Lighting is the main component design solution. It is important to make the correct calculation of the number of fixtures and approach their choice with responsibility. It is recommended to use a combined light rather than a single bright chandelier.
As a rule, the kitchen is divided into two zones: working (where food is prepared) and dining (where they eat, drink tea, receive guests). The dining area uses warmer light, not too bright, which adds coziness to the room.
But a bright one is installed above the working area, it makes the cooking process pleasant and comfortable, without causing inconvenience to vision.
If you do not install the backlight, then a shadow will fall on the countertop during work, and it will become necessary to strain your eyesight.
Lighting planning
When planning lighting, consider the following factors:
- The light from the lamps should be diffused - this will avoid blinding;
- Luminaires can be installed in wall cabinets;
- If the work area is in the center of the kitchen, hanging ceiling lights are used.
Luminaires mounted in the lower part of the hinged kitchen cabinets, provide directional light, which makes cooking convenient and comfortable.
Types of lighting: pros and cons of options
Incandescent lamps
They are fixed, or with swivel arms that allow them to be directed. The advantages include them low cost . As for the disadvantages, the brackets and cases take up a lot of space, and this causes inconvenience during cooking, incandescent lamps have short term services and not economical.
Spotlights
They are equipped with protective glasses that protect against moisture and steam ingress, they evenly distribute light and do not create penumbra. With the exception of the difficulties of installation, the lamps do not have any special drawbacks..
LED strips
One of the disadvantages of LED strips: serial connection to power. If one LED burns out, they all stop working.IN Lately very often used as a backlight. And not only for organizing lighting under kitchen cabinets.
Economical, long life affordable price, ease of installation and lack of heating during the work served as the reasons why many choose them.
Illumination for the kitchen under cabinets with LED strip has two disadvantages:
- if one diode has failed, then all must be replaced;
- additional transformer is required.
LED panels
This type of illumination gives soft, uniform illumination. pleasing to the eye. Their cost is higher than the rest, but their advantages easily cover this. The advantages include: cost-effectiveness, long life of diodes (more than 50 thousand hours), absence of hazardous substances, ease of installation and maintenance
Benefits of LED Lighting
LED panels are used to illuminate offices, apartments and houses, workplaces, even entire shopping malls.
LED panels are rightfully considered alternative, gaining popularity and replacing lamp fixtures that are familiar to us.
They have significant advantages compared to lamps: these panels are energy-saving, have a long service life - able to work for 14 or more years even when working more than 15 hours a day, ease of installation and dismantling, as well as problems with their disposal will not arise. Also, this type of lamp does not require special care.
This panel lighting is used in any premises, since during operation they practically do not emit heat and harmful radiation to the eyes. Even in children's rooms they can be mounted without a doubt.
LED panels are considered to be the safest LED fixtures that do not emit harmful ultraviolet or infrared rays. The light from them lies on the surface more evenly and softer than with lamps. And there is no flickering during operation.
Panel design: special LED lamps serve as light sources, and their power source is 220 V. The panels use LEDs that do not contain mercury and other harmful environment and human substance.
The principle of operation of the LED panel: LEDs emit light that is under set angle falls to the surface inner panel, exactly thanks to this, an optimal lighting solution for a person is obtained..
Benefits of using diode lighting fixtures:
- Durability;
- Resistance to external stimuli;
- Provides bright light;
- No additional warm-up time required when turned on;
- Diversity colors;
- Affordable price;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Safety in use.
If you want to use highlight to underline original interior, then use colored diodes, and to highlight functional areas– Use only white.
The tape with semiconductor elements fully provides the norm of illumination. It is a flexible bar, on which there is an adhesive base on one side, and semiconductor elements with resistors on the other.
They are classified according to a number of criteria:
- By color: one-color or multi-color execution;
- According to the number of crystals: 1, 2, 3 or 4;
- By type of glow: full-color or monochrome;
- By the length and density of the arrangement of LEDs;
- By electrical voltage;
- According to the degree of moisture protection.
LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets is protected from moisture and dirt on its surface. For decoration, you can use a single-crystal design, and for lighting the work surface - a three-crystal. The brightness level will depend on the density of the diodes.
Mounting
The length of the tape and the density of the diodes on it depend on the length of the zone, countertops and the distance to it.
Since the LEDs need 12 V for power supply, and not 220, as in the mains, an additional transformer is installed.
It is chosen based on:
- rated output voltage;
- power.
In addition, you will need: scissors, soldering iron and solder with rosin or connectors, insulating tape or tube, connecting wires and a plastic box for them.
LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets is attached to the surface using two-sided adhesive tape, connecting clamps or on a special profile. We measure the length of the tape with a tape measure and cut off the excess.
You need to cut the tape in special areas(as a rule, they are located through 3 diodes).
The power is calculated according to the rule: the power of one meter of a flexible bar is multiplied by the total installed footage, to which it turned out to add 20% (reserve to avoid overload).
Solder or connect 2 cables to the contacts using connectors and insulate the connection. Only after that proceed with fastening, having previously cleaned the surface with alcohol (to remove contaminants).
The connection of the transformer is carried out strictly according to the instructions attached to it. At the end, check what would be left bare wires, and install the plastic boxes.
Safety rules during installation
- semiconductor elements should not be subjected to mechanical stress;
- strictly comply with electrical safety requirements. Mounting should be carried out only when the power is off;
- be sure to observe the polarity of the connection;
- when mounted to metal surface install electrical insulating material between the bar and the surface.
Exploitation
During operation, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules:
- systematically clean the surface from dirt and saws;
- ambient temperature should not exceed 40 ºС;
- it is forbidden to lower it into the water;
- do not increase the supply voltage above the value indicated on the tape;
- minimize moisture ingress.
Is such lighting harmful to eyesight?
There is a lot of speculation about the safety and dangers of such lighting, but in general it is safe. True, this statement is true only for certified fixtures.
It is not possible to independently identify the poor quality of such lamps without a special device; in order to protect your eyesight, buy overhead LED lamps for the kitchen under cabinets in specialized stores.
The only thing that is forbidden is to look at a working lamp that does not have a protective housing.
LED lamps for the kitchen under the cabinets are a modern and convenient source of lighting for the kitchen and only the space.
An important quality is high efficiency. They are transforming electricity into light radiation, practically without releasing heat, therefore, their efficiency is high.
Compared to other types of lighting, they give a uniform, flicker-free light., for which designers love them, and the service life is much longer than other lighting fixtures.
rightfully occupy a leading position in the organization of lighting in the kitchen. Why they have become so popular, you can find out from our article.
He talks about the features of lighting the room under the kitchen with pendant lights.
How to create a full-fledged and multifunctional room? You will find answers.
Let's take a look at the advantages LED backlight for kitchen under cabinets:
- copes with lighting darkened corners, especially under or inside cabinets;
- thanks to their small sizes built into furniture, can be glued behind furniture or inside it;
- consumes a meager amount of energy compared to other appliances and even economical lamps;
- with it, you can emphasize the design or focus on individual items;
- service life reaches 5 years;
- hermetic body and solid solid structure of the crystal is not afraid of moisture, temperature changes, which means that they are ideal for the kitchen microclimate;
- the light is directed to the work surface, which makes cooking comfortable and does not hurt the eyes.
Ease of installation and connection is a significant plus in the direction of LED fixtures for cabinets LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets has average term service from 20 to 50 thousand hours.
Its use in modern interior stylish, secure and modern.
This is a sign of aging, so it's worth budgeting for a replacement.
Also a big plus is the ease of installation and installation in place.. Almost every man will cope with this, subject to safety precautions. This means you can save on self installation without the involvement of a third-party specialist.
Proper lighting can transform any room. It plays a particularly important role in the interior of the kitchen. Using various methods, you can originally divide the working and dining area. At the same time, creating additional lighting in the desktop area, which LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets will do just fine.
Read in the article:
What is LED backlight?
At present, we are surrounded everywhere: in electrical appliances, household appliances, billboards. Their use in the interior is becoming more and more popular. LED lighting is able to highlight interior items in an original way, divide the room into zones and additionally illuminate work surfaces. This method, thanks to directional lighting, is the most economical and expedient. In addition, it will make your interior more modern and original.
Used in interior design Spotlights, LED cords and ribbons. The cord has a cylindrical shape and illuminates 360 degrees. The tape is flat, on the one hand its surface is adhesive (which simplifies installation), on the other side there are LEDs. In apartments and cottages, tapes are more often used, since there is rarely a need for all-round lighting.
LED strips and their types
LED strips have a very wide application, so they are produced different types depending on the purpose and place of installation.
According to the purpose of the tape are:
- Open (for example, IP33).
They are non-hermetic, that is, they are not protected from moisture. Such tapes are not suitable for use in the kitchen and other areas with high humidity. They can be mounted under suspended ceiling in the living room or bedroom or use to illuminate interior items.
- Unilateral (for example, IP54).
Such tapes are protected by silicone only from the side of the LEDs.
- Double sided (eg IP68).
The ideal solution for the kitchen, as the tape is completely sealed. The possibilities of their application are practically unlimited. They can be immersed in water and even frozen.
In addition to the type of tape when buying, you should pay attention to the power, type of LEDs, as well as the type of fixtures themselves.
LEDs
The quality of the backlight largely depends on the correct choice of the type of LEDs in the tape. Most popular: SMD5050 and SMD3528.
SMD5050 is much brighter than SMD3528, so it is advisable to use them specifically for lighting. The second type is great for decor (for example, highlighting shop windows and shelves).
Power
The power of the tape is measured in W, it directly depends on the number of LEDs in a linear meter. For example, an SMD3528 tape with 60 LEDs has a power of 4.8 W, with 240 - 16.8 W. For example, for lighting working area in the kitchen it is better to use tapes with high power.
Important! When buying, specify how many LEDs are in a linear meter, since sellers often indicate their number in a whole segment (usually 5 meters).
LED lighting in the kitchen
The most common place to use LED strips and spotlights in an apartment is the kitchen. Directional lighting will make the cooking process more convenient, and the interior more modern.
Where to place the lighting in the kitchen?
In fact, the LED strip in the kitchen can be placed anywhere, for example:
- Illuminate hanging cabinets with glass doors from the inside.
Such lighting will emphasize the beauty of exquisite services. If there are unremarkable dishes in the cabinets, the glass can be made frosted. Then soft light will go through the lockers through it.
- Position the LED strip above the wall cabinets.
When turning the LEDs to the ceiling, this solution will visually increase their height.
- under the lower cabinets.
This solution will create an original effect of soaring. When using an LED strip in this case, the kitchen will be illuminated in an unusual place, which will surely surprise your guests.
Advice! Top and bottom directional lighting is removed from the working area, so it can be colorful and bright.
- Under the table.
The countertop should be slightly wider than the lower cabinets to be able to concealed installation ribbons.
- Illuminate the countertop or dining table itself.
This option looks great with a glass top, decorated with decorative matte and carved elements.
- Install a glowing kitchen apron.
Innovation in interior design. At the same time, it is not the upper edge of the apron that glows, but he himself from the inside.
- Work area lighting.
An excellent solution in the kitchen - LED lamps above the work surface. They should not be too bright, otherwise, with long cooking, the eyes will get tired.
The use of LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets has recently been very popular. Both upper and lower cabinets can be illuminated from below. The main thing is to install sealed tapes, following the rules fire safety, since moisture (for example, water from a desktop or steam from a kettle) is likely to get into such places.
The use of overhead LED lights for the kitchen under the cabinets
Overhead lights are attached to the outside of the cabinet, often they are equipped with a swivel mechanism, which makes it possible to change the direction of light (for example, from a cabinet to a countertop).
The main advantage is that the installation of overhead LED lamps for the kitchen under the cabinets does not require preliminary preparation.
Applications of Recessed LED Furniture Lights
Such elements are designed for interior lighting of cabinets and drawers. They look very harmonious, but their installation is possible only after preliminary work: drawing up the plan and preparing the cabinets.
Installation of LED strip
The quality of work and the service life of the LED strip depend on proper installation. If you understand the basics of electrical installation, you can install the tape yourself. Let's move on to the installation steps.
Preparatory
First you need to decide on the installation site and prepare materials and tools. The LED strip should be hidden from the eyes, that is, it must be mounted closer to the corners and far walls. Thus, a person will see only the light emitted by it.
Materials and tools:
- LED Strip Light.
- Cable. Usually 20-30 cm is enough, but in stores it is cut in multiples of a meter. It is important to choose the right section, for this, consult with the seller.
- Power supply (for current conversion) and dimmer (for smooth control of lighting brightness).
- Soldering iron.
- Scissors and electrical tape (or heat shrink tubing).
Mounting
- First, we cut off the required length of the tape, since they are usually sold in skeins 5 m long. This must be done in a strictly defined place, which was noted by the manufacturer. Otherwise, it will not function.
- Next, we expose the extreme contacts and solder the cables to them. Connection using a connector is not recommended, as it is less reliable.
- Isolate the connection. This can be done with electrical tape, or in heat shrink tube(it is put on the junction, after which it is fixed with a building hair dryer). The second method is less well-known, and it is undeservedly bypassed. Tube insulation is more reliable and looks more aesthetically pleasing.
- We fasten the tape to the wall or cabinet. Usually one of its sides is sticky, if not, you can do it with double sided tape(the weight is small, so this will be enough).
- Next, we connect (if any) and the power supply. And already from it the wires will go into the plug or will be connected directly to the mains. Here it is necessary to take care of the aesthetic side of the issue. It is desirable that the installation be carried out before the final finishing of the premises, then it will be possible to better hide all communications.
Video: installing LED strip in the kitchen
Benefits of LED Lighting
Compared to other light sources, LED lighting has several advantages:
- Low energy consumption. Such lighting is 3 times more economical than conventional incandescent lamps, which can significantly reduce energy costs.
- Life time. Luminaires from responsible manufacturers are capable of operating continuously for up to 11 years. Ordinary lamps sometimes have to be changed every couple of months. And in this case, it is more likely that your children will change the lighting next time.
- Strength and safety. The absence of glass parts makes this species lighting most durable and safe. When struck or dropped, the lighting fixtures do not break. In addition, they do not contain a gaseous medium.
- Pleasing to the eye. Completely free of flicker and ultraviolet radiation. Eyes with such a light source will not get tired.
- Exclusion of surface heating.
- Resistant to voltage drops.
- Warranty.
For LED lamps and strips, manufacturers give a guarantee of 2-3 years.
Output
LED lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets - perfect solution if you want to make your work area more comfortable and attractive. Its installation will not take much time, but you can cope with it on their own without the involvement of experts. The main thing is to comply with fire safety standards and strictly follow the instructions.
Now you know the types of tapes and LEDs, so now it will not be difficult to buy lighting for the kitchen under the cabinets.
Illumination of the working area can be arranged using various lighting devices. Let's try to understand what advantages and disadvantages each type has.
| Type of lighting | Advantages | disadvantages |
| Filament lamp | There is a choice of power in the range from 20 W to 500 W | High power consumption and heating at low luminous flux |
| Bulbs are pretty cheap. | Short service life | |
| Spot LED lights |
The ability to choose the desired color temperature, spectacular design of fixtures | In small towns it is not always possible to pick up a base for a cartridge |
| Durability and energy saving | The cost is much higher than incandescent lamps | |
| |
Easy to mount, regardless of surface curvature, low power consumption | The need to connect additional equipment (, controller) |
| After installation, the tape is completely invisible | When buying a cheap tape, the diodes will lose their brightness pretty quickly. | |
| LED panels |
Easy to install and maintain, durable (more than 50,000 hours), economical | High price |
| Emit a soft, uniform light that is pleasing to the eye | Afraid of power surges, which are not uncommon |
Approximately in this way, the advantages and disadvantages of highlights of different types were distributed.
How to properly position LED lighting for the kitchen work area
When designing the lighting of the working area in the kitchen, some rules should be observed:
- The light should not hit the eyes of a person directly in front of the countertop.
- The shadow from the standing person should not fall on the countertop.
- If spotlights (spotlights) are used, they should be directed to a specific area of the countertop. So several lamps can provide full illumination of the working area.
- When using LED strip or panels, they are mounted on the bottom of the hanging cabinets so that the light is directed to the countertop, but does not fall into the eyes of the person standing in front of it.
Read more about the types of LED kitchen lighting
There are 3 main types of LED countertop lighting in the kitchen:
- LED Strip Light.
- LED panel.
- Lamps with and spots on light diodes.
The latter, in turn, are divided into:
- Illumination on suspensions;
- Surface luminaires wall cabinets;
- Recessed panels, ribbons or spotlights.
Let's examine each of these types in more detail.
LED strip for the kitchen: general information
Enough convenient option work surface illumination. Installation is simple, the tape can be bent in any direction. However, there are several disadvantages. The first is the need to purchase additional equipment - a power supply, without which the band will not work. Cost can also be a problem. The fact is that a tape with protection against dirt and dust is quite expensive, and a simple one, if it is not protected, will fail very quickly. In this case, you will have to purchase a special protective corner with a diffuser, which will not only protect the tape from dirt, dust and moisture, but also prevent light from hitting your eyes.
LED panels: by far the best lighting option under the cabinet in the kitchen
This is a relatively new, but already very popular type of backlight. The light diodes here are hidden behind frosted glass, which makes it easy to wipe off moisture, dirt or dust that has fallen on it. One such panel, with a power of only 8 watts, is enough to provide an even, soft light for an area of 3 m². These panels are easy to assemble and dismantle. The only thing that can be called a minus is the cost. One product measuring 210 × 210 mm can cost from 1000 to 6000 rubles.
Illumination in the kitchen under the cabinets: LED lamp with lamps or spot
Currently a very common option. Spots are called directional spotlights. Between themselves, they may differ in design, location, operating voltage. Let's try to deal with this issue in more detail.
Suspended LED lighting in the kitchen: what is it
Such option is suitable only in the absence of hanging cabinets above the work surface. LED lamps are attached to the ceiling with brackets or cables in such a way that the working area is illuminated as much as possible. Most often, such ideas come to life in kitchens where the work surface is located in the center. The second use case is the lighting of the dining area.
Overhead LED lights for kitchen cabinets: a good solution for the hostess
A very common version of LED lighting under cabinets in the kitchen. The main thing is to correctly position the lamps so that the luminous flux does not hit the eyes. All light should be directed to the countertop. This will greatly help the hostess - after all, on the working surface in the kitchen, you often have to finely cut, get small bones from fish, and the like. This requires good lighting.
Recessed luminaires on light diodes and spots: placement rules
Good option - LED lamp under kitchen cabinets. The main task is to install them correctly. And for this it is necessary to think seriously, take into account the angle of dispersion of the light flux, combine with the distance from the cabinets to the countertop. Only after that it becomes possible to understand at what distance from each other you need to place spotlights. With a very rare placement, it may turn out that the light falls on the countertop unevenly, in spots.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW!
When purchasing spotlights with lamps for kitchen cabinets in a store, do not forget to tell the seller where they will be installed. Ceiling lights won't fit here. They will shine in one spot. This is due to distance. Passing from the ceiling to the floor, the beam of light has time to dissipate, but from the cabinet to the countertop - hardly.
Kitchen furniture lamps for cabinets can be made in the form of spots with external fastening. In this case, their installation will be very simple. During operation, the luminous flux can be redirected in any direction, which is the main convenience of the spots.
In a special publication of our portal, we will talk in detail about the LED strip for the kitchen. You will learn the advantages and disadvantages of LED lighting, how to make lighting in the kitchen with LED strip - turnkey solutions how to do your own kitchen lighting with LED strip.
Options for controlling LED lighting in the kitchen
Lighting control can be done in the usual way mechanically, however, the touch type of inclusion is much more convenient. Touch lighting for the kitchen may vary. This can be triggered by touch or the presence of a person (while the lights are supplied), or a sound sensor triggered by cotton. The second option is, of course, the most convenient.
Also, if the lighting devices support the dimming function, you can install a dimmer that allows you to dim the lighting, make it softer when necessary.
GOOD TO KNOW!
When dimming, remember that the fixture and dimmer must be compatible. Nobody canceled dimming protocols either.
Calculation of the required level of illumination of the working area of the kitchen
According to the norms, lighting in the kitchen should be at least 150 Lx per m². Of course, you can calculate everything in watts, but modern energy-saving lamps will force us to hang the whole kitchen with them. One more nuance: all norms were developed back in the Soviet Union, and therefore the final figure should be made one and a half times more. Let's try to calculate.
For example, we take a work surface of 3.5 m². Then you get 3.5 × 150 × 1.5 = 787.5 Lx. This is the minimum lighting that is needed for the work surface. The indicator can be higher, the main thing is that the luminous flux is not directed into the eyes of the person standing in front of the countertop.
The choice of kitchen lighting for wall cabinets - editorial advice website
In order not to be disappointed later, having bought LED lighting for kitchen cabinets, the editors website I took the liberty of giving you some advice.
- Before you make the backlight in the kitchen, decide what kind it will be. The best option, despite the price tag, you can call LED-panels.
- Calculate how much luminous flux (in lux) is required for lighting. Choose a comfortable color temperature.
- If you decide to mount recessed fixtures, double-check the correct markings several times so as not to spoil the headset cabinets. If you have any doubts about your abilities, it is better to seek help from professionals. The ideal option would be if all the necessary grooves and holes are made during manufacture kitchen set.
Several beautiful interiors created with LED lighting
The most important part of the work can be called the connection of the mounted backlight to the electrical network. Now let's talk about this.
Installation and connection of LED lamps to the mains: the nuances of work
The installation of electrical wiring and the connection of lighting fixtures to the mains is a very responsible matter, requiring the utmost care and attention. Each of the types of LED devices has its own nuances that should be considered during installation and connection. Let's try to deal with them.
Installation of LED panels: features and difficulties that may be encountered
By itself, the installation of LED panels is simple, but there are some nuances. When purchasing such a panel, pay attention to the package. It can be of two options - with a separate driver and without it. For the kitchen, it is better to choose the second option - the absence of a separate driver indicates that it is already built into the case. In this case, all that is required is to bring 2 wires to the panel: “phase” and “zero”. If the driver is separate, then the connection is made as follows: the driver itself is connected to the network (the same 2 wires), and the lamp is connected to the driver through a special connector that is already on both devices.
Before the beginning electrical work voltage must be relieved
LED strip: installation and connection rules
LED strip is quite easy to install. All that is required is to choose a place where it will be, peel off protective film from the back, then press the tape to the desired surface.
The connection is made through a special power supply, without which the operation of the LED strip is impossible. The main task here is not to confuse the “+” and “-” outputs from the power supply and the “+” and “-” LED strips. One more important nuance– the length of each of the strips must not exceed 5 m. Otherwise, the LEDs will go out. This is due to the fact that the paths connecting the light diodes do not withstand the load. If the distance is longer, it is better to run a second tape 5 meters long, connecting it in parallel (serial connection is not allowed).
Overhead and recessed lighting fixtures: the easiest option
Such lighting devices do not require additional equipment when connected - they are connected directly to the mains. Here we can only recall attentiveness, accuracy and extreme discretion and compliance with electrical safety rules.
Although LED lamps are considered the most safe view lighting devices, when using them, some rules should be observed:
- It is forbidden to use LED-lamps in rooms where the air temperature is above +40˚C.
- When dirty, the lamp can be wiped with a dry or slightly damp cloth - the use of aggressive, abrasive products is not allowed.
- The installation of a voltage stabilizer is recommended. Although LED lamps have their own protection, voltage drops dramatically reduce their service life, and jumps above 244 V completely disable them.
- It is necessary to periodically check the contacts and the tightness of the base to the cartridge in order to avoid heating.
- It is forbidden to install ordinary LED-lamps in closed (not having ventilation holes) shades. This drastically reduces their service life.
Summing up
There is no doubt that the illumination of the working area of the kitchen is a necessity that should not be neglected. The main task is to do everything right. There should not be dimly lit places on the working surface, the light should not be blocked by a person standing in front of the tabletop. Thus, the most optimal would be the installation of lighting in the kitchen under the headset cabinets. And if the working area is located in the center of the kitchen, then the LED ceiling lamp on suspensions will be the best way out. And remember, there is not much light above the working area. And if it is arranged correctly, then cooking will be many times more pleasant.
Smooth, soft and at the same time bright light - that's what you need in the working area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen
Illumination of the working area can be created using three types of lamps - halogen, fluorescent and LED.
1. With the help of halogen lamps create spot lighting - for example, a cooking area. If you need more or less uniform lighting, you need to install several of these fixtures. As a rule, they are mounted in the lower part of the cabinets at the rate of one lamp per 70-100 centimeters of surface, but mounting is also found with greater frequency.
2. The installation of LED strip or LED lamps is more popular. With their help, it is possible to create a uniform illumination of the working area. The advantages of LED strips also include ease of installation. If the installation of halogen lamps should be planned at the stage of creating a headset, then the LED strip can be installed at any time. In addition, modern LED strips allow you to choose the color of the backlight or even change it during operation.
3. Fluorescent lamps give even white light. Unlike LED strip, you do not need to purchase a power supply for them - just fix it and plug it into a power outlet.
Also in high demand track lights. To the bottom upper cabinets is fixed aluminum profile, on which there are several movable small lamps. Thus, you can independently adjust the direction and saturation of lighting in the desired area.
The cost of lighting for the work area is quite affordable. So, a LED lamp, completely ready for installation, will cost about $ 20, depending on the length. LED strip itself is quite cheap - from 2 to 15 dollars per meter, depending on the number of diodes. But to install it, you will also need to purchase a power supply - from $ 10, depending on the characteristics.
1.2 Apron illumination
1. Elegant solution - skinali co built-in backlit. Such an apron is made of two layers of glass, between which the LED strip will be mounted. Adding to this a picturesque drawing, you can get a very, very unusual cuisine.
Skinali with built-in backlight will cost: from about $ 60 for running meter the apron itself, plus $3 to $15 per linear meter of backlighting and a $15 to $50 power supply. In addition, the cost will be reflected in the need to bring out additional sockets, fixtures - for each action, installers have a certain price.
2. Illumination of the apron with LED strip at the bottom of the upper cabinets in close proximity to the apron.
3. Can be used lamps-spots- Spot small lamps. But they have one significant drawback - the light on the apron will look like a bright spot, so the effect of such illumination is lost. Spots are better suited for matte or embossed aprons, for example, from decorative tiles under the brick
1.3 Cabinet lighting inside
Illumination of cabinets inside is not an urgent need, but it enjoys a certain popularity. The internal lighting of cabinets can be divided into functional And decorative:
Functional works only when the cabinet door is opened, which makes it easier to search for something inside.
Decorative - manually activated, installed for cabinets with doors with glass inserts.
For both functional and decorative lighting inside cabinets in the best way Suitable LED strip. It practically does not take up space, and self-adhesive options do not require complex installation. If for decorative lighting the connection cost is practically the same, for example, from lighting the work area, then for functional lighting you will have to spend an additional $ 10 on an automatic switch-on relay when you open cabinets.
If desired, the top of the cabinet can also be mounted spots. The cost of one spot is approximately $ 3, but it is worth adding the cost of installation, wiring, connecting the switch and the light bulb itself. The switch can be easily hidden.
by the most simple view lighting for cabinets is a separate small lamps battery powered. The cost of such a small lamp is about $ 15. They work from several fingers of batteries, and the inclusion is due to the motion sensor. Mounting takes place either on adhesive tape or on a magnet - but before that, a metal plate must be attached to the cabinet.
1.4 Illumination of the frieze (wall cabinets) and plinth
The schemes and cost of lighting these parts of the kitchen are practically the same as the rest. For illumination frieze spots can be used with various types lamps, LED strip or remote lamps. Many headset models are initially equipped with cornices with built-in spots.
When choosing an LED strip, it is desirable that the aluminum profile with a diffusing stripe screen does not look like an alien element - the profile can be disguised as a headset style. For already installed kitchen remote lamps, costing from $ 20, are best suited.
Backlight plinth- a phenomenon quite new, which is actively gaining popularity. Plinth lighting not only creates an unusual effect in the kitchen, but is also often used as a night light. Here, the LED strip has no competitors - installing other types of lighting is simply unreasonable, and besides, it allows you to choose the desired color.
2. Types of lamps
Today there are 4 types of lamps that are used to illuminate the kitchen:
1.LED lamps. Today, this type of lamp can rightly be called the most popular. LED lamps can be found in the form of ordinary light bulbs, but more often they are made in the form of LED strips with different lengths and degrees of illumination. In addition, LED lamps are able to create backlight various colors, which favorably distinguishes them as a decorative source of lighting.
2. Halogen lamps characterized by fairly good brightness and low power consumption. Most often they are used in spots for spot lighting. Creating a uniform illumination with their help is impossible. Sometimes halogen lamps can be found, for example, in hoods.
3. Energy saving lamps. Despite the reduced power consumption, these lamps have two main disadvantages: high price and long warm-up time (up to 2 minutes). In addition, their brightness cannot be adjusted with a dimmer.
4. Fluorescent lamps. This type of lamp has been practically superseded by LEDs and "halogens". They do not heat up during operation, the lighting is quite even and pleasant, but the minuses include blinking when turned on and a possible “hum” during operation.
3. Switches
Switch installation is not restricted by any rules. Moreover, today you can choose from several types of switches:
- conventional overhead switch, which is displayed either on the apron or on the wall
- small mortise switches that are mounted in furniture
- touch switches that are triggered by touch
- switches-sensors that react to movement near them
- switches, with the ability to change the brightness of lighting (dimmers)
- sometimes the switch can be equipped with a remote control
Photo: vk.com, website, avito.ru, lotusbleudesign.org, xuefl.blog.bokee.net, homedesigninteriorphotos.co, giesendesign.com