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The right lighting for your open kitchen

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 needs its own lighting."

Optimal lighting in your open-plan kitchen-living room


In the cooking area of your open kitchen the lighting plays a decisive role for functionality and aesthetics. Bright, targeted light sources are essential here, as they ensure optimum visibility when preparing food. Start with the use of LED under-cabinet lights. This type of lighting is ideal for effectively illuminating work surfaces without creating a dazzling effect. LED lights are energy-efficient and have a long service lifewhich makes them a practical and sustainable choice.


They provide a clear, bright light that is crucial for working with precision when slicing, chopping and preparing food in your kitchen. Mounting directly under the cabinets ensures that the light goes exactly where it is needed and prevents shadows on 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 and at the same time highlight a central work surface such as the kitchen island.


This type of lighting in your kitchen can be varied - from elegant, sleek designs to more eye-catching, 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 lightlight when cooking or preparing meals, while they provide a cozy atmosphere can be dimmed for a cozy atmosphere.


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

Creative and functional lighting concepts for the dining area and eat-in 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 point where people come together to enjoy meals and spend time together. It is therefore important that the lighting is both practical and inviting. One hanging lamp or a chandelier above the dining table plays a key role in the design of this room.


This type of lighting in your kitchen can both provide sufficient light during meals and 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 eat-in kitchen. These lighting fixtures can serve as a central element in your dining area and eat-in kitchen that immediately draws attention. They not only provide light, but also contribute significantly to the ambience.


A well-chosen chandelier or hanging 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, you can adjust the lighting intensity to suit 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 hanging lamp or chandelier, you can also consider other light sources, such as wall lights or table lamps that provide soft additional light and contribute to the overall impression of the room. These additional light sources can help to illuminate dark corners and create a more even light 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. With the right combination and placement of different light sources, you can create a space that is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

dark open kitchen-living room
open kitchen-living room

Balanced lighting in the open kitchen-living 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 use a mixture of ambient light and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ambient light serves as basic lighting for the room and ensures uniform illumination. This can be achieved by indirect ceiling lights which emit a soft light that gently illuminates the room without dazzling.


Such luminaires are ideal for creating a basic brightness that is relaxing and calming. Indirect lighting, which is reflected from the ceiling or walls, helps to avoid harsh shadows and contributes to a feeling of spaciousness and openness. Accent lighting, on the other hand, is used to highlight certain 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 nook, or next to a piece of art to set it off. The right choice of lampshades and lights 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 use a mixture of ambient light and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ambient light serves as basic lighting for the room and ensures uniform illumination. This can be achieved by indirect ceiling lights which emit a soft light that gently illuminates the room without dazzling.


Such luminaires are ideal for creating a basic brightness that is relaxing and calming. Indirect lighting, which is reflected from the ceiling or walls, helps to avoid harsh shadows and contributes to a feeling of spaciousness and openness. Accent lighting, on the other hand, is used to highlight certain 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 nook, or next to a piece of art to set it off. The right choice of lampshades and lights 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. Warm white lightwhich 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 creates 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 to 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 the flexibility of lighting. With dimmers, you can adjust the light intensity depending on the time of day, activity or desired mood.


They allow you to create a bright, energetic environment for the morning hours or a soft, calming light for relaxing evening hours. Flexible lighting systems, such as track systemsoffer additional customization options. They allow light sources to be moved or repositioned to emphasize different areas of the room or create different lighting scenarios. Such systems are particularly useful in multifunctional spaces where lighting requirements can vary. The use of lighting as a decorative element is also an important aspect.


Unique or eye-catching luminaires can look like works of art and add character and personality to your kitchen-living room. They can serve as eye-catchers and complement the overall design of the room. Maximizing natural light through large windows or glass splashbacks is also an essential 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's important to look for energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LED lamps in your open-plan kitchen.


These are not only environmentally friendly, but also help to reduce energy costs. LEDs offer a high quality of light with low energy consumption and have a long service life. The challenge when designing the lighting in 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 that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Ceiling and hanging lamps in an open kitchen-living room
Recessed ceiling lights and pendant lights in an open kitchen-living room

A variety of lamp types for the perfect lighting in your open-plan kitchen


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


  1. Pendant lights for your open-plan kitchenPendant luminaires 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 lightsIn the kitchen, under-cabinet lights are ideal for illuminating work surfaces without creating shadows. They are practical because they provide light directly where it is needed most - on the work surfaces. LED under-cabinet lights are an energy-efficient and long-lasting choice.

  3. Recessed ceiling lights in the kitchenRecessed ceiling lights are suitable for uniform ambient lighting throughout the open-plan kitchen. They are discreet and can effectively illuminate the room without the need for eye-catching light fittings. They are particularly useful for illuminating areas without direct daylight.

  4. Floor and table lampsIn the living area, floor and table lamps offer flexibility and comfort. They can easily be moved around to light different seating areas and help 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-living roomTrack and cable systems are ideal for flexible and customizable lighting in open-plan kitchens. They allow you to move and direct light sources as required, which is particularly advantageous in multifunctional rooms.

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

  7. Chandeliers and pendant lights in your open-plan kitchen-living roomFor an eye-catching focal point in the dining area or above an open-plan living area, chandeliers and pendant lights are ideal. They provide a strong design element and can serve as the main source of light or as supplementary decorative lighting.

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

Mood and ambience in your open-plan kitchen-diner


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 emphasize 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 to use indirect lighting effectively in your open-plan kitchen:


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

  • Under-cabinet and over-cabinet lightingIn the kitchen, installing strip lighting under wall units or on top cabinet edges can create a subtly illuminated ambience. This type of lighting is particularly effective for illuminating work surfaces while providing a soft glow in the room.

  • Backlit wall panels: An innovative and stylish way to incorporate 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.

  • Plinth lighting: Indirect light can also be created by installing LED strips along 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 multi-purpose roomsIn an open-plan living area, islands of light can be created by using indirect light to separate different functional areas. For example, indirect light around the living or dining area can create a cozy and separate atmosphere without detracting from the open character of the room.

  • Mood lighting: Indirect lighting is great for creating a certain 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 ability to change 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-diner not only offers practical benefits in terms of comfort and functionality, but also allows you to play creatively with light and add dimension and depth to the space. By carefully planning and choosing the right lighting solutions, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable to use.

Tips for the perfect lighting in your open-plan kitchen-diner


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


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

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

  • Use LED technology: Choose LED lights for their energy efficiency and longevity. 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 the flexibility of the lighting. 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.

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

  • Incorporate natural light: Maximize natural light in your eat-in 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 particularly useful in multifunctional spaces.

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

  • Pay attention to harmony and flowEnsure that the lighting in all areas of the open-plan kitchen-living room 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 and creates 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 enables flexibility and adaptability. The integration of natural light creates an inviting 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, why not make an appointment with the lighting designers at skapetze®, for a personal consultation and the development of a individual lighting concept and the development of an individual lighting concept.


You are also welcome to visit us on site in Simbach am Inn at our light studio come and visit us.


If you already have a concrete idea of how the lights should look in your home, we can help you turn this idea into reality - our in-house workshop makes it possible.

Open kitchen-living room with LED strips