Kitchen light suggestions

[JohnW2]

Hi folks,
I'm dealing with a fairly large kitchen (about 3.1 x 5.0m) which is very high (a bit over 3m). Currently there is a single ancient 5' fluorescent fitting in the middle of the ceiling into which I have put, temporarily put an LED tube and that actually does result in surprisingly 'reasonable' illumination throughout the room.

What would you suggest for lighting this room? Much as I hate 'throwaway' products, I fear that I'm probably going to have to accept that, and go with two or more (rectangular or circular) 'integrated' surface-mounted panels.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Murdochcat]

Led “flourescent” with a 5 year warranty

 

[JohnW2]

Led “flourescent” with a 5 year warranty

Thanks for the suggestion, but how many, what size and where positioned?
As I said, I currently have one 5' (150mm) "LED 'fluorescent" in the centre of the ceiling, which giving 'reasonable' illumination, but probably not ideally quite enough.

 

[ericmark]

I have the same problem. A large ceiling with one power point for lights, and was considering a length of lighting track. So I can spread the light around.

 

[JohnW2]

I have the same problem. A large ceiling with one power point for lights, and was considering a length of lighting track. So I can spread the light around.

I'm doing a lot of work on the place, and many of the floorboards above the kitchen are already 'up' (or, at least, 'loose') so getting power to new lights won't be a problem. What I need to decide what/where to install.

Interestingly, although the current tube is right in the middle of the large ceiling, it seems to be satisfactorily (and essentially 'equally') illuminating all sides and corners of the room, the 'lack of ideal' really being that the amount of light everywhere is perhaps a little low.

Given my current experience, I'm tempted to go with a couple of 5' LEDs 'in-line' along the middle of the long dimension of the room. What do you think?

 

[pete01]

Wall lights?

 

[333rocky333]

I'm doing a lot of work on the place, and many of the floorboards above the kitchen are already 'up' (or, at least, 'loose') so getting power to new lights won't be a problem. What I need to decide what/where to install.

Interestingly, although the current tube is right in the middle of the large ceiling, it seems to be satisfactorily (and essentially 'equally') illuminating all sides and corners of the room, the 'lack of ideal' really being that the amount of light everywhere is perhaps a little low.

Given my current experience, I'm tempted to go with a couple of 5' LEDs 'in-line' along the middle of the long dimension of the room. What do you think?

Rather than 5fts that look like old style fittings consider wider thinner led panels, with the drivers tucked behind them

 

[JohnW2]

Wall lights?

That wouldn't work very well if there were wall cabinets/cupboards, would it?

More to the point, it would be a hell of a lot more (some messy) work than ceiling light! The walls are all 'solid' (brick).

 

[mikehammer69]

I've a lowish wattage light on a pir towards the side where kettle and sink are

This is perfect for all the times people are in and out making a cup of tea or similar

Another brighter main light then for actual working in the kitchen

 

[mikehammer69]

I would fit 2 anyhow for when you don't need the kitchen brightly lit

 

[JohnW2]

I've a lowish wattage light on a pir towards the side where kettle and sink are .... This is perfect for all the times people are in and out making a cup of tea or similar ....Another brighter main light then for actual working in the kitchen

That might have made some sense for the cost-conscious in the days of old. However, the running cost of LEDs are so trivial that I'm not sure it is any longer particularly relevant/necessary.

 

[mikehammer69]

That might have made some sense for the cost-conscious in the days of old. However, the running cost of LEDs are so trivial that I'm not sure it is any longer particularly relevant/necessary.

I didn't mention running costs

It's not about that . It's about having a couple of levels of illumination however you achieve that

 

[JohnW2]

I would fit 2 anyhow for when you don't need the kitchen brightly lit

Yes, I though of that, but if I did as I suggested and installed two 'in-line', one half of the room would probably not get very well lit when only one of them was on. I suppose I could install them side-by-side, but that would presumably reduce the illumination at the 'ends' of the pretty long room..

Also, this approach could again well increase the amount of work/mess, since the light switching would have to be modified, and that is buried in 'plaster' (aka 'concrete' n places ) and not in conduit.

 

[mikehammer69]

You don't want full illumination the numerous times people are in and out for a glass of water or whatever

It's actually irritating if that's the setup

 

[Murdochcat]

Thanks for the suggestion, but how many, what size and where positioned?
As I said, I currently have one 5' (150mm) "LED 'fluorescent" in the centre of the ceiling, which giving 'reasonable' illumination, but probably not ideally quite enough.

How long is a piece of string?

Your home? Customers home? Size of room? Lumen out put of existing light?

Too many variables imho