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The kitchen is one of the busiest parts of the home, so good lighting can make a real difference. You might be preparing dinner, making coffee or sitting down with friends, and the right lighting can help make the space feel comfortable and practical throughout the day.

There isn't just one type of lighting that works for every kitchen. Some areas need bright, practical light, while others can benefit from something a little softer or more decorative.

If you're planning a new kitchen or simply want to improve the lighting you already have, there are a few options worth considering. From lighting your worktops to highlighting features such as splashbacks, choosing the right combination can help you create a kitchen that works well for everyday use and looks great too.

IP Rated LED Tape 

LED tape is a simple way to add extra light without taking up much space. It works particularly well under kitchen cabinets, where it can illuminate your worktops without adding another bulky fitting. The tape can sit neatly out of sight, giving you light where you need it while keeping the installation discreet.

If you're installing LED tape somewhere that could be exposed to splashes or moisture, WLED has IP65 and IP67 LED tape available, providing different levels of protection. Just make sure you choose a tape with an IP rating that's suitable for the location where it will be installed. 

IP Rated Downlights

Downlights are another popular choice for kitchen lighting. They sit neatly into the ceiling and offer a clean, unobtrusive way to light the space.

Using several fittings together can help provide good light coverage across a larger kitchen, with their position and spacing helping to create a balanced layout. Planning this before installation can also help you work out how many fittings you need.

If your downlights could be exposed to moisture, it's also important to choose a suitable IP rating. WLED's range includes IP44 and IP65 downlights, giving you different levels of protection depending on the product and where it will be installed.

IP44 provides protection against water splashes, while IP65 offers protection against water jets. Always check the product's IP rating and installation guidance to make sure it's suitable for the area where it will be installed.

LED Light Sheets

Not all kitchen lighting has to be about helping you see what you're doing. Sometimes you want to highlight a feature you've spent time choosing, and LED Light Sheets can be a great way to do this.

They can be used to create even backlighting behind features such as glass splashbacks, giving the surface a soft and consistent glow. The light spreads across the sheet to create a smooth finish, without concentrated points of light. 

WLED's bespoke hard LED Light Sheets can also be made to the exact size needed for your project, making them particularly useful for splashbacks or other features that need a tailored lighting solution. 

It's a simple way to draw attention to a feature while adding another layer of lighting to your kitchen.

Think About How You Use The Space 

Before choosing your lighting, think about how you actually use your kitchen and where you need the most light. If you regularly prepare food on a particular worktop, under-cabinet LED tape can provide extra light directly onto the surface, making it easier to see what you're doing.

You can also use lighting to draw attention to features you've chosen for your kitchen. A glass splashback, for example, can be given more impact with a bespoke LED Light Sheet fitted behind it, creating an even glow across the surface. 

You don't have to rely on one type of lighting either. Combining ceiling downlights for general illumination with LED tape under cabinets can help create a kitchen that's practical for everyday use while still feeling comfortable and welcoming when you're sitting down in the evening.

Thinking about how each area is used before you choose your lighting can make it much easier to decide which fittings will work best.

Choose The Right Colour Temperature

The colour temperature of your lighting can have a big effect on how your kitchen looks and feels. Warm white produces a softer, more welcoming light, while cool white gives you a brighter, cleaner appearance that can work well where you need clear visibility.

The right choice will depend on the atmosphere you want to create and how you use the space. For example, warm white LED tape under kitchen cabinets can create a softer glow in the evening, while cool white LED downlights can provide a brighter light across the kitchen during the day.

If you want more flexibility, CCT LED lighting allows you to adjust the colour temperature to suit different times of day. This can give you brighter light when you need to concentrate on a task and a warmer setting when you want to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Don't Forget The IP Rating 

If you're choosing lighting for an area where moisture could be present, always check the IP rating before buying.

An IP rating tells you how well a fitting is protected against things such as dust and water. The first number relates to protection against solid objects, while the second relates to liquids.

For example, IP44 provides protection against water splashes, while IP65 provides protection against water jets. The right rating will depend on the fitting and where it will be installed, so it's important to check that the product is suitable for your chosen location.

If you're unsure which IP rating you need, check the manufacturer's installation guidance before getting started. This will help you choose a fitting that's suitable for the conditions where it will be installed.

Finding The Right Kitchen Lighting

Choosing the right kitchen lighting comes down to finding fittings that work together and meet the needs of the space. For example, ceiling downlights can provide general illumination, LED tape can add light beneath cabinets, and a bespoke LED Light Sheet can provide backlighting for a glass splashback. 

Combining different types of lighting allows you to build a layered lighting scheme that works well for everyday tasks while giving you more flexibility throughout the day. 

Our Experts Can Help

If you're still not sure which lighting would work best for your kitchen, our team can help you talk through the options and find something that suits your space. 

You can contact WLED on 0116 321 4120 or email sales@wled.co.uk, and we'll be happy to help you find the right lighting for your project.

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