You might have heard the term ‘task lighting’ before but wondered what the heck it meant. It isn’t a strange new kind of fixture, it is a term used to describe lighting that is directed at areas where tasks are performed.
Kitchen task lighting can come in a variety of forms. Track lighting, recessed lighting, under the counter lighting: all of these can be used as ‘task lighting’. In the kitchen the greatest areas of ‘tasks’ happening are the countertops, islands, sink and stovetop.
Most kitchens have a large centralized light somewhere near the middle of the room. This type of diffused light is important but generally not sufficient to properly light up areas of focused activity. Directed light from above is ideal. Light coming from straight above the area minimizes shadows from other features in the kitchen allowing the light to shine directly at the task at hand (a little joke).
Some kitchens have a special header in between the cabinets (or under small cabinets) over the sink and stovetop areas. The header hides the lights from direct view but directs the light to where it is needed. This setup is advantageous because the headers blend in with the cabinetry and the light fixtures aren’t an eyesore.
Other task light possibilities are under cabinet lights. Sometimes the lights are recessed into the upper cabinets, sometimes they are mounted under the cabinet. These lights provide illumination for the counter area. Preparing food is so much easier and more pleasant when you don’t have to strain your eyes while working.
Island areas benefit from some task lights. If the island is centralized, the generalized lighting from a center light may be enough. If the island is not centered or not under a main light source, task lights such as potlights or track lighting work well. If you would like a hanging rack above the island, task sources are more difficult. Anything above the rack will cast shadows onto the island. To resolve this problem you can buy hanging racks with built in lighting. The lighting is placed on the bottom or edges of the rack so that no shadows are cast onto the island countertop.
Once you start looking you will find many creative ways to shine a light on the high task areas of your kitchen. And once you have properly lit work areas you will find food preparation much more enjoyable.