Bright Ideas: Kitchen Lighting

Lighting experts Linda Gombos, Linda Morley and Jane Blumberg explain the most functional and beautiful types of lighting.

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Interior designers are turning more frequently to lighting designers to help them provide the most functional and beautiful lighting in the kitchen. Lighting experts Linda Gombos, Linda Morley and Jane Blumberg of Branch Electric Supply explain lighting basics.

There are three types of lighting for any room: general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting.

Two of the most popular and functional types of lighting for the kitchen include recessed cans and chandeliers.

General lighting illuminates the entire space as you come into the room and helps you move around safely. The most common types of general lighting are cloud lights – fluorescent fixtures surface-mounted to the ceiling – and recessed cans.

Task lighting shines a shadow-free light directly at a work surface. Undercounter lighting is highly desirable task lighting in the kitchen. Puck or strip halogen lights installed underneath the cabinet are the most common and effective choices to illuminate counter work surfaces.

A fabulous light fixture can provide a focal point for kitchen design as well as effective task, accent or general lighting.

Accent lighting is used to accentuate an architectural feature or decorative accessory. It can create dramatic impact in any room. Spotlights and up lights are often used for accent lighting, as well as colorful table lamps and pendant lights.

The most popular type of lighting in the kitchen today is halogen lighting, whether it is recessed into the ceiling or hung as a pendant from a track.

The most popular type of lighting is halogen lights, which can be used in recessed cans, pendant lights or spotlights.

Fluorescent lighting has evolved over the years to warmer, color-corrected tones. It is quiet, instant-on and economical.

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Guests
- Ronna Cohen
  Lighting Expert, Branch Electric Supply
  1049 Prince Georges Blvd.
  Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
  Phone: 301-249-5005
  Fax: 301-390-4134
  Website: www.branchelectric.com