LED Lighting for Kitchens
If you're remodelling your kitchen or looking to replace your current lighting, LED lighting will open up your options. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and instead of needing to heat a wire filament, it only requires an electrical current to emit light. LED lights are much smaller than bulbs, meaning they can be used in a wider range of applications. This gives you more flexibility in terms of where you can place them and what effects you can achieve.
LED kitchen lighting is much safer than traditional bulbs. It operates at a lower voltage and emits much less heat than other lighting options. LED lights are also more energy efficient, which will reduce your carbon footprint and, hopefully, your bills too.
In this guide, we have included everything you need to know about LED lighting, including where it can be installed, how to keep them safe in the kitchen, and how they can be used to enhance your interior design.
Things to Consider When Installing LED Lighting
The first thing to decide is where you want to place your lights. Different products will suit certain areas of the kitchen better than others. Kitchen lighting is commonly placed on the ceiling, underneath cabinets, or on the wall. In a modern kitchen, especially, LED strip lights look great under cupboards and cabinets to light the countertops and backsplash.
However, you need to ensure the lights are not too close to the hob, as this might damage them. LED lights that come into contact with cooking fat or hot oil can be damaged easily, so if they cannot be installed at a safe distance, make sure they are protected.
Another key consideration is the size or length of LED lighting you need to effectively light the space. Kitchen LED strip lights can be cut to size, but it's always best to measure the space and make sure you have more than you need. This will give you some room for error if you make a mistake.
It's important that your kitchen lights are water-resistant due to the condensation from cooking. They also need an adequate level of resistance if you're placing them near a sink or water source.
The sealing case on LED strip lights will protect against splashing and steam, but always check the IP rating to see how it will hold up against water and other liquids. Now you can start to think about fun extras like colours and effects. Depending on the look you want to create, if you're using white light, you need to pick a colour temperature.
Warm white will create a relaxed atmosphere, while bright white will better suit a modern, stylised kitchen. LED lights can also be ordered in a range of RGB colours. Some can change colour if you opt for RGB or RGBW strips. You can also choose options that are dimmable, allowing you to change the mood as needed.
Shop now to discover our complete collection of LED lights, fixtures, and effects.
Keeping Your LED Lights Safe in the Kitchen
Keeping your lights safe will increase the longevity of any bulb. Positioning and correct installation are the two main factors that will ensure your lights are kept safe. Make sure any lights can cope with condensation and moisture. If you're unsure, you can talk to a professional before you buy. You should also avoid placing kitchen lights near your hob, as the heat and cooking oils can damage the casing and the diode itself.
Another way to keep your lights safe is to clean and maintain them regularly. This is especially important in a small kitchen where oils or fat can easily reach your light fittings. Before cleaning LED lights, always make sure they're turned off. This will prevent electric shocks. Use a brush for dry dirt and a damp cloth for liquids and grease. Make sure that, if you're using a damp cloth, it’s not soaking wet, as this can cause further damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they will damage the lights and potentially cause corrosion.
The Benefits of LED Lighting
A great perk of LED lighting is the flexibility it gives you in your design. This is particularly true for flex lighting options that can go virtually anywhere. LED lights for kitchen cabinets are an innovative way to light spaces generally shaded by ceiling lights. Strip lights are also available with water resistance, giving you more options for where they can go in the kitchen.
LED lights are more durable than traditional lighting. An LED light can last approximately 50,000 hours, meaning you won’t need to replace them as often. They're also safer as they have lower heat output and don’t emit UV like traditional bulbs.
You also have a greater range of effects to play with. Dimmable LED lights can easily change the room's atmosphere. For example, if you're transitioning from cooking a meal to enjoying a romantic dinner, strip lights can be used for ambient lighting.
Types of LED Lighting Provided by WeLoveLEDs
Flex lighting is increasingly popular in modern homes. It can be bent and styled into words or shapes, cut to size, and comes in a variety of fun colours. You could even signpost a bar space in your kitchen with a flex lighting sign. There are also dimmable flex lighting options to give you greater control over your lighting.
WeLoveLEDs also offer a range of LED modules in different sizes for various fittings and applications. When installed correctly, they can be used for cabinet lighting to brighten up your countertops. They're also great for spotlights, as they are small, powerful, and can create a bright, directional beam.
Another popular product is LED strip lighting. These are easy to install, as most come with a sturdy adhesive backing that simply needs to be pressed onto a surface. This can add ambience to almost any wall or surface in your kitchen due to their flexibility. They can be bent or cut and joined around corners if you want to run a consistent strip underneath every cabinet or along the edges of your kitchen ceiling. Strip lights can change colour and be remote-controlled for ease of use.
You can browse our range to find your perfect kitchen lights today.
For more information about LED lighting for kitchens, please contact our team at sales@weloveleds.co.uk or call us on 0113 252 4706.
