the light reaches exactly where it is needed and prevents shadows from forming on the work surfaces. Pendant lights above the kitchen island can be both a stylish element and a functional light source. They offer the opportunity to make a design statement while highlighting a central work surface such as the kitchen island.


This type of lighting in your kitchen can be designed in a variety of ways – from elegant, sleek designs to more striking, artistic pieces. Pendant lights also offer the flexibility to adjust the height and intensity of the light, making them ideal for different tasks in the kitchen. When cooking or preparing meals, they provide direct, bright light, while they can be dimmed to create a cozy atmosphere for social occasions.


The combination of LED under-cabinet lights and pendant lights not only creates effective lighting in your kitchen, but also helps to define the style and character of your open-plan kitchen. By choosing the right designs and materials, you can create a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic expression that makes the cooking area of your kitchen both practical and visually appealing.

Creative and functional lighting concepts for the dining area and

open-plan

kitchen


The dining area in an open-plan kitchen is the ideal place to experiment with a combination of functional and atmospheric lighting. This space in the open-plan kitchen often serves as a central meeting place where people come together to enjoy meals and spend time with each other. It is therefore important that the lighting is both practical and inviting. A pendant lamp or chandelier above the dining table plays a key role in the design of this space.


This type of lighting in your kitchen can provide sufficient light during meals and also serve as a fascinating decorative element. Chandeliers come in a variety of styles, from modern and minimalist to opulent and classic, so you can choose the perfect style for your kitchen. These light fixtures can serve as a focal point in your dining area and kitchen, immediately drawing attention. They not only provide light, but also contribute significantly to the ambiance.


A well-chosen chandelier or pendant lamp can emphasize the style and personality of the room and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. In addition, the use of dimmable lights in this area offers the possibility of adjusting the lighting intensity depending on the occasion and mood. For a cozy dinner, the light can be dimmed to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, while it can be set brighter for tasks such as reading or homework.


In addition to a central pendant lamp or chandelier

,

you can also use other light sources in Consider adding accent lighting, such as wall sconces or table lamps, which provide soft additional light and contribute to the overall impression of the room. These additional light sources can help illuminate dark corners and create more even lighting throughout the dining area.


Overall, the dining area allows you to be creative and develop a lighting concept that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By combining and placing different light sources in the right way, you can create a space that is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

dunkelne offene Wohnküche
offene Wohnküche

Balanced lighting in the open-plan kitchen-diner


In the living area of an open-plan kitchen-diner, it is particularly important to create balanced lighting that is both functional and atmospheric.


Here, you should aim for a mixture of ambient lighting and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ambient lighting serves as the basic lighting for the room and ensures even illumination. This can be achieved by indirect ceiling lights can be used to achieve this, emitting a soft light that gently illuminates the room without glare.


Such lights are ideal for creating a basic brightness that has a relaxing and calming effect. Indirect lighting, which is reflected from the ceiling or walls, helps to avoid harsh shadows and contributes to a feeling of space and openness. Accent lighting, on the other hand, serves to highlight specific areas or objects in the room.


Floor lamps and table lamps are excellent tools for this type of lighting. They can be placed next to a sofa or armchair to create a cozy reading corner, or next to a work of art to showcase it. The right choice of lampshades and light fixtures can also contribute significantly to the design and mood of the room.


In the living area of an open-plan kitchen, it is particularly important to create balanced lighting that is both functional and atmospheric.


Here, you should aim for a mixture of ambient lighting and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ambient lighting serves as the basic lighting for the room and ensures even illumination. This can be achieved with indirect ceiling lights that emit a soft light that gently illuminates the room without glare.


Such lights are ideal for creating a basic brightness that has a relaxing and calming effect. Indirect lighting, which is reflected from the ceiling or walls, helps to avoid harsh shadows and contributes to a feeling of space and openness. Accent lighting, on the other hand, serves to highlight specific areas or objects in the room.


Floor lamps and table lamps are excellent tools for this type of lighting. They can be placed next to a sofa or armchair to create a cozy reading corner, or next to a work of art to showcase it. The right choice of lampshades and luminaires can also contribute significantly to the design and mood of the room.

Atmosphere and functionality in your

open-plan kitchen-diner


The quality and color temperature of the light play a decisive role in creating the atmosphere in your open-plan kitchen-diner. Warm white light, which has a color temperature of around 2700 to 3000 Kelvin, creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for living and dining areas and the kitchen. It produces a soft, golden glow that is relaxing and at the same time highlights the natural colors of furniture and decorations. In contrast, a cooler white, with a color temperature of around 4000 Kelvin and above, can be beneficial in the kitchen.


This clearer, more neutral light is helpful for tasks that require precision and good visibility, such as cutting food or reading recipes. It helps promote concentration and makes colors appear more realistic, which is important when preparing and presenting food. The use of dimmers is another important aspect of increasing lighting flexibility. Dimmers allow you to adjust the light intensity depending on the time of day, activity, or desired mood.


They enable you to create a bright, energetic environment for the morning hours or a soft, soothing light for relaxed evenings. Flexible lighting systems, such as track systems, offer additional customization options. They allow you to move or reposition light sources to highlight different areas of the room or create different lighting scenarios. Such systems are particularly useful in multifunctional rooms where lighting requirements may vary. The use of lighting as a decorative element is also an important aspect.


Unique or eye-catching light fixtures can act as works of art, adding character and personality to your kitchen. They can serve as focal points and complement the overall design of the room. Maximizing natural light through large windows or glass backsplashes is also an important consideration. Natural light is not only energy efficient, but also helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day and helps to create a connection to the outside world. Finally, it is important to consider energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LED bulbs in your open-plan kitchen.


These are not only environmentally friendly, but also help to reduce energy costs. LEDs offer high light quality with low energy consumption and have a long service life

.

The challenge in designing lighting for an open-plan kitchen is to create harmony between the different light sources and ensure a seamless transition between the different areas. By experimenting with different light sources and intensities, you can create a perfectly coordinated atmosphere for your kitchen. create a space that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Decken- und Hängelampen in einer offenen Wohnküche
Deckeneinbauleuchten und Hängelampen in einer offenen Wohnküche

A variety of lamp types for the perfect lighting in your

open-plan

kitchen


When designing an open-plan kitchen, there are various types of lamps you can use to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. Each type of lighting has its own specific advantages that make it ideal for certain areas and purposes.


  1. Pendant lights for your open-plan kitchen: Pendant lights are ideal for the dining area and above kitchen islands. They provide targeted light from above and can serve as a central design element. Pendant lights come in a variety of styles, from industrial to modern, and can help to visually separate the dining area from the rest of the room.

  2. Under-cabinet lights: Under-cabinet lights are ideal for illuminating work surfaces in the kitchen without casting shadows. They are practical because they provide light exactly where it is needed most—on the work surfaces. LED under-cabinet lights are an energy-efficient and durable choice.

  3. Recessed ceiling lights in the kitchen: Recessed ceiling lights are ideal for providing uniform basic lighting throughout an open-plan kitchen. They are discreet and can effectively illuminate the room without conspicuous light fixtures. They are particularly useful for illuminating areas without direct daylight.

  4. Floor and table lamps: Floor and table lamps offer flexibility and comfort in the living area. They can be easily moved to illuminate different seating areas and help to create a cozy atmosphere. These lamps are ideal for reading corners or as accent lighting.

  5. Track and cable systems in your open-plan kitchen: Track and cable systems are ideal for flexible and adaptable lighting in open-plan kitchens. They allow you to move and direct light sources as needed, which is particularly advantageous in multifunctional rooms.

  6. Wall lights: Wall lights in your kitchen can be both functional and decorative. They are well suited for illuminating artwork or brightening dark corners. In an open space, they can also help to visually separate different areas.

  7. Chandeliers and pendant lamps in your open-plan kitchen: Chandeliers and pendant lamps are ideal for creating an eye-catching focal point in the dining area or above an open-plan living area. They offer a strong design element and can serve as the main light source or as supplementary decorative lighting.

Choosing the right types of lamps in an open-plan kitchen depends on several factors, including the function of the different areas, the desired style, and the overall interior design. By combining different types of lighting, you can create a balanced and harmonious atmosphere that is both practical and visually appealing.

Atmosphere and ambience in your

open-plan kitchen


Indirect lighting is a key element in the design of an open-plan kitchen, as it not only creates a pleasant lighting ambience, but can also highlight the architectural features of the room. Indirect light is soft, glare-free, and contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here are some aspects and ideas on how you can effectively use indirect lighting in your open-plan kitchen:


  • Ceiling moldings and suspended ceilings: A popular method of creating indirect light is to install LED strips in ceiling moldings or suspended ceilings. The light is directed upwards towards the ceiling or another surface and gently reflected back into the room. This creates even lighting without harsh shadows.

  • Under-cabinet and over-cabinet lighting: In the kitchen, installing light strips under wall cabinets or on the edges of upper cabinets can create a subtly illuminated ambience. This type of lighting is particularly effective for illuminating work surfaces while spreading a soft glow throughout the room.

  • Backlit wall panels: An innovative and stylish way to integrate indirect lighting is to use backlit wall panels. These can be installed behind decorative elements such as artwork or wall coverings to create a soft, diffused light.

  • Skirting board lighting: Indirect light can also be created by installing LED strips along the skirting boards or on the floor. This not only provides subtle lighting, but can also help to make the room appear larger.

  • Islands of light in multipurpose rooms: In an open-plan living area, islands of light can
  • be
  • created by using indirect light to delineate different functional areas
  • .
  • For example, indirect lighting around the living or dining area can create a cozy and separate atmosphere without compromising the open character of the room.

  • Mood lighting: Indirect lighting is ideal for creating a specific mood or atmosphere. With dimmable LED strips, you can adjust the intensity of the light to create the perfect mood for any occasion.

  • Color temperature and color change: Modern LED systems often offer the option of changing the color temperature of the light. This means that you can switch from a cooler to a warmer light depending on the time of day and the desired atmosphere. Some systems even offer colored lighting options, which can be particularly interesting for festive occasions.

Indirect lighting in an open-plan kitchen not only offers practical advantages in terms of comfort and functionality, but also allows you to play creatively with light and add an extra dimension and depth to the room. With careful planning and selection of the right lighting solutions, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and pleasant to use.

Tips for perfect lighting in your

open-plan

kitchen


When lighting an open-plan kitchen, it is important to find a balance between functionality, style, and atmosphere. Here are some useful tips to help you develop the best lighting concept for your open-plan kitchen:


  • Planning and layout: Start with a detailed plan. Consider the different areas of your open-plan kitchen, such as the cooking area, dining area, and living area, and think about what type of lighting is best suited to each area.

  • Layering lighting: Use a combination of different types of lighting. These include ambient lighting (for general illumination), task lighting (for specific activities such as cooking or reading), and accent lighting (to highlight certain areas or objects).

  • Use LED technology: Choose LED lights for their energy efficiency and durability. LED lighting offers a wide range of color temperatures and is ideal for adapting to different moods and times of day.

  • Use dimmers: Install dimmers to increase lighting flexibility. This allows you to adjust the lighting intensity according to your needs or mood.

  • Consider color temperature: Choose warm white light for living and dining areas to create a cozy atmosphere, and cooler white light for the kitchen to improve concentration and visibility.

  • Use lighting as a design element: Use lighting elements as part of the decor. Eye-catching pendant lights or stylish floor lamps can be both a light source and a decorative statement.

  • Incorporate natural light: Maximize the natural light in your kitchen. Large windows or glass fronts can brighten up the room during the day and create a connection to the outside world.

  • Use flexible lighting systems: Consider installing track systems or adjustable lights to adjust the lighting as needed. This is especially useful in multifunctional rooms.

  • Integrate indirect lighting: Use indirect lighting to Achieve gentle and even light distribution. This can be achieved using light strips, suspended ceilings, or backlit elements.

  • Ensure harmony and flow: Ensure that the lighting in all areas of the open-plan kitchen works together harmoniously and creates a seamless transition between the different zones.

By following these tips, you can create a lighting solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating a pleasant atmosphere in your open-plan kitchen.

Conclusion – How to do everything right!


In an open-plan kitchen, a well-planned combination of functional and atmospheric lighting is essential. The use of layered lighting, energy-efficient LEDs, and dimmers allows for flexibility and adaptability. Integrating natural light creates a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. This creates a living space that is both practical and comfortable.


If you are still undecided about how you want to implement the lighting, please feel free to make an appointment with the lighting designers at skapetze® for a personal consultation and the development of an individual lighting concept.


You are also welcome to visit our lighting studio in Simbach am Inn.


If you already have a specific idea of what the lights in your home should look like, we can help you turn that idea into reality—our in-house workshop makes it possible.

open-plan kitchen with LED strips
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