Basics of lighting planning for kitchens: strategies and technologies

Thoughtful lighting is a fundamental part of kitchen planning. It ensures work safety, influences the room atmosphere, and supports functional processes. An insufficient concept limited to a single ceiling light inevitably leads to shadows on work surfaces. Professional planning therefore combines various lighting levels and takes the electrical infrastructure into account.

1. The three-zone lighting concept in the kitchen

A proven principle is the division of lighting into three functional levels to illuminate each kitchen zone as needed, e.g., with warm white light.

Overview of light zones

1.1 General Lighting (Ambient Lighting)

Its task is the even and glare-free illumination of the entire room for safe orientation. Recessed spotlights (downlights), surface-mounted lights, or track systems are suitable for this. A dimming function is essential to adjust brightness according to the time of day and desired mood.

1.2 Task Lighting (Work Light)

This is the most important lighting level for functionality. It provides intense and shadow-free illumination of the main work surfaces: countertop, cooktop, and sink.

• Under-cabinet Lights: Linear LED light strips under the upper cabinets are the most effective solution as they prevent the working person from casting shadows on themselves.
• Light Quality: A high color rendering index (CRI > 90) is required for task lighting. Only then are the colors of food rendered true to life, which is important for assessing freshness and doneness.

1.3 Accent Lighting (Mood Lighting)

This level serves aesthetics and creates a cozy atmosphere through indirect lighting. It gives the room depth and structure. Examples include interior lighting of display cabinets, LED strips integrated into handle recesses, or plinth lighting that visually makes the kitchen unit appear to float.

1.4 Special Case Dining Area Lighting

The dining area requires its own lighting plan. A dimmable pendant light above the table is a classic solution. It creates a pleasant atmosphere that stands out from the functional task lighting. A light intensity of about 300 lux on the table surface is considered a good guideline.

2. Lighting technology and control

Modern kitchen lighting is based almost exclusively on LED technology due to its energy efficiency, longevity, and compact design.

• Light color (color temperature): The color temperature measured in Kelvin (K) influences the mood. Systems with adjustable color temperature (Tunable White) allow continuous regulation from activating neutral white (approx. 4,000 K) for work to relaxing warm white (approx. 3,000 K) for the living mode of the light sources.
• Smart home integration: Connection to smart home systems enables control via lighting scenes (e.g. "Cooking", "Dinner"), automation, or voice commands. The latter offers significant comfort in an environment where hands are often wet or dirty.

3. Electrical planning and installation

Careful planning of the power supply is fundamental to avoid impractical multiple sockets.

• Integrated power outlets: Retractable power outlet elements in the worktop or flush-mounted sockets in the niche cladding provide power connections without disturbing the appearance. Models with integrated USB ports for charging mobile devices are also available.
• Cable management: A professional installation is characterized by invisible and safe routing of cables and transformers. Special housings, often placed in the base area, bundle the technology in a central and accessible location. For installations near water sources, the use of components with the appropriate protection class (e.g. IP44 for splash protection) is a safety necessity.

4. Checklist for your lighting and electrical planning

Use these questions as a basis for the conversation with your kitchen planner or electrician:

• Functional areas: Where are my main work surfaces (preparing, cooking, washing)? Direct, shadow-free work lighting (approx. 500 lux, CRI > 90) is needed here.
• Atmosphere: Should the lighting mood be changeable? If yes, dimmable lights and systems with adjustable color temperature (Tunable White) are useful.
• Dining area: Does the dining area require separate, dimmable lighting to distinguish it from the work light?
• Power outlets: How many devices are used or charged simultaneously (coffee machine, tablet, phone)? Plan enough power outlets in the right places, possibly with USB ports.
• Operation: Do I prefer classic wall switches, a remote control, or integration into a smart home system with voice control?
• Safety: Are all electrical components near the sink suitable for damp rooms and designed according to the protection class (e.g. IP44)?