One of the most important aspects, which are paid special attention to when designing a kitchen, is lighting. It is extremely important to correctly plan the placement of light sources, its direction, intensity and brightness. Indeed, if its level is insufficient, the room will seem dark, and the furniture will be dull.
In addition, the lack of light in the kitchen or its unsuccessful dispersal provokes overfatigue of people in the room due to eye strain.
If we are talking about the constant use of the kitchen for its intended purpose, for daily cooking, then the importance of proper lighting of the work surface is difficult to overestimate. It must, without a doubt, be carefully thought out and well-established.
In view of these circumstances, the LED strip in the kitchen is recognized by many experts and consumers as the best choice for lighting the kitchen.
Modern ways of solving the issue of lighting
The legacy of many years of design development can be considered the use of two types of light sources in the interior of the kitchen: lighting and backlighting.
Their functions are obvious. The main objective of lighting is the general supply of light to the room, the lighting is designed to play a decorative role or facilitate the implementation of various specific actions (manipulating bulk products and knives, slicing small vegetables, keeping an eye on numbers on sensors, searching for items inside lockers).
Among the main light sources are the following:
- Daylight of varying intensity penetrating through windows.
- Centralized lighting of the entire room from the ceiling.
- Ceiling chandeliers that have a low lamp position directly above the dining area.
This light cannot be dispensed with, but it is often not enough. That is why owners of apartments, houses and offices are increasingly resorting to installing lights:
- Spotlights built into walls or cabinets.
- Installation of LED strip in various ways.
- All kinds of portable lamps and fixtures.
LED strip in the kitchen: reasons for popularity
The main argument in favor of LED strips can be called the fact that it is not necessary to plan their placement in advance, draw complex patterns and cut holes in the kitchen furniture. The LED strip for lighting the kitchen is easily mounted at the very end of the repair work or at any stage of the operation of the room.
In addition, this type of backlight has the following advantages:
- Environmental friendliness.
- Security.
- Durability.
- High degree of intensity and brightness.
- Resistance to changes in temperature and voltage.
- Profitability.
The best choice for organizing kitchen lighting
Improvements and the latest production technologies have led to the fact that the LED strip in the kitchen can be installed almost anywhere, regardless of the angle of inclination of the surface, its quality, moisture or the proximity of high temperatures. The degree of stability of the tapes is determined in accordance with the markings made during manufacture.
There are tapes, the LEDs on which are covered with insulating silicone, so that no water gets into the device. Such tapes can be safely placed near sinks and stoves; they are very easy to clean from contamination.
Often, LED strip 220V is used for functional or decorative illumination of countertops, the interior of wall cabinets, tables in the basement area, suspended ceilings, bar counters.
The basic principles of installing LED lighting
Installation of LED strip is simple and does not require too deep knowledge in the device of electrical circuits.
Often, the simplest tools (a construction stapler, soldering iron), insulation materials (electrical tape or special caps), as well as double-sided tape if the adhesive tape is not applied on the tape itself, are often enough. In the case when it is planned to close the light source with a profile, tools will be needed to fix it: a drill and staples.
Installation of the tape is started after careful measurement of the surface serving as the basis.
The tape is cut to size, cleaned and insulated edges, glued to the selected surface.
Sometimes, to fix the LED strip on an uneven surface, a metal bar is used as a base.
Recommendations for the selection and installation of the unit
When choosing a block for an LED strip, you should use the generally accepted algorithm for calculating its power: you should find out the power of one meter and multiply it by the length of the tape used.
At the same time, you should not load the block one hundred percent. Experts recommend providing a free margin equal to approximately 20% of the unit's power in case of voltage drops.
Taking into account the specifics of the kitchen atmosphere, it is advisable to choose a moisture-proof unit or hide it in a specially installed box.
LED worktop lighting
The main purpose of almost any lighting in the kitchen is to provide light to the working surface. LED strip 220V copes with this task.
You can install multiple short tapes or apply one long section. LEDs are suitable for fixing anywhere:
- Under the lower horizon of wall cabinets.
- On the plane of the wall.
- Directly on the surface of the countertop.
- On the side faces of cabinets and tables.
If you dwell on the option in which the tape is mounted on the countertop itself, it is worth thinking about partially hiding the LEDs by setting a profile. Such a measure will avoid glaring bright lighting and at the same time will protect the tape from moisture and inevitable pollution.
To fix the tapes with LEDs on the countertop, it is best to use products with a medium or high level of protection against water (they are indicated by IP65 and IP68 symbols).
LED Strip Mounting Under Hangers
The method in which the LED strip in the kitchen is installed under the upper cabinets has become almost classic.
This is not surprising, because this approach opens up many opportunities for the effective use of many advantages of this type of backlight.
Such installation of the LED strip does not require excessive accuracy and jewelry accuracy of calculations, the power supply can be easily placed inside the cabinet, and the directivity of the light clearly on the work surface allows you to protect your eyes without loss of intensity.
Decorative lighting in the kitchen
Using LEDs to decorate your kitchen is a great example of combining rationality, practicality, showiness and aesthetics.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of LEDs for a variety of purposes and with different parameters. Based on the destination and location of fixation, you can select LEDs of a certain intensity, power, color, shape and frequency on the tape.
Installing LED strip in the kitchen as a decorative element is not very different from fixing other types of such lighting. The main feature is the presence of a dimmer. This is a switch that controls the sequential change in the color of the LED light. Flashing lights can also consist of a single color, the intensity of which changes periodically.
The dimmer must be installed together with the tape power supply, since the wires must be connected to it in the same order.
A bright and cheerful kitchen, every day pleasing to the eye, is able to cheer up even on the most rainy Monday. Positive emotions and positive for all family members are certainly worth the effort that will be required to equip the kitchen with LED lighting.