Choosing the right lighting for your kitchen is an important decision that can significantly impact your cooking experience, as well as the ambiance and functionality of the space. With eco-consciousness on the rise, many homeowners are looking for energy-efficient and sustainable lighting options to reduce their carbon footprint. The good news is that going green doesn’t mean sacrificing style or performance. From pendant lights to under cabinet fixtures, there are now ample choices for attractive, eco-friendly kitchen lighting.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Lighting
Switching to energy efficient lighting in your kitchen can provide a number of benefits:
- Cost savings – Energy efficient bulbs like LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and last years longer, saving you money on your electricity bills over time.
- Reduced environmental impact – Eco-friendly lighting cuts down on energy consumption and lowers your carbon footprint. This helps conserve natural resources and reduces pollution.
- Enhanced quality of light – Many modern energy efficient options provide improved light quality that can make cooking and working in the kitchen easier on the eyes.
- Longer lifespan – LED bulbs have lifespans of 20,000 hours or more, meaning you won’t have to frequently replace burnt out bulbs.
- Safety – Advanced energy efficient options like LEDs run cooler than other bulbs, reducing the risk of accidental burns or fires.
Making an effort to buy energy efficient lighting is one of the easiest ways to “green” your kitchen. The next sections will explore the best eco-friendly lighting options for key areas of your kitchen.
Types of Energy Efficient Kitchen Lighting
LED Lighting
LED, or light-emitting diode, bulbs are currently the most energy efficient lighting option on the market. They use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescents and last 25 times longer. While LEDs used to be associated with poor light quality, technology has improved significantly. Modern LEDs come in a range of color temperatures from warm to bright white light.
Key benefits of LED kitchen lighting:
- Extremely long lifespan – LED bulbs can last over 20 years with average use.
- Very low energy consumption – Uses at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting.
- No heat or UV emissions – LEDs run cool, allowing for enclosed fixture designs.
- Instant brightness – Reach full brightness immediately after being switched on.
- Dimmable – Most models can be paired with dimmer switches.
- Shatter-resistant – More durable than other bulb options.
- Compact design – Allowing for flexible and innovative fixture styles.
LED lighting works well for all kitchen lighting needs, including:
- Under cabinet lighting – Strip LEDs provide concentrated task lighting.
- Pendant lights – Stylish LED pendants enhance ambient lighting over islands.
- Recessed ceiling lights – Recessed LED can lights offer general illumination.
- Track lighting – LED track heads provide directional accent lighting.
The upfront cost of LED bulbs is higher, but the energy savings usually offset the expense over the long term. LEDs are the top choice for eco-friendly kitchens.
CFL Lighting
CFL stands for compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs represent an older energy efficient lighting technology that emerged as a replacement for incandescents. While not as advanced as LEDs, CFLs still provide significant energy savings. They use about 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Benefits of CFL lighting:
- Conserve more energy than incandescents.
- Cost less upfront than most LED bulbs.
- Come in a range of shapes, sizes and brightness levels.
- Most models work well with dimmer switches.
Potential downsides of CFLs:
- Contain trace amounts of mercury (recycling is recommended).
- Some bulbs experience performance issues in colder temperatures.
- Light output and color quality not as ideal as LED options.
- Lifespan not as long as LED equivalents.
CFLs work best for general ambient lighting in kitchens. They can be used in pendant lights, flush mount ceilings fixtures, and recessed cans. CFLs pair well with task lighting like under cabinet LEDs.
Solar Lighting
For the ultimate in eco-friendly lighting, solar-powered options take energy efficiency one step further by using renewable solar energy. Solar lighting fixtures contain photovoltaic panels that charge built-in batteries using power from the sun. They provide free, clean lighting once charged. Solar options work for accent, landscape and security lighting.
Benefits of solar lighting:
- 100% powered by the sun – No wiring required.
- Sustainable and renewable power source.
- Cost nothing to operate.
- Easy installation – Position and mount the light where needed.
- Motion sensor options available – For security and to conserve power.
Limitations of solar lighting:
- Higher upfront cost than wired fixtures.
- Limited brightness and lighting duration – Varies based on sun exposure and battery size.
- Positioning affects performance – Needs direct sun exposure for best results.
Popular placement areas for solar lighting in the kitchen include:
- Landscape lighting – Illuminate garden pathways and accent vegetation.
- Deck and patio lighting – Add ambiance to outdoor kitchen and dining spaces.
- Security lighting – Motion activated flood lights to enhance nighttime visibility.
- Accent lighting – Creative hanging or spotlights above counters and cabinets.
Solar lighting works best for supplemental and outdoor lighting applications. Strategically placed solar fixtures can enhance the atmosphere of your kitchen’s landscape without increasing your energy usage.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Lighting by Location
Now let’s explore what types of energy efficient lighting work best for key spots in your kitchen.
Ambient Ceiling Lighting
Kitchens require ample ambient lighting for general illumination while prepping meals and washing dishes. Overhead lighting should provide bright, even light throughout the main work zones. Look for the following eco-friendly options for your kitchen’s ceiling:
- LED recessed cans – Recessed cans create focused pools of light. LED versionsCONSUME far less energy than the traditional incandescent cans. Select adjustable gimbal trim models to control the direction of light.
- LED flush mount fixtures – Flush, surface-mounted LED fixtures offer ambient lighting with a streamlined, contemporary style. Choose fixtures with diffusers that soften and evenly distribute the light.
- LED pendant lights – Hanging pendant lights not only provide useful illumination, but serve as attractive focal points over kitchen islands and dining areas. Look for pendants with LED lamps and diffusers that provide glare-free ambient lighting.
- CFL recessed cans – While not as advanced as LEDs, CFL can lights still offer significant energy savings over older recessed lighting. CFLs work well for general ambient lighting, but some bulbs don’t dim as cleanly as LED.
Proper placement of ceiling lights will ensure your kitchen has bright, even lighting for food preparation while minimizing energy use. Mix and match recessed, flush mount, and pendant fixtures with LED or CFL lamps to light your kitchen in an eco-friendly fashion.
Task Lighting Under Cabinets
Dedicated task lighting is essential for effectively illuminating your kitchen countertops for chopping, cooking and other intricate work. The best source of task lighting is mounted under cabinet fixtures that focus light directly on the counter work surface.
LED strip lighting is the most energy efficient and functional option for under cabinet task lighting. Key benefits:
- Concentrated illumination – Directs all light downward, right where needed most. No wasted light.
- Slim profile – Thin strips mount flush against the underside of cabinets.
- Adjustable – Many strips allow you to reduce the brightness as needed.
- Easy installation – Self-adhesive backing sticks right onto cabinets without wiring needed.
- Linkable – Connect multiple LED strip sections seamlessly for extensive lighting.
Look for LED strips rated for at least 50,000 hours of use. Link the strips together and install them beneath wall cabinets and the bottom shelves of peninsulas and islands to ensure your whole kitchen benefits from task lighting.
Accent Lighting
Beyond the overall ambient lighting, carefully placed accent lighting can enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen’s design while highlighting decorative features and finishes. Eco-friendly options for accent lighting include:
- LED track lighting – Track heads with LED lamps can be aimed to spotlight artwork, architectural details, and decor.
- LED cabinet lighting – Thin LED tape lighting installed inside glass door cabinets and under open shelves provide dramatic illumination of displayed items.
- Solar-powered spotlights – Small spotlights powered by built-in solar panels can accent architectural elements both inside the kitchen and on the exterior.
- CFL spotlight bulbs – Standard spotlights and track heads use significantly less energy when fitted with compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent.
Creative use of accent lighting adds style and visual interest to your kitchen. LED, solar, and CFL fixtures allow you to enhance the kitchen’s ambiance energy efficiently.
Controls for Your Eco-Friendly Lighting
To maximize energy savings, pair your high efficiency kitchen lighting with advanced lighting controls like dimmers, motion sensors, and timers.
Dimmers – Installing dimmer switches allows you to lower light levels when brighter illumination isn’t needed, saving electricity. Ensure the dimmer switch is compatible with your chosen bulbs – LEDs and CFLs require dimmers designed for low-wattage lighting.
Motion Sensors – Fixtures or switches with built-in motion sensors automatically turn lights on when motion is detected in the room and off after a set time of inactivity. Place motion sensor lights in low traffic areas like pantries to avoid wasting electricity.
Timers – Programmable timers allow you to customize when your kitchen lights turn on and off throughout the day. Set the times to align with your kitchen’s peak usage hours and turn lights off in the late night hours when the space is unused.
Smart Lighting – Smart lightbulbs and switches that connect to home automation systems enable advanced voice or app based lighting control. Program lights to activate at certain times, set automatic on/off schedules, and tune color changing and dimmable bulbs to create the perfect ambiance.
Layering in controls adds convenience while ensuring your new energy efficient lighting remains optimized for efficiency.
Design Tips for an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
If a kitchen remodel is on your wish list, keep these design tips in mind to enhance your space’s lighting while minimizing environmental impact:
- Incorporate large windows to utilize free natural daylight during the daytime. Supplement with strategic task lighting as needed.
- Include a mix of general ambient, task, and accent lighting tailored to how you use your kitchen. Avoid over-lighting.
- Choose ENERGY STAR certified LED fixtures and bulbs certified by DOE and UL. Verify expected lifespan and lumen output.
- Install sturdy LED strips under all upper cabinets and shelves for comprehensive task lighting coverage.
- Set all lighting controls to automated schedules and sensors to turn lights off when not needed and avoid waste.
- Position solar-powered spotlights to brightly illuminate outdoor cooking and dining areas after dark.
- Select finishes and surfaces with high reflectance values – glossy cabinets, light-colored countertops and backsplashes – to maximize light diffusion.
By thoughtfully layering eco-friendly lighting tailored to each area of your kitchen, you can achieve a bright and energy efficient space perfect for cooking and entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How much can I really save by switching to LED lighting in my kitchen?
Answer: Replacing all of your kitchen’s lighting with efficient LED bulbs and fixtures can reduce lighting energy use by 50-80%, saving you $30 or more per year on electricity costs. The savings add up over the long lifespan of LED products.
Question: Should I use cool or warm color temperature bulbs in my kitchen?
Answer: Warm white light in the 2700K-3000K range is generally preferred in kitchens. The warmer color better illuminates food prep surfaces and provides a cozier ambiance. Cool white lighting above 5000K can seem harsh and sterile in a kitchen.
Question: Is it worth paying more upfront for LED lighting over CFL options?
Answer: In most cases, yes. The superior energy efficiency, light quality, lifespan, and dimmability of LEDs make them a worthwhile investment over CFLs. Focus first on LED lighting in your most used task and ambient areas.
Question: How difficult is it to install under cabinet LED strip lighting?
Answer: Under cabinet LED strips are designed for easy do-it-yourself installation. No-wire options feature self-adhesive backing. Simply mount the strips and plug into an outlet. Hardwired strips may require basic wiring. Kits are available with detailed instructions.
Question: What’s the best way to use solar lighting in my kitchen?
Answer: Solar lighting works great to illuminate paths and accent landscaping around your kitchen’s outdoor cooking and dining spaces. Position small spotlights to provide targeted illumination without the need to run wiring.
Conclusion
There are now many options for energy efficient, eco-friendly lighting that can transform the look and function of your kitchen. By replacing outdated fixtures with advanced LEDs and supplementing with CFLs and solar-powered lights, you can achieve a brighter and greener kitchen that also saves you money on electricity costs. Use LEDs for main task areas, accent with strategically placed solar spotlights, and control lights with dimmers, motion sensors and timers to minimize unnecessary use. With the right combination of ambient, task and accent lighting, your kitchen can provide the perfect setting for cooking and entertaining while lightening your environmental footprint.
