The Evolution of Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen lighting has come a long way since the days of a single ceiling fixture. Modern kitchen design has shifted towards an emphasis on practicality, and lighting is no exception. With modern kitchen pendants, design and function combine to provide a style statement and effective lighting solution.
The Benefits of Pendant Lighting
Modern pendant lighting is an increasingly popular choice for kitchen design. Its versatility in size, shape and material adds to its appeal.
Style:
Kitchen pendant lights come in a wide range of styles that can be easily matched with the design concept. From minimalist glass globe pendants to industrial steel caged lighting, the options are endless.
Functionality:
Kitchen pendant lights are hung lower than traditional ceiling fixtures, providing task lighting straight onto working areas. Personalised hanging heights mean the lights can be positioned at the ideal height for illuminating work zones attracted, creating a safer kitchen environment as sharp knives and hot pans are better visualised.
Mood lighting:
Modern kitchen pendants can also serve as ambient lighting to soften the space. Adding dimmer switches to these lights allows for the desired atmosphere to suit different occasions.
The Best Styles for Modern Kitchens
When selecting modern pendant lighting for the kitchen, there are no hard and fast rules. However, the following styles tend to work particularly well in modern kitchen design.
Globe Pendants:
Minimalism is on-trend, and glass globe pendants embody this perfectly, providing a simple and elegant lighting solution. Brass or copper fixtures, when paired with smoked or transparent glass, give a sleek and stylish look.
Industrial Pendants:
Industrial style pendant lights suit a modern kitchen perfectly, particularly for those leaning towards a contemporary, urban feel. Edison bulbs housed in brass or wrought iron frames provide a perfect example of this style.
Cluster Pendants:
If an ultra-modern look is desired, cluster pendants are a perfect option. These multi-light fixtures, placed together in a group, create a contemporary focal point for the kitchen.
Placement of Pendant Lights in the Kitchen
Effective placement of modern kitchen pendants provides both style and functionality.
Over the Centre Island:
Kitchen islands are the central point for food preparation and social interaction, meaning pendant lights are perfectly suited to this area. They provide task lighting for cooking as well as a warm ambiance for dining with friends and family.
Over the Sink:
Sinks are often placed next to a window offering natural light, but this doesn’t always illuminate the sink effectively. Pendant lighting strategically hung over the sink provides a brighter work zone and adds to the kitchen’s overall design concept.
Above the Countertop:
Modern kitchen pendants can enhance a designer kitchen’s aesthetic when placed over specific areas repeatedly utilised by the users. This not only provides practical task lighting but also acts as a unique design feature.
Modern kitchen pendants combine style, functionality and versatility creating the perfect lighting solution for modern kitchen design. From sleek glass globe pendants and urban industrial lighting to ultra-modern cluster pendants, the options are endless. Effective placement of kitchen pendant lights will maximise their potential to provide practical task lighting while adding unique design features to the space’s overall aesthetic.
