Are you tired of paying too much for your kitchen lighting? Want to upgrade your bulbs for something that will make your kitchen shine?
Truth about your kitchen lighting: those high energy bills aren’t getting you great light output. You are paying too much every month for those old bulbs and harsh lighting.
Most people don’t realize they overpay by hundreds of dollars a year for their kitchen lighting.
The good news is that there is an alternative that will dramatically lower your energy consumption and cost, make your kitchen look beautiful and bright, and give you full control over the brightness and color.
LED lighting can do all that and more.
LED lighting is:
- Extremely energy-efficient
- Easy to install
- Available for every kind of kitchen lighting need
LED lighting also has an immediate impact on your kitchen from the energy bill savings to the way the space looks and functions.
In this guide you will learn:
- Why Lighting in the Kitchen Is So Important
- LED Lighting vs Traditional Options
- Ideal LED Lighting Solutions for Every Area of Your Kitchen
- Smart Features that LED Lighting Can Offer
Why Lighting in the Kitchen Is So Important
Your kitchen is the center of your home. It’s where you spend time cooking and eating, but it’s also where you hang out with your family and friends.
The problem is most people focus on appliances and countertops and neglect the lighting.
Poor lighting will make all your hard work and renovations feel like a waste of money.
Smart kitchen lighting design makes your space function better. The right lighting will also make cooking safer, easier and more enjoyable with perfect visibility for all your tasks.
If your kitchen lighting is off, none of those other improvements matter. The right lighting will make your space beautiful and functional.
LED Lighting vs Traditional Options
Let’s show you some numbers that will make your jaw drop…
Old incandescent light bulbs are energy vampires. They waste most of the energy they use by giving off heat instead of light. Heat you are paying for, but not getting any benefit from.
LED bulbs have been engineered for maximum energy efficiency from the very beginning.
LEDs use at least 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
The best part? The money it saves you…
The average household saves about $225 a year by replacing incandescent lighting with LED light bulbs.
This is real money, not chump change. This is serious cash back into your pocket each year.
Here are some more benefits of LED lighting over traditional options:
- Uses less energy (can be 75% less than incandescent bulbs)
- Long life (lasts 25x longer on average)
- Low heat output (LEDs don’t produce much heat so they are safe for the kitchen)
- Better quality of light (LEDs have better color consistency and rendering)
- Less maintenance (fewer bulb replacements required)
LEDs are just a better technology. All the numbers back this up.
Ideal LED Lighting Solutions for Every Area of Your Kitchen
The key to good kitchen lighting is having the right kind of light for different tasks and areas of your kitchen. This means layering your lights to combine functionality and style.
Under-Cabinet Task Lighting
Under-cabinet LED strips give you the bright, even light you need for food preparation without getting in the way or making shadows on your counters.
Lighting mounted under the cabinets comes from the most logical place: it illuminates your work surfaces right where you need it. LED light strips are thin and easy to mount. They provide even light across your whole counter.
Overhead Ambient Lighting
Ceiling lights are your ambient or general lighting that set the mood for the room. Choose LED bulbs in warm white color temperatures (2700K-3000K) for a cozy, welcoming look.
Accent & Display Lighting
Accent lights are used to highlight beautiful backsplashes, dishes or other kitchen features. LED accent lighting can add depth and drama to your kitchen. You can use LED spotlights that use almost no energy but give you a big difference.
Pendant & Island Lighting
Pendant lights and island lighting are usually focused task lights for preparing food or eating at a kitchen island. Dimmable LEDs give you the most control.
Smart Features that LED Lighting Can Offer
LED kitchen lighting has come a long way from the basic light bulbs you may be used to.
Today’s smart LED features give you total control and make life in the kitchen easier.
Some smart LED features include:
- Dimming controls for every task or time of day
- Color temperature adjustments
- Voice control with Alexa or Google
- Motion sensor compatibility
Imagine being able to dim all your lights with your voice.
This is the new world of smart LED lighting.
How Much Money You Will Really Save
Ok, now let’s look at some real numbers.
Let’s say you have a total of 15 light bulbs in your kitchen. This includes under-cabinet lighting, ceiling lights and pendant or island lighting.
If all of them were traditional incandescent bulbs:
You will spend about $180/year on electricity costs for lighting with incandescent bulbs.
If you switch all of them to LED, your annual electricity costs drop to about $45.
That is a savings of $135 just from your kitchen lighting.
But wait, that is not all. LED light bulbs last for years. You won’t need to replace them nearly as often as incandescent bulbs. The old ones burn out regularly, so you constantly have to buy more.
Over 10 years, LED kitchen lighting saves you over $1,500.
That is more than enough to cover a nice kitchen renovation.
Easy Installation of LED Lighting
Something most people are afraid of is how hard it will be to switch to LED lighting.
The answer is it is not hard at all.
Most LEDs are direct replacements for existing bulbs. Just screw them in and go. Under-cabinet strip lighting is normally just peel-and-stick installation.
Here are some quick installation tips:
- Start with just replacing bulbs, then work your way up.
- Add under cabinet lighting for the biggest improvement.
- Get dimmer switches for full control.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Kitchen LED Lighting
Don’t fall into these common traps when upgrading your kitchen lighting:
- Using the wrong color temperature. 5000K+ cool white LEDs are too harsh for the kitchen. Warm white is better in most areas.
- Not getting dimming controls. You want to be able to adjust brightness.
- Buying cheap LEDs. Spend a little extra for better quality and longer life.
Making the Switch to LED Lighting Right Away
LED kitchen lighting is a no-brainer upgrade.
You will save money, but more importantly, you will make your kitchen a place you love to spend time.
Good lighting makes cooking more enjoyable, easier, and more efficient.
Your kitchen will look and feel better. The technology is proven and the savings are real. The installation is simple.
Quick Recap
- LED bulbs are 75% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs
- Average home saves $225+ on lighting energy costs per year with LEDs
- Under-cabinet lighting makes the biggest difference for functionality
- Smart features give you more control and convenience
Wrapping up the Benefits
LED kitchen lighting is the best thing you can do for your home. Energy efficiency, improved light quality, and better functionality make it a must-have upgrade.
LED technology offers better performance for a lower price than any other lighting choice. The money you save on electricity bills will pay for itself in no time.
Make the switch to LED kitchen lighting today and your wallet and family will thank you.