Best Kitchen Lighting on a Budget

You don’t have to spend much on fixtures or stress yourself out with a remodeling to install good lighting in the kitchen. Careful planning and creativity is all it takes to achieve a successful project.

In selecting your fixtures, get one that does more than one function. A technique referred to as “layers” involves 4 layers. First there is an “ambient layer” which is primarily the lighting you find overhead in most rooms. Then there is a “task layer”. An example for this layer would be the lighting you use for your under cabinets. From the name itself, this layer performs according to its task. Next to that we have a “focal layer” which is somehow acts like a spotlight for artworks and the like. Finally, there is a “decorative layer”. This one really is just for show. From the name itself, it is used for decorative purposes.

The smartest way to go in cost-efficient lighting is to get ones that have all four layers incorporated into one.

You can also use task layer lighting and have it brought down mid-level in your room. For example, get one of those halogen fixtures that are already readymade. Connect it to your cabinets’ base. Once you turn the switch on, it will give a whole new light to your kitchen. Somehow, light from below boosts a person’s mood.

Being on a budget doesn’t necessarily translate to poor taste. You just have to know where to look. There are so many options that you can find on the internet nowadays. Bear in mind though that in order to meet your budget, patience would really be a virtue.

In terms of choosing the right bulb, choose the ones that are energy-efficient. Even though they are more expensive than the usual incandescent bulbs, it still beats energy consumption in the long run. Not to mention the total cost of the replacement bulbs that would have to be used for the incandescent bulbs. LED lights are the “in” thing nowadays. It is durable and very efficient in terms of energy consumption. Although it may be more expensive upon initial purchase compared to that of the incandescent, it would be good for 60,000 hours more or less. That translates to seven years. Think of home many incandescent bulb replacements you would have forgone in that span of time. Long term is the goal.

In terms of labor, it is best if you know how to do it yourself. Enroll yourself in one of those classes that teaches the proper way if lighting installation. This would save you a hefty sum when you would not have to hire someone to do it for you. If it really cannot be avoided that you would need to pay for someone’s services, go to those lumber stores that are usually family owned. They charge less than the bigger stores.

In a nutshell, plan everything ahead of time. You will amaze yourself on the things that you can do to revitalize your kitchen while sticking to your budget.