Which chandelier is better to buy for the kitchen? How to choose a suitable chandelier for the kitchen (real photo examples). Interior ceiling lighting: photos and nuances

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen: family dinners, friendly gatherings after midnight, lazy late and early work breakfasts. And for all this to take place in an atmosphere of home comfort and warmth, you need to take care of the interior of the room. Lighting plays an important role. The theme of the day is a chandelier for the kitchen. Let's talk.

Hanging

A universal type of chandelier that is suitable for any kitchen. Usually this is one, two or three lampshades on a cord, string or chain. You can often find a classic option, when a lamp with a lampshade hangs above the table - it is suitable for a small kitchen.

Can be used in modern, loft, Provence, classic, minimalism and eco-style.

Ceiling

Such chandeliers are located right at the ceiling and are suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. Usually these are modest lampshades of a strict geometric shape, but there are exceptions - for example, high-tech.

Suitable for kitchens of all styles, but using a single lamp in a large kitchen is not the best solution.

Classic

Essentially, these are the same ceiling chandeliers, but very sophisticated and even somewhat pretentious. They are suitable only for large kitchens or dining rooms in a classic style.

What you need to know about lighting in the kitchen

When you choose a chandelier and lamps for the kitchen, it is important to remember two points:

1. Enough light should fall on the work surface to make it comfortable for you to cook;
2. It is better to avoid too bright light above the dining table.

Chandeliers with adjustable lighting are very convenient - you can turn up the light when you are cooking and turn it down during lunch or dinner.

To avoid too bright or, conversely, dim light, use the following cheat sheet: incandescent lamps - 12–40 W/m2, halogen lamps - 30–35 W/m2, fluorescent lamps - from 8 W/m2.

Choosing high-quality lighting fixtures for the kitchen is an important process that is of considerable importance for arranging a harmonious interior. Currently, spotlights are very popular, they can perfectly complement the main chandelier, or even replace it completely.

An excellent solution to the problem of lighting in the kitchen are spotlights.

The convenience of staying in the kitchen, as well as the harmonious design of the room, will depend on how well such lamps are selected and installed. To make the right choice, you should listen to some expert advice.

Before you start arranging spot lighting in your own kitchen, you should familiarize yourself with all the features and subtleties of this process. This option for organizing lighting has both its advantages and some disadvantages.

Spotlights are very popular for many reasons:

• Attractive appearance and elegance- such lamps are very compact, they can be installed in any kitchen, they fit perfectly into a variety of interiors (from modern to classic), making the room more interesting and stylish. Some products simultaneously serve as decorative elements that decorate the interior of the kitchen.
• A large assortment- modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of similar lamps of different shapes, colors, and design options. Thus, organizing the correct lighting in the kitchen and giving the room originality will not be difficult.
• Wide range of installation options- spotlights can be easily installed on a variety of surfaces. They can be mounted on a suspended or regular ceiling, and can also be installed on wall cabinets, shelves and cabinets.
• Ideal lighting- spotlights help to achieve uniform, soft, eye-pleasing and diffused lighting that can advantageously highlight all the advantages of the kitchen and visually enlarge it. It is known that a single central chandelier conceals the space and creates darkened areas in it.
• Economical- this type of lighting helps to significantly save energy. You can install several switches in the kitchen at once, so that you can illuminate individual areas of the room one by one and at the same time zone it, if necessary.
• Functionality- spotlights perfectly complement the main chandelier, and are also an ideal light source for the kitchen in themselves. Such devices are indispensable when arranging a small kitchen with a low ceiling.

For a small kitchen, a good option would be to use spotlights.

This method also has some disadvantages (however, they are minor):

• To install spot lighting, you will have to work hard, since this work is quite painstaking and time-consuming.
• Installation of spotlights is possible only at the stage of ceiling repair. They should be installed in the kitchen set during the assembly process.
• You should think carefully about how to install spotlights in the kitchen so that the room looks organic and does not resemble a cold laboratory or office.

Lamps built into the kitchen set.

Advice! When installing spotlights indoors, you should also install a rheostat, which ensures more economical energy consumption.

Spotlights and their varieties

Spotlights can be divided into several types according to the type of installation - they are surface-mounted, suspended and mortise. Mortise products are only suitable for installation in suspended ceilings. Surface-mounted luminaires are installed on a regular ceiling, thanks to a special mounting plate for screws located on the base of the housing.

Recessed lamps for suspended ceilings.

The most popular are built-in models of spotlights, presented in a huge assortment. Recessed lamps can be completely recessed into the base of the surface on which they are installed, and then the light source will be practically invisible.

They can also be placed on the ceiling in a specific pattern, and then they will turn into a beautiful decorative light diffuser.

The most popular built-in models of spotlights.

Spotlights in the kitchen can be used to create basic, local and decorative lighting. It should be remembered that one such device is capable of independently illuminating approximately 2 square meters. meters of room. As for the finishing of the surfaces on which spotlights are mounted, it can be anything, since all modern devices are characterized by high fire safety.

Spotlights can be mounted on any surface/

For the manufacture of cases, moisture-proof materials are used that can withstand high humidity.

What lamps are used in spotlights

The designs of spotlights use halogen and LED lamps, as well as conventional incandescent lamps. The most popular option is LED lamps, which are highly economical since they require very little electricity to operate.

Spotlights can use incandescent, halogen and LED lamps.

In addition, they are practically incapable of heating up. Such lamps can be safely installed on any surface, even next to flammable objects - they are not capable of causing a fire. Recessed LED lamps can be fixed or rotating (can change the direction of light).

Rotating spotlights create coziness in the kitchen.

The incandescent lamps that are familiar to everyone provide a pleasant soft light, but they have larger dimensions, and in addition, such devices will not last long (they will have to be changed often).

For installation on suspended ceilings, you can use incandescent lamps with a power not exceeding 60 watts. The most durable and least energy-consuming are halogen lamps, but their price is quite high.

Soft warm lighting in the kitchen created with the help of spotlights.

Such devices provide lighting of high brightness, as close to natural as possible. The only drawback of such lamps is their ability to get very hot, so you should choose devices with a metal frame, a ceramic socket and a glass diffuser.

Also, such lamps require a transformer that converts 220 W to 12 W. If halogen lamps are mounted on a suspended ceiling, then their maximum power should be no more than 35 watts.

Proper organization of lighting in the kitchen using spotlights

To organize basic lighting in the kitchen, you should place spotlights at a distance of at least 30 cm from each other, maintaining a distance from the corner of the wall of at least 20 cm.

Spotlights combined with a chandelier.

Thanks to the correct placement of spotlights, you can completely change the perception of space. Such lighting helps to visually enlarge a small kitchen, evenly filling it with diffused soft light without shadows.

Soft light without shadows can visually enlarge the space in a small kitchen.

When lighting a spacious kitchen, light sources should be placed in such a way that they illuminate all functional areas well. At the same time, there should be a feeling of intimacy and comfort, and the whole atmosphere of the kitchen should be pleasant. Lamps are often placed around the perimeter of the kitchen, installing a pendant chandelier in the center of the room, above the dining table.

Spotlights are located around the perimeter of the kitchen and there is a large chandelier in the center.

If the ceilings in the kitchen are low, then experts advise installing rotating lamp models, directing their light to the ceiling. In addition, you can also install lamps on the canopies of wall cabinets. The use of a ceiling chandelier should be abandoned.

With the help of spotlights, you can perfectly zone a room, correctly highlighting each functional area. Spotlights are ideal for illumination and decorative decoration of two-level ceilings. It is best to use embedded models for this.

Spotlights located on a two-level ceiling.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing spotlights

When choosing spotlights that will help you create the perfect kitchen space, you should pay attention to some parameters.

Manufacturer country- most of the spotlights present on the country's market were produced in China. To purchase a truly high-quality product, you need to look for the by Europe marking on it. As a rule, these products are of higher quality and, accordingly, have a longer service life.

Choose high-quality lamps, then they will serve you for a long time.

At the same time, the cost of European products is almost no different from the cost of Chinese products. It is worth paying attention to spotlights that are produced in Poland; products from Russia and Ukraine are of good quality at an affordable price.

Product quality- Until recently, spotlights were presented on the market in a small assortment. Currently, their choice is very large, which is why choosing the most suitable option can be difficult.

Manufacturers offer lighting devices for every taste and budget. In stores you can buy cheap stamped devices and expensive lamp models inlaid with Swarowski crystals.

Currently, there is a huge selection of lamps of different types and shapes.

Color range of lamps- it is recommended to buy all spotlights for the kitchen from one batch so that they have maximum similarity to each other in the shade of the body. It is also important that such devices are in harmony with the overall design of the room in their color scheme, and are made in the same style as the interior.

It is important that the spotlights are in harmony with the overall interior of the kitchen.

Device design- for installation in the kitchen, it is recommended to choose spotlights of simpler shapes, which will be much easier to clean from dust or dirt. For installation on suspended ceilings, lamp models with rounded edges are more suitable. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you can purchase the simplest models of spotlights that do not contain crystal or glass.

For the kitchen it is better to choose spotlights of simple shapes.

Advice! Before making a purchase, it is recommended to obtain detailed advice from the seller, who will provide all the necessary information about the product itself, its installation method and operating features.

When used correctly, spotlights will be an excellent replacement for a traditional chandelier and will create ideal lighting in the kitchen. The main thing is to choose really high-quality products - they may cost more, but they will last a longer time.

Spotlights can completely replace all lighting in the kitchen.

Spotlights in kitchen design - real photo examples

This choice affects the interior you create, and also has a significant impact on the mood of the room and the comfort of staying in it. Therefore, it is worthwhile to carefully familiarize yourself in advance with what types of kitchen lamps are available and how to choose the most suitable one.

Various chandelier designs

Hanging chandeliers

The most common option in the kitchen. Such lamps have one light source or several shades and are suspended on a decorative chain or cord.

For a small room, it is enough to choose a lamp with a lampshade placed above the table.

Depending on the interior design, pendant chandeliers can be equipped with shades made of the following materials:

• Glass;
• Plastic;
• Fabrics;
• Papers.

The choice of ceiling chandeliers for the kitchen is optimal for compact room dimensions and low ceilings. Typically, the lamp is made in simple geometric shapes, based on a circle or square.

But there are also very original models that imitate the shape:

• Flower;
• Figure;
• Tree;
• Other, as in the photo above.

The shades of such chandeliers in the kitchen can be either transparent or muted matte.

Classic type

This choice occupies a separate position. They always look luxurious and elegant, reminiscent of the lamps of throne rooms and palaces. The smooth outlines and characteristic shape of the lampshades resemble flowers. As a rule, such models are made of metal and glass, but now there are options made of ceramics or wood.

Crystal chandeliers look especially solemn, taking on the image of lamps from past centuries. Such lamps are still popular now; in 2015, many new products of this type appeared in the collections of manufacturers.

Nuances of placement and selection of lamps

The size and height of the kitchen ceilings are key when choosing hanging chandeliers.

Small room

For small-sized kitchens, it is worth choosing a compact ceiling or overhead plate chandelier, the so-called ceiling type - as if pressed to the ceiling, as opposed to hanging ones. Choosing such chandeliers for the kitchen creates a feeling of spaciousness and distributes light evenly, as shown in the photo.

Narrow and elongated kitchens

In narrow and elongated kitchens, long hanging models with small shades, as in the photo, look good. You need to carefully consider how many light bulbs you will need to illuminate the space evenly.

Spacious kitchens

A selection of chic, massive and intricately woven models of chandeliers in the “Classic” style look harmonious in spacious kitchens. Moreover, it can be a traditional model with pendants and candelabra, or a multi-tiered composition made of glass or wicker spheres, or an allusion to a floral bouquet for a kitchen in the Provence style - everything is determined by the surroundings.

The location of the chandelier in a small kitchen is preferably in the center of the room.

It is allowed to place the lamp, including pendant variations, exactly above the dining table in the design of kitchens combined with a dining room, if the dining area is located in the kitchen.

In a spacious dining room, where pompous multi-tiered models are appropriate, as in the photo, it is possible to select even two main light sources, evenly distributed throughout the room.

Technical aspects of lighting organization

When choosing a lighting device, parameters such as maximum lighting power, type of lamps used, and more are important.

Lighting

It is important to think in advance whether the chandelier in the kitchen is the only source of light or just the main one. If, for example, additional lighting is planned for a low ceiling and illumination of the work area, then a chandelier in the kitchen can cover two-thirds of the need for electric light. By the way, if the interior is made in dark colors, then more light is required, since the white color of the design reflects light and makes the room more spacious and brighter.

Power and number of lamps

Consider the selection of the number of lamps in the desired chandelier and their maximum total power.

Also pay attention to the type of lamps used:

• Conventional incandescent lamps;
• Luminescent energy-saving;
• Small halogen lamps;
• LEDs.

Each type has its pros and cons, but there are some limiting factors. For example, with a suspended ceiling, the use of halogen light bulbs is unacceptable.

Chandelier style for kitchen interior

Only your taste and the appropriate surroundings will help you decide on the appearance and mood of the desired chandelier for your kitchen. Of course, being an element of decor, it simply must be combined with the style of the room, be it “Provence” or “Modern”.

Chandeliers-candelabra

They are very familiar, as shown in the photo, and are appropriate in traditional interiors, although they can also be found in the atmosphere of Provence. As a rule, the selected models are equipped with fabric shades and are more suitable for dining rooms.

Forged model with lamps - “candles”

Perfect for Provence or Country style. Among similar chandeliers for the kitchen, you can choose an artificially aged model that is as close as possible to ancient samples. In 2014, such examples were especially popular.

Crystal, multi-tiered and others

These and other pompous chandeliers for the kitchen can only be chosen for spacious rooms and spacious dining rooms. The furnishings should match such a lamp and be replete with natural wood furniture. Some of the variations shown in the photo can be chosen for a Provence kitchen filled with antiques and many accessories.

Modern chandeliers

In a “High-Tech” or “Fusion” kitchen, the direction of the chandelier can be of the most unpredictable shapes. In this area, a variety of modern suspended models of any placement levels are very common.

Typical materials for high-tech chandeliers are metal and plastic - a fancy shape, the originality of the design of the lamp can become a true decoration and a bright spot in the interior of a stylish kitchen.

Photos of various kitchens with lamps from 2014 only emphasize this.

In general, the collections of modern chandeliers of 2014 surprise with a wide variety of stylistic combinations.

Original chandeliers for the kitchen harmoniously combine the characteristic features of various trends, which allows you to combine all kinds of elements in the apartment, avoiding bad taste.

Important little things to consider

Pay attention to aspects of practical daily use of a chandelier in the kitchen that are subtle at first. Taking into account the specifics of the interior, more stringent hygiene requirements will be imposed on the lamp.

• The chandelier should not instantly get dirty in the kitchen Accordingly, models made of glass and plastic, but not fabric, are preferred. Even for rooms in the spirit of “Provence”, you can choose beautiful hanging or ceiling varieties with plastic imitation of fabric elements;
• Lampshades must be able to withstand sufficient amounts of soapy water;
• A low-mounted chandelier in the kitchen is selected exclusively from high-quality materials, because it must look good both outside and inside;
• When choosing ornate forged models, be prepared for a large accumulation of dust in the curls. For the same reason, in terms of keeping the kitchen clean, chandeliers of simple geometric shapes are preferable.

Let's sum it up

Nowadays there are a wide variety of chandeliers for the kitchen, and choosing among them the one that you really like is not always easy. But it is important to imagine what result you would like to see in your kitchen.

If you have definitely chosen the Provence, Modern or Classic style for your decor, then you should look for a suitable chandelier in the same direction.

Which chandelier to choose for the kitchen so that it creates cozy or bright lighting, looks harmonious and does not lose its attractive appearance in a short time? Let's figure out what criteria you need to focus on.

Choosing a lamp design

To choose the perfect kitchen chandelier, you need to think not only about its design, but also about practicality. Its shape and size depend on the design; it affects the ease of installation (which is important if you do it yourself) and maintenance - washing and changing lamps. The features of the two most popular types of kitchen chandeliers are shown in the table.

Advice! For a cramped kitchen with low ceilings, it is better to choose pendant chandeliers with caution: too large or small a size will emphasize the limited space even in the most thoughtful interior, and a low-lying light source will cause discomfort.

Lamp replacement issues

The following types of lamps are used in modern lamps, each of which has its own characteristics:

• incandescent lamps– the usual option, they give warm light, but require frequent changes and are not economical despite the low price;

• fluorescent and LED lamps, which will cost more, but will consume less electricity, and a color temperature that is comfortable for the eyes will have to be selected;

• miniature halogen lamps- the rarest option, they give a very bright light and last a long time, but they heat up during operation more than incandescent lamps, are expensive and require special disposal measures.

Advice! Regardless of which type you decide to choose, make sure the fixture does not require bulbs with a rare size, shape, base type, or unpopular wattage rating.

Kitchen area and location of functional areas

To choose a suitable kitchen lamp, you need to analyze the relative position of the functional areas and take into account the shape and area of ​​the room.

Small

Which chandelier should be installed in a small kitchen with a shape close to a square? One powerful light source in the center of the ceiling will be enough. If desired, it can be supplemented with lighting in the working or dining area (if the family does not gather at the table in the living room or another room).

Medium and spacious

In a more spacious room, it is better to place the chandelier above the dining table, no lower than at a height of 1.2–1.4 m from it, so that the people sitting at it do not experience discomfort. For work surfaces in this case, additional local lighting will be required. This option will be more practical than placing the main light source exactly in the center of the room, where there is nothing important.

Advice! In a spacious kitchen with a lot of variety in the interior, you can show creativity; for example, an original chandelier with shades in the form of wine glasses will look good in the interior above the bar counter.

Elongated

In a narrow, long room, not a compact lamp, but a more modern version, consisting of several light sources on one line, will look more successful. It will allow you to more evenly illuminate an elongated room, especially if the work and dining areas are located at different edges. Lighting in the center is not so important. Another technique suitable for this case is the use of two or more identical lamps located in a row. Which chandelier to choose for a kitchen studio? Both of these methods are also suitable for zoning space in studio apartments, where the kitchen is not separated from the living room by walls: the light curtain will serve as a functional and aesthetic border between them.

Related article: Wall decoration in the kitchen: 7 stylish options

Lighting brightness

For maximum comfort, the lighting intensity should be sufficient: Too bright or dim light will be depressing. To put this into practice, average illumination standards are used for different types of lamps in kitchen lamps. They are 15–20 W/m2 for incandescent lamps, 3–5 W/m2 for fluorescent lamps and 2–3 W/m2 for LED lamps. It is easy to calculate that to illuminate a kitchen, for example, with an area of ​​10 m2, two 15 W LED bulbs will be required.

Important! The darker the colors used in the interior, the brighter the lamps should shine.

It is also useful to provide the ability to adjust the brightness of the lighting. If during culinary experiments there should be as much light as possible, then during kitchen gatherings dim light will add coziness and intimacy.

Use a chandelier where you can turn on individual bulbs, or a switch with a dimmer to adjust the intensity of incandescent bulbs: this will add atmosphere to your home and avoid wasting energy.

One of the most important criteria for choosing a kitchen lamp is how well it will look in the interior.

Which chandelier to choose for different styles

Depending on the finish, kitchen unit and dining room, several recommendations can be given:

• Laconic kitchen or living room spaces in techno, hi-tech, minimalism or loft styles require discreet solutions: ceiling chandeliers with graphic shapes or pendant lamps imitating street lamps.

• Classic elements in the kitchen interior are emphasized by traditional chandeliers with crystal pendants or in the form of candelabra, lamps with fabric shades will fit into a living room in a classicist style.

• Ethnic oriental and African motifs go well with lamps reminiscent of traditional crafts. Authentic decor and natural materials will add coziness to both the kitchen eating area and the dining table installed in the living room.

• In an interior in a European spirit (Provence, country, Italian), floral patterns would be appropriate. They can use plant motifs made of glass, metal or plastic, or real branches, dried flowers and leaves, pebbles, shells and other natural materials.

Related article: Unique kitchen in contemporary style

Note! Eclecticism techniques and fusion style, which is a mixture of other styles, are always relevant, so not in all cases you need to strive to fit the lamp exactly into the interior. Thus, a richly decorated classic chandelier will emphasize the austere beauty of a kitchen in high-tech or minimalist styles due to contrast.

How to choose a color

To choose the color of the body or shade of a lamp for the kitchen or dining table in the living room, you can use one of the following considerations:

• Support one of the interior colors. You can choose a lamp in a shade close to the color of the walls, floors, furniture or kitchen textiles.

• Create contrast. In a monochrome interior or against a background of muted tones, a single accent in the form of a bright chandelier will look no less stylish.

Consider the influence of color on the psyche: warm colors look better in the kitchen, they invigorate and awaken the appetite, while cold colors help you relax and would be more appropriate in the living room, bathroom or bedroom.

Practical materials for kitchen lamps

When choosing a material for a kitchen chandelier, you should be guided by considerations of safety and practicality. Even powerful hoods are not able to protect it from dust and grease droplets, so be prepared for regular cleaning.

Glass, metal and plastic are the most versatile in care, but with natural materials you will have to tinker. If wood can be protected with varnish, and a forged surface with mastic, then fabric and paper will quickly lose their presentable appearance, and they are unlikely to be washed without damaging them. If you are not ready for regular renovations, leave easily stained materials for the bedroom or living room.

The best option – lamps that are protected from splashes and dust, they will extend the life of the light bulbs installed in them, they themselves will last longer and will not require much effort when washing.

It is difficult to choose a chandelier for the kitchen so that it meets all these criteria, so focus on the main thing - the purchase should make you happy.

How to choose the right chandelier (3 videos)

Types of chandeliers and their placement in the kitchen (43 photos)

The key to good light in the kitchen is to find a balance between task and main lighting. The key to a stylish kitchen is to find a chandelier that is not too small and not too large, and will coordinate with other lamps and with the interior as a whole. We tell you how to choose the ideal chandelier for the kitchen by design, size and material, as well as how to plan a lighting scheme for comfortable cooking and cozy meals.

How to choose a chandelier for the kitchen in 5 steps

Step 1. A little math

Going to the store with the thought “I want a chandelier with five arms” is quite risky. The lighting may be too bright or dim. To understand what lamp power you need and how many of them should be in the future chandelier, you can:

• Use special online calculators like Dialux (some are free). They require a lot of data input, but provide the most accurate recommendations for lighting power.
• You can make calculations yourself, focusing on the standards recommended by SanPin. The calculation is done in two stages.

Stage 1. Calculate the required amount of luminous flux (in Lumens)

This indicator is calculated using the formula = X * Y * Z, where:

• X – standard illumination of the object. For kitchens and dining rooms, SanPin recommends a standard illumination level of 150 lux.
• Y – kitchen area in sq. meters.
• Z – correction factor for ceiling heights. If the ceiling height is 2.5-2.7 m, then the coefficient is equal to one, if 2.7-3 m, then the coefficient is 1.2; if 3-3.5 m, then the coefficient is 1.5.

• Thus, for kitchens with an area of ​​12 sq. m and a ceiling of 2.7 m requires a luminous flux of 1800 l.

Stage 2. Find out the required number of lamps and their power

Now, knowing the amount of luminous flux required for your kitchen, you can calculate the required number and power of lamps. The table below shows the power values ​​of all types of lamps and their equivalent luminous flux values. We divide the luminous flux value obtained at the first stage by the luminous flux value in lumens for the selected lamp. As a result, we get the required number of lamps of a specific power for your kitchen.

Please note that when choosing a chandelier, you need to focus specifically on Lumens, and not on power in Watts. Manufacturers usually indicate this indicator on lamp packaging.

Of course, this calculation is not perfectly accurate. Moreover, there is a widespread belief that the kitchen needs more light than SanPin recommends - about 200-250 lux. In addition, you need to keep in mind that the table presents very approximate values, since the luminous flux of two lamps of the same type and power can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer.

• Our advice: a little excess light is not harmful and is even desirable.
• Keep in mind that the darker the kitchen interior, the more powerful lamps are needed to illuminate the room.

Step 2. Decide on the size and type of chandelier

• For kitchens with low ceilings(2.4-2.6 m) you should not buy high hanging chandeliers. It is better to bet on ceiling lamps, spotlights, wall sconces, floor lamps and even table lamps.

In a kitchen with low ceilings, it is good to use wall sconces or floor lamps, the light of which is directed upward

By the way, the ceiling lamp should not be small. A flat but sweeping chandelier like the one in the photo below will look much more harmonious.

• If the ceiling height is from 2.7 m, then the chandelier should be the main dominant feature in the interior.
• The most common mistake in choosing a chandelier for the kitchen is the fear of large sizes. When choosing between a slightly larger and a slightly smaller chandelier, you should not be embarrassed - the larger model always looks more harmonious.
• For a kitchen with high ceilings, you should choose massive chandeliers or very high pendants.

Step 3. Looking for where to hang the chandelier

The size of a chandelier largely depends on its location. For example, if the lamp hangs above a table, island or bar counter, then it can be large and tall, because in this place no one can hit it with their head. The main thing is that its light does not hit the eyes of those sitting at the table.

• Typically, chandeliers are hung above the table at a distance of 70-90 cm.

It is especially appropriate to place a chandelier above the table in a kitchen-living room, a kitchen in a studio apartment or in a spacious kitchen-dining room. Here are some photo examples of this solution.

A small kitchen will seem more spacious if you place several lamps along the walls around the perimeter of the room. These can be any lamps: floor lamps, sconces, table lamps, spotlights. The trick will work most effectively with light walls.

To visually expand a narrow kitchen, you need to install wall sconces or spotlights along one wall. Lamps lined up in the middle of the ceiling will further narrow the space.

Advice: The placement of chandeliers and lamps should be treated as... setting priorities in the interior.

Step 4. Choose the design and style of the chandelier

The choice of chandelier design depends on the style of the interior and the atmosphere you want to create.

For classical and neoclassical cuisine. For a formal classic kitchen, especially spacious and with high ceilings, a crystal chandelier is suitable. The more pendants it has, the more elegant the interior will be.

If the classics are not strict, then you can choose a chandelier with soft lampshades or in the Flemish style, possibly made of wood or aged metal.

Tip: For a classic kitchen, you can choose a chandelier and sconces or other additional lamps from the same collection.

For a rustic kitchen. For a kitchen in Provence and country style, forged chandeliers or chandeliers with ceramic shades, antique bronze or brass chandeliers with crystal pendants and lantern lamps are suitable. A Tiffany style chandelier is also suitable for a country style interior.

Tip: It is advisable that the lamps in a rustic-style kitchen be varied, but combined with each other.

A lampshade is suitable for a kitchen in the style of a Russian dacha.

For a modern kitchen. For a modern kitchen, you can choose a chandelier with a laconic design - with smooth or, conversely, strict geometric lines made of metal, glass and/or plastic.

A chandelier in a modern style can resemble a real art object or be very modest in shape but bright in color.

In a minimalist kitchen, you can play with contrast and choose a luxurious crystal chandelier.

For a loft style kitchen. Chandeliers with incandescent light bulbs without shades, as well as any ceiling or wall lamps made of metal (except gold, perhaps), will fit perfectly into a loft-style interior. Lamps with directional light and an adjustable tripod also work well.

Tip: When choosing a chandelier for the kitchen, try to take into account the style of the lamps in other rooms. They do not have to be the same or selected from the same collection, but it is better that they have something in common. For example, all the lighting fixtures in the house could have bronze details to match the door handles.

Step 5. Consider materials

• When choosing a chandelier, keep in mind that the lower it hangs, the higher quality the materials, parts and fittings from which it is made should be. A low-hanging chandelier should look good both outside and inside. If it hangs high, then it is not necessary to buy a model made from expensive materials. For example, a crystal chandelier can be replaced with a chandelier with glass or even plastic pendants. Plastic hanging on the ceiling will not be scratched, but it will not age beautifully like real crystal.
• A chandelier in the kitchen, of course, should be practical and easy to care for, because periodically it needs to be cleaned from the inevitable grease and dust. Therefore, a glass or plastic model is preferable to a fabric one. Paper lamps are the most impractical, as they cannot be cleaned without damaging them. A wooden chandelier will do, but it should be coated with varnish, and a metal chandelier with mastic. But forged lamps are difficult to wipe off dust, since they have many bends and curls. Simple geometrically shaped glass or plastic ceiling lights are perfect for the kitchen: they are easy to care for.

7 things you need to know about planning kitchen lighting

1. You need to plan your kitchen lighting scheme before renovating. It is best to do this at the stage when the location of the work area, dining table and storage area has already been determined.
2. The secret to pleasant lighting in the kitchen is to use more than one light source at different levels. One central chandelier on the ceiling creates harsh shadows, reduces the space and makes it uncomfortable. Add to it at least one sconce, floor lamp or work area lighting, and the interior will transform before your eyes.

1. The kitchen must have work area lighting and main lighting. Additional lighting is optional. 1. Illumination of the work area, that is, the countertop and/or island, is created by spotlights or LED lighting. They are installed on the ceiling (directly above the countertop) or under wall cabinets as in the photo below. 2. The main lighting is created either by spotlights around the perimeter/entire ceiling area and/or by a chandelier/pendant lights/wall sconces.

What else can you highlight in the kitchen? Here are several possible options: illumination of wall decor, a mini-vegetable garden on the windowsill, cabinets with glass doors in a set or sideboard, as well as illumination of the base or cornice of a set. Any local lighting will only make the main light softer and more interesting.

1. The light temperature in the working and non-working areas should be different. LED lamps can produce warm, neutral or cool light. The ideal light for the work area is neutral white (as close as possible to natural daylight) or slightly cool. You should not choose a shade that is too cold, as food under it will seem unappetizing. To illuminate the dining area and general lighting, it is better to choose yellowish or white warm light.
2. Electricity can be saved using LED lamps and dimmers. LED lamps reduce energy consumption by up to 90% and last up to 20 years. Dimmers allow you to smoothly regulate the degree of illumination and, thereby, save energy costs.
3. It is important to maintain technical distances. Some numbers:

• Any lamps, sockets, switches and wires must be located at a distance of at least 60 cm from the sink and water communications.
• Recessed ceiling lights should be installed at least 30–40 cm apart from each other.
• A distance of at least 20 cm must be maintained from the corner of the wall to the lamp.

1. When choosing a lamp for the kitchen, consider what lamps it is designed for. There are several types of lamps, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Incandescent lamps. Their advantages include low price and pleasant warm light, their disadvantages include a short service life (1000-1200 hours), low efficiency (80% of electricity turns into heat).
• Compact fluorescent (CCL). Pros: bright light, economical (only LEDs are more economical), long service life. Disadvantages: rough appearance of the lamps, not environmentally friendly (their disposal must be carried out in accordance with certain rules), the light of fluorescent lamps can be tiring for the eyes. In addition, sometimes such lamps noticeably “blink” due to voltage fluctuations.
• Halogen. Pros: lamps last a very long time. Disadvantages: they get very hot, are expensive, and in addition, their disposal must be carried out in accordance with certain rules. If there are children in the house, then it is not advisable to buy a chandelier with halogen lamps.
• LED. Cons: high price. Pros: increased strength, economical energy consumption, variety of shades, environmental friendliness, versatility (can be used both for lamps and as independent light sources and illumination), not subject to heat, service life of 10-20 years.

In a kitchen with suspended PVC ceilings, you can install chandeliers with any LED lamps. For other types of lamps there are restrictions: halogen lamps must have a power of no more than 35 W, and incandescent lamps - 60 W. This is due to the properties of the material, which can melt from too high temperatures.

Here are a couple more tips for choosing lamps:

• Lamps with a wide beam provide general light, while lamps with a narrow beam provide local illumination.
• Candle-shaped lamps provide more directional light.