Lighting devices play an important role when creating the interior of any room. In addition to the main function of lighting, they can also perform decorative functions. For example, lamps placed above the bar counter in the kitchen provide an opportunity not only to highlight a stylish piece of furniture, but also to make it comfortable for household members and their guests to sit behind it.
Modern lighting equipment provides an opportunity for designers to bring to life a wide variety of fantasies and interior solutions, transforming ordinary living spaces beyond recognition.
For your information! In the modern lighting equipment market, bar lights are represented by a wide range of products, both foreign and domestic. But choosing the most suitable lighting equipment for a particular case is not so easy, since many nuances need to be taken into account.
Lighting as zoning
Bar counters in the kitchen came to domestic apartments from America, gaining enormous popularity among the population. This design is a kind of luxury item, making the room more glamorous and fashionable. Thanks to different configurations, the structure was able to fit even in the smallest Khrushchev building. Moreover, it provided housewives with additional space for storing kitchen utensils, drinks and food. As for the studios, here the bar counter solved the zoning problem. When combining the kitchen and living room, the division of space is very important, especially when autonomous zones are allocated: work and guest. Each of them needs full lighting, because one chandelier and sunlight are very few for a spacious room.
Pendant lamps are the most successful option for individual lighting of each area in the kitchen.
Before starting the repair, you should decide on the location of the lamps, since after finishing work it will be difficult to move the wiring and sockets. In addition, it is important to know the location of the shadow so as not to stand with your back to the light source. This may cause some inconvenience when cooking. Soft diffused light is more suitable for a recreation area. These can be floor lamps, sconces with matte shades, or just a chandelier in the center of the room.
The work area should be well lit, so give preference to spotlights along the apron and built-in lamps in open shelves. Above the table, pendant lamps and halogen lamps would be appropriate. The LED strip along the perimeter of the ceiling looks very impressive. If the structure is suspended and made of plasterboard, the effect of a “floating” ceiling occurs. To zone the space, you can also equip a podium, that is, raise the kitchen area in the apartment. Just note that the height of such a structure should not exceed 20 cm, otherwise the risk of injury will increase. Lamps can be installed along the podium.
Lampshades or shades above the bar counter should accentuate this main area of the kitchen
Varieties
First of all, it is necessary to dispel the popular misconception that sconces can only be hung on the wall. There is a separate subspecies - ceiling sconces. These are small lamps that hang on the ceiling and provide spot lighting.
Ceiling sconces provide spot lighting
Most often they are used to illuminate the work area, providing additional lighting, or to create cozy vertical lighting in the dining area. Often such lamps have the form of a hemisphere oriented towards the ceiling or, conversely, towards the floor.
Wall sconces are much more diverse. There are several types of such lamps.
Closed or semi-closed sconces
These sconces are equipped with a glass shade, transparent or translucent. Such lamps can be designed in various styles and are perfect for the kitchen - the smooth surface is not difficult to clean from dirt.
Closed sconces
Semi-closed sconces
This type is recommended for use in small kitchens - due to its compactness, it does not take up much space.
Directional sconces
They consist of a flexible base and the lamp itself. The main advantage of such a lamp is that you can turn it in the direction you need, directing the light.
You can direct the light the way you want
We recommend installing them above a work area where ceiling lighting is often insufficient.
Decorative sconces
They can take on a wide variety of forms—we’ll talk about them in more detail below.
Decorative sconces are quite varied
A large number of decorative solutions allows you to choose the right option for any kitchen design.
Bar counter lighting
In the kitchen, a bar counter is very often used as a dining table, and much less often as a bar. Indeed, this cozy place attracts all guests and household members, even when there is a separate dining room. In this case, it is worth remembering that fluorescent lamps distort the original color of the food, creating a bright blue light. Psychologists say that this causes a feeling of fear and anxiety, so such lighting devices are in no way suitable for the kitchen. Otherwise, the lighting of the bar counter can be very diverse. Let's look at the main types of lighting.
- Spot lighting is the most common option, which is characterized by direct light entering the desired area. Typically, halogen or incandescent lamps are used, which are mounted in the ceiling or in the top panel of the bar counter without taking up space. Such lighting is especially relevant in rooms with low ceilings that need to expand the space. Lamps for the bar counter can also be rotatable, making it possible to set the lighting angle.
- Hanging lamps have a great advantage: their height can be adjusted thanks to a special suspension. They are attached like a chandelier to the ceiling or to a panel made of chipboard or MDF. The type of lighting depends on the choice of lampshade: a transparent one can illuminate a large area, but not as brightly as an opaque one. In the latter option, the light will be concentrated in one specific place. If you wish, you can do without a lampshade and simply hang a lamp, if the overall style of the kitchen allows it.
- Track lights for the bar counter are very suitable for a high-tech interior, making it even more original and cosmic. These are energy-saving devices that move on a conductive busbar. It is noteworthy that the buses can be flexible, which allows you to change the backlight configuration. Such lighting fixtures can often be seen in offices and government agencies, which is why the most common tire colors are black and white. Track bar lights are a great way to showcase your creativity and creativity.
- Spots are lamps that are mounted on a metal bracket. Thanks to the rotating mechanism, such bar lamps easily change the lighting angle. The design can be represented by any intricate shapes: arc, semicircle, zigzag, etc. This item is very suitable for modern interiors - loft, minimalism or modern.
- A bar chandelier is an expensive and sophisticated decorative element made of crystal. Typically, the color of the fittings ranges from light gold to silver and contrasts very effectively with black surfaces. However, such bar lamps are not very practical to use, because they are fragile and require careful care.
Spotlights create direct light over the area over which they are located
Requirements and standards for lighting in the kitchen
When making repairs, remember the lighting standards.
Let's start with documents describing lighting standards. There are several of them: building codes and regulations 05/23/2010 “Natural and artificial lighting” (replacing SNiP 23-05-95), set of rules 52.13330.2011 “Natural and artificial lighting” and sanitary rules and regulations 2.2.1-2.1. 1.1278-03 “Hygienic requirements for natural, artificial and combined lighting of residential and public buildings.”
It is not necessary to read the entire documents; it is enough to know the lighting standards for residential buildings. Based on these standards, you can calculate how much light your specific kitchen needs.
According to the documents, the illumination must be at least 150 lux. We will base our calculations on this figure. Let's multiply the illumination by the area in m2 to obtain the required luminous flux value. For example, the illumination for a kitchen of 15 m2 will be equal to: 150 × 15 = 2250 (lm).
Remember that 150 lux is the minimum value. If you like brighter rooms, then take 180-200 lux.
Next, we will convert the calculated number of lumens (lm) into more understandable watts (W) and the number of light bulbs. The average luminous flux values of different types of lamps presented in the table will help.
| Light source power, W | Light flow, lm | ||
| Incandescent lamp | Luminescent | LED | |
| 20 | 5-7 | 2-3 | 250 |
| 40 | 10-13 | 4-5 | 400 |
| 60 | 15-16 | 8-10 | 700 |
| 75 | 18-20 | 10-12 | 900 |
| 100 | 25-30 | 12-15 | 1200 |
| 150 | 40-50 | 18-20 | 1800 |
| 200 | 60-80 | 25-30 | 2500 |
The luminous flux values are approximate, but they are suitable for approximate calculations. (The exact numbers are indicated on the packaging of the specific light bulb). Based on the table, for a kitchen with an area of 15 m2, several options are possible:
The following options are possible:
- one LED lamp with a power of 30 W (fluorescent 80 W, incandescent 200 W);
- two LED bulbs with a power of 15 W (fluorescent 30 W, incandescent 100 W);
- three LED light bulbs with a power of 12 W (fluorescent 80 W, incandescent 200 W);
- six 5 W LED bulbs (fluorescent 13 W, incandescent 40 W);
- nine LED bulbs 3 W each (fluorescent 7 W, incandescent 20 W).
The choice of the number and type of lamps is up to you. However, for a large room it is irrational to use one powerful light bulb: it will be dark in the corners and work areas. Comfortable, uniform illumination divides the light fluxes into the upper main and additional illumination.
Neon lights
The luminous bar counter, photos of which are presented on the website, is a novelty by modern designers. Previously, such a design could only be seen in nightclubs and bars, but today it is possible to admire it at home. The LED strip can be placed anywhere on the bar counter. In addition, it will not fail even if several lamps burn out. You can adjust the lighting using a special control panel. Glowing parts can be of different colors and shapes at the request of the customer. Neon tape easily creates fancy patterns and inscriptions. In addition to the spectacular decor, such lighting can provide good illumination of the workplace. It can be mounted into a countertop, facade, top panel, etc. An illuminated bar counter will become the highlight of any interior, attracting the admiring glances of guests.
The LED strip is easy to install, hardly noticeable when turned off and can have different shades of light.
Lamp design
Bar lamps, as well as the lighting of any of the studio areas, must correspond to the overall design of the apartment. This applies to both the stylistic concept and color scheme. For example, in a kitchen in a rustic Provence or country style, bar chandeliers, fragile and elegant, will look completely ridiculous. In this case, it is worth choosing lamps with a wicker lampshade or made of rattan. LED lighting of the bar counter in a classic interior will also cause confusion among designers. Remember that each item should have its own place and its own setting.
Also pay attention to the practicality of materials, since it is difficult to avoid grease and soot in the kitchen. Give preference to lampshades made of plastic, metal, glass, which are easy to use and easy to clean. In the loft style, you can do without a cover at all and simply hang the light bulbs above the bar counter, especially if it has the shape of an island and serves as a full-fledged table. Hanging wires will only emphasize the casual street atmosphere. Bar lamps in a retro kitchen can be represented by pendant lamps with metal shades, but only in neutral shades. For high-tech, modern, and minimalist styles, a neon or LED strip is suitable, which can be installed around the perimeter or at the top of the bar counter. It will go well with chrome parts, newfangled appliances, and glossy surfaces.
Lamp shades can be made of wood, metal, glass or textiles - it all depends on the style of the room
A large room needs lighting in each zone. This is not only a way to divide space, but also saves energy in the future. As for a miniature kitchen, a bar counter can be a real salvation, eliminating the need to install additional lighting sources. It will be enough to illuminate the apron and bar counter - and there is no point in a chandelier. If the bar counter is a continuation of the headset, it is advisable to provide spot lighting for both structures at the top and bottom. Firstly, it is practical for the housewife (since the work area in this case is brightly lit), and secondly, it will visually combine two important elements.
A stylish, fashionable and spectacular interior is all thanks to the bar counter. It is the highlight of the room and a favorite meeting place for guests and family members. Properly selected lighting will not only provide a comfortable pastime, but will also make a bright accent on the main advantage of the kitchen.
Choosing a diffuser and direction of light
- Lamps completely covered by a shade as in the photo on the left create soft general lighting;
- If the lamp is covered with a diffuser only from below, then the direction of light will be more upward - towards the ceiling and wall, which is more suitable for creating general lighting rather than local;
- If the lamp is closed at the top, then the sconce will only illuminate the space below it quite brightly. Such local lighting is suitable for illuminating a dining or work area. If the light blinds your eyes, change the regular lamp to a matte one;
- The most universal and common option is a sconce with the direction of light up and down, and through the lampshade, that is, a diffuser. Such a wall lamp will not dazzle the eyes and will create both general and local lighting in the kitchen.
Photo: bar counter lighting options
Video: how to properly plan kitchen lighting.
