2015 • ktichen special

kitchenlighting

2015

IntroductionMaybe, it is because of the introduction of the dishwasher into the kitchen, which ensures that the dishes are cleared up immediately after a meal. Or is it our hectic lifestyle that compels us to cherish cosy family moments such as having breakfast together? Or the popularity of numerous cookery programmes in which lots of tasty dishes are cooked in beautiful open kitchens?

Fact is that the kitchen is turning ever more into the beating heart of our house and in new houses, this area often blends into the living room. Today, the kitchen is a full-fledged living area and the time that this room was a separate area hidden somewhere in the furthest corners of the house and completely out of the guests’ sight has long gone. The opposite is true: often, visitors are welcomed in the kitchen and the evening is started at the kitchen island where guests can sharpen their appetite with some lovely drinks and nibbles and if the host or hostess is confident enough, he or she might even surprise the guests with a small cooking demonstration.

However, the kitchen is not only a meeting place for residents and their guests, it is also the central place in the house where the family comes together to eat and talk about their day and children can do their homework there while the parents are preparing dinner. Working, cooking, chatting and eating - all these activities require adjustable lighting. In this TALzine, we will explain in detail how kitchen lighting is best approached because, as we say at TAL, a house can become a home with the right lighting. Bon appetit!

IndexKitchen lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P05Lighting plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P07Lighting according to areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P09Lighting types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P10Types of lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P13Lighting equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P14Model kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P18General lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P19

Lighting of worktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P21Lighting of cooking and washing area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P23Mood lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P25Cupboard lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P26Architectural lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P28Quality of light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P29LED lighting in the kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P30

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Kitchen lightingNowadays, the kitchen is the centrepiece of the house and, as such, lighting in this room is hugely important. Lighting must be practical and efficient but it should also create the right atmosphere and that’s why in the kitchen one always works with a combination of several types of lighting. In a nutshell: solid general lighting forms the basis and supports the general atmosphere. This basic lighting is complemented by accent lighting to highlight extra details or certain areas and to complete the design, you can choose some extra mood lighting.

Open kitchens are very trendy nowadays and need additional requirements to the kitchen lighting. In this type of kitchen, lighting should ensure that the kitchen blends harmoniously into the rest of the house. The purpose should be to turn the kitchen into an inviting, cosy place to be.

TIPS

» Select for the specification of the luminaires the same finishes as, for instance, the kitchen appliances (e.g. brushed stainless steel), this creates one harmonious whole. » Different light sources on separate circuits can create a variety of atmospheres but do make sure that all switches are concentrated in one place or opt for a home

automation system. » You may also consider specific lighting positioning, i.e. for getting something out of the fridge in the evening. » Make sure that you choose luminaires that match the atmosphere of the kitchen, e.g. square luminaires in kitchens with a sleek design. » Also the luminaires’ material can boost the atmosphere, think for instance of ‘Black+Gold’ or copper (CU29) to make the kitchen extra snug.

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» Project picture

» Virtual lighting simulation

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Lighting planA proper lighting plan is indispensable for good kitchen lighting and it is highly recommended to call upon a lighting expert for this task. Start from the kitchen plan and divide the kitchen into different areas according to their respective functions.

A properly lit kitchen should facilitate the preparation of meals, support the right atmosphere during meals and enable children to do their homework. With attractive lighting, the kitchen also becomes the ideal place to relax after a long day at work.

Apart from the different activities for which the kitchen is used, the right lighting also depends of course on the size of the kitchen. For spacious kitchens, one always uses a combination of general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting.

When planning the lighting, you should also consider the colour of the kitchen. A dark kitchen, for instance, may require twice as much light than a lighter kitchen. A lighting expert can establish these values according to the colour and the reflection of light on cupboards, ceiling, walls and floor.

TIPS

» Kitchens are used for multitasking, make sure you have a flexible lighting plan.

Project 127.10.2015

TAL NV

JOOS DE TER BEERSTLAAN 33 8740 PITTEM BELGIUM

Operator TOM VANDE GHINSTETelephone 003251464341

Fax 003251464342e-Mail tom@tal.be

Room 1 / Calculation Surface 1 / Isolines (E, Perpendicular)

Values in Lux, Scale 1 : 42Position of surface in room:Marked point:(0.206 m, 0.224 m, 0.940 m)

Grid: 128 x 128 Points

Eav [lx] Emin [lx] Emax [lx] u0 Emin / Emax282 36 616 0.129 0.059

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Lighting according to areasIn the kitchen, we distinguish several areas with different functions. Always start with the basic lighting and combine it with other lighting types according to the function of the specific areas.

No doubt, task lighting is the most important light in the kitchen but it should never be the only light as this would ruin the atmosphere. In fact, mood lighting is increasingly used because today the kitchen is part of the overall living area, in other words, the boundaries between the different living areas are blurred.

Make sure that the (task) lighting has no blinding effect and that, particularly in the working areas, as little shadow as possible occurs as the lighting must ensure that you can work safely.

Areas that require sufficient direct light are the food preparation area, the sink and the cooking range. Lighting above the kitchen island (or kitchen table) should above all be multifunctional as it is used for much more than for having a meal.

COMMON MISTAKES:

» Central downlights create unwanted shadows and can even be dangerous (cutting of fingers) » The only lighting is positioned in the centre of the room. » Downlights with a narrow light beam above the food preparation area » Only indirect lighting

An example of incorrect lighting

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Lighting typesEvery properly lit kitchen is equipped with a combination of several types of lighting and every type has its own features and benefits. Some lighting types can be dimmed so that (with different lighting intensities) they can be used for various applications. This way, task lighting may already suffice as basic lighting in a smaller kitchen, however, one single luminaire can never integrate all different functions.

A good example: you can suspend a TAL 2U Lighting Profile above the worktop as task lighting, but this profile can also be used as general lighting. Thanks to the lower lighting intensities, you can make the kitchen a lot cosier by using a dimmable profile. This way, one profile can be used as general, task and mood lighting, however, the profile cannot be used for accent lighting.

Basic lighting

This type of lighting forms the basis of every lighting plan and makes sure that there is sufficient light everywhere so that everything can be seen and this way, people get a good overview of the entire space. Basic lighting is in fact an alternative for daylight, the main feature is that this lighting illuminates the whole kitchen. As a kitchen often holds sharp knives and other dangerous appliances, the lighting intensity must be sufficiently high. If you choose recessed downlights as basic lighting (for the atmosphere), make sure that these can be adequately positioned or that the downlights have a sufficiently wide light beam (> 36°). Also consider using surface-mounted downlights, which usually can be better aligned than their recessed counterparts.

Task lighting

This lighting is very important in a kitchen and supports all kinds of activities such as the preparation of meals. Proper task lighting is targeted on the object to be illuminated and should always be glare-free so that no disturbing or even dangerous shadows could occur so, here we must opt for diffused lighting. Always choose lighting with a good colour rendering (Ra > 90) as task lighting is an indispensable part of every well-considered lighting plan.

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Mood lighting

Mood lighting is used above all to create a pleasant atmosphere rather than lighting output, therefore, this type of lighting is often used in open and spacious kitchens. By using dimmable lighting and warm light colours, you can create a pleasant atmosphere that suits the atmosphere in the adjacent living room. Usually, indirect lighting (with the light source itself being invisible) is used as mood lighting as this type of lighting is not so bright and preferably dimmable.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is featured by a (narrow) beam (< 40°) and the light is concentrated within this beam. The width of the beam depends on the radiation angle of the light and is determined by the optic instrument (lens or reflector) in the light fitting. This lighting is ideal to highlight and emphasise an extra detail, such as an espresso machine, a design toaster, a lovely houseplant...

The light is hard and sets a sharp contrast, causing the illuminated objects to be clearly depicted and shadows to be equally clearly visible. A mistake frequently made is that this lighting predominates so make sure that the accent lighting is well-proportioned. The purpose of this type of light is to highlight a few objects or specific areas in a subtle way and accordingly, it is better to use three spotlights of 400 lm than two of 600 lm.

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DIFFUSED LIGHTDiffused light is light that can be distributed in all directions. This effect can be reached by using a matt light source such as a fluorescent lamp, or by using a light diffuser such as matt glass or a matt, translucent plastic (PC or PMMA). A downlight with a very wide beam (> 70°) may in some cases also act as a diffused light source.

Features

» Even distribution of light » Details are more difficult to detect » Often acts as basic lighting and task lighting in the kitchen » Shadows are soft

DIRECT LIGHTDirect light emits the light beam directly onto the surface to be illuminated e.g. the light has a direction. Mostly, a direct view of the lamp is possible, which may lead to glare effects that’s why often lower outputs are used. In modern lighting fixtures, the lamp’s position in the light fitting is slightly recessed to protect against glare or this can be avoided also by using a glare control ring or louvre.

Features

» Details become much clearer » It creates a more intimate atmosphere » Clearly defined shadows » Highlighting of objects and areas

INDIRECT LIGHTWith indirect light, the light first reflects against a wall or ceiling. To achieve a good effect and an acceptable lighting intensity, the walls and ceiling must be finished in a light colour. To obtain proper lighting levels and effect, a higher light output is required.

Features

» Widens the room optically, i.e. lighting above kitchen cupboards makes the ceiling look higher » Creates a cosy atmosphere » Softens shadows and contours » Atmospheric basic lighting

Types of lighting

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CEILING-MOUNTED LUMINAIRE

Ceiling-mounted luminaires are mounted directly onto the ceiling and emit direct, functional light. These appliances usually contain an integrated LED driver so that the luminaire can be directly connected to 230V.

Always check if the ceiling is high enough because with a low ceiling, you will optically lower the room even more and also check that all cupboard doors can still be opened. A mistake that is sometimes made is to select only one ceiling-mounted luminaire in the kitchen and as a result, people have to choose a light source that is too bright to be able to illuminate everything with just the one luminaire, which in turn creates glare effects and devastates the atmosphere. Always try to distribute the light to the maximum extent possible by using several luminaires with a moderate light source.

» Tip: Iit should not be possible to touch the luminaire with your arms stretched, otherwise, you will intuitively bend over when walking under the light fitting.

SUSPENDED LUMINAIRES (PENDANTS)

Suspended luminaires have an important decorative function and should therefore be treated as such. These light fittings help to define the interior, both by their light and their design (and finishing). A suspended luminaire adds extra flavour to the kitchen

and makes sure that a separate space can be created.

WALL-MOUNTED LUMINAIRES

These lighting fittings are used as wall lighting. Wall-mounted luminaires are available with direct and indirect lighting and a beautiful effect is created with indirect lighting that sheds light onto the wall and, as such, creates a highlight.

These light fittings ensure a subtle light perception and are very suitable for creating a sense of space and add a cosy touch to the kitchen.

Lighting equipment

Domino

Luzien

Dartling

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RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS

Downlights are very popular as mood lighting, basic lighting and also as accent lighting. Often, these light fittings blend discretely into the interior, which is certainly true for trim-less variants, and they are frequently used in modern interiors. Recessed

downlights are available in various forms and with various types of finishing and must always be integrated into the ceiling. Some downlights are also available as surface-mounted luminaires, which allows continuity of design wherever recessing is not possible or to add another decorative touch. However, it is not recommended to light a kitchen with downlights only (with a narrow beam < 36°) because you would create a lot of shadow. Besides, you will have a properly lit floor and worktop but the walls (and cupboards) will remain rather dark plus the exclusive use of downlights will also narrow the room.

» Tip: Do not position downlights with a narrow beam above the food preparation area as they would create hazardous shadows.

LIGHTING PROFILES

Lighting Profiles are linear luminaires based on LED lamps (LED strips) or slim fluorescent lamps, making them easy to mount or to integrate them into a recess. Lighting Profiles can also be used along a wall, creating a subtle wall-washing effect

(e.g. on top of a splash wall) or concealed by integrating them into a recess, causing the light to fall discretely into the kitchen. Usually, Lighting Profiles can be cut to size so that you always have sufficient light in the intended position, highlight certain architectural shapes or to delineate an area with light.

» Tip: For a kitchen island, you’d best choose a Lighting Profile with the same length as the length of the table to create a nice, balanced unity.

3-CIRCUIT TRACK SYSTEM

Particularly for renovation projects or in multi-functional kitchens, a track (or rail) system may be a very practical solution. The track can be used to relocate an existing power source so that you have your light exactly where you want or need it.

The major benefit of a track system is that it makes it easy to adjust the lighting as both adjustable spotlights and suspended luminaires can be mounted on (one) track. Besides, it is also possible to control three different circuits through one track, ideal as an easy way to create different atmospheres.

Intana Spina elbow track

2U

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Directional recessed downlights as general lighting and for highlighting some additional details

Diffused lighting as task lighting above the food preparation area

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Suspended luminaires ensure a cosy atmosphere and create a separate area

Lighting Profile along the wall for functional wall-washing effect

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General lightingThe basic lighting may consist of different types of lighting. It may be a diffused light source or downlights when the atmosphere is the most important objective. Another possibility is to work with indirect lighting that is mounted on top of cupboards. If the kitchen is also used as living space, suitable suspended luminaires may also qualify as general lighting.

Definitely consider LED lighting as well as it has the longest life span and is extremely energy-efficient.To create a pleasant atmosphere, it is always better to work with several light sources with a lower lighting intensity instead of using only a few light sources with a higher lighting intensity.

Complementary to general lighting, a wall can be highlighted by indirect wall-washers or a number of well-positioned recessed downlights or recessed downlights with an asymmetric reflector.

Obviously, the boundaries between general lighting and mood lighting are somewhat blurred here.

TIPS

» Equip the basic lighting with a dimmer so that you can adjust the lighting intensity to your wishes. » Indirect lighting on top of kitchen cupboards makes the ceiling look higher.

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Lighting of worktopTo have sufficient light while cooking, basic lighting does in most cases not suffice; for this, we need specific task lighting as well.The lighting of the worktop is very important and must be functional because cutting vegetables and fruit with a sharp knife, checking whether the frying pan has the right temperature, studying a recipe, cleaning the cooking pots... require the right lighting.

Task lighting must be sufficiently diffused but at the same time it must be glare-free and offer sufficient lighting intensity. Larger surfaces therefore require several diffused light sources, or in one continuous line e.g. Lighting Profile.

TIP:

» Use fluorescent lamps or LED lamps with a good colour rendering (Ra > 90).

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Lighting of cooking and washing areaObviously, lighting of this area is very important as well. When planning the lighting for this area, you should also consider the adjacent areas and their functions.

In the cooking and washing area, you can work with downlights for a warm atmosphere or direct diffused light if this area is also used, for instance, for cutting vegetables. In some cases, it may be possible to mount the lighting below the top cupboards. Make sure, however, that this lighting is not too strong and that it is sufficiently diffused.

The best result is obtained by mounting diffused, symmetrically positioned light sources against the wall emitting direct light to the cooking area and wall-washing the wall. (This wall must be sufficiently reflective.)

Cooker hood lighting: there are many types of cooker hoods with integral lighting that sufficiently illuminates the cooking area. Be careful however because the quality of the integral lighting may vary considerably. When in doubt, you can always consult a lighting expert.

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TIP:

» Choose a Lighting Profile with the same length as the length of the cooking and washing area to tie everything together.

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Mood lightingMood lighting brings extra cosiness into the kitchen and can also support and/or complement the basic lighting. This lighting creates a cosy atmosphere in the kitchen when the rest of the kitchen lighting has been switched off. It is especially recommended for open kitchens because otherwise the whole kitchen would remain hidden in an unattractive, dark corner as opposed to the rest of the living area that is being lit.

Mood lighting makes sense, particularly in spacious kitchens, as it may highlight a decorative element in the kitchen.

TIPS

» Mood lighting can also serve as specific task lighting, e.g. for getting something out of the fridge at night.

» Make sure the mood lighting remains subordinate to the overall lighting plan.

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technical info

724

OVERVIEW DOWNLIGHTERS WITH LIMITED INSTALLATION HEIGHT

Min. Recessed Height Fixture Page

60 MINI HELAX 1W - 3W - 4,5W 40 129

60 B1 3W - 4,5W 40 128

60 MACCHIA LUX M 40 128

65 HELAX SML TORSION 55 130

55 (70 for solid)

HELAX SML LEAF 55 130

55 SIMPLON HALO TORSION 82 151

55 (70 for solid)

SIMPLON HALO LEAF 82 151

45 SIMPLON BEAUFORT TORSION 82 150

45 (60 for solid)

SIMPLON BEAUFORT LEAF 82 150

Min. Recessed

HeightFixture Page

60 MINI TOMMY 1 PASCAL 110 x 110 187

60 MINI TOMMY 1 BEAUFORT 110 x 110 188

60 MINI TOMMY 2 PASCAL 210 x 110 187

60 MINI TOMMY 2 BEAUFORT 210 x 110 188

Min. Recessed

HeightFixture Page

60 MINI TOMMY 1 TRIMLESS PASCAL

112 x 112 104

60 MINI TOMMY 1 TRIMLESS BEAUFORT 112 x 112 100

60 MINI TOMMY 2 TRIMLESS PASCAL 213 x 112 104

60 MINI TOMMY 2 TRIMLESS BEAUFORT 213 x 112 100

CUT OUT ROUND DOWNLIGHTS CUT OUT SQUARE DOWNLIGHTS TRIMLESS

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206,5104

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104104

55

206,5104

55

104104

NO INTERFERENCE WITH THE VAPOUR BARRIER: IDEAL FOR SUPER ISOLATED HOUSES

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120 120

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120222,5

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120 120

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120222,5

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60

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98

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Cupboard lightingCupboard lighting is available in two types, both with the same function: highlighting the content of the cupboard so that you can quickly and easily find what you need at that moment. The lighting may be built in into the cupboard but it may also be mounted at the ceiling or below the cupboard. Light in the cupboard can also act as mood lighting.Usually, a LED downlight (with a limited recessed depth) or LED Light Profiles are used here.

TIPS

» Light in glass cupboards is both practical and decorative. A disadvantage though is that the entire content is visible, which may be a bit of a problem if the area is prone to dust.

» A LED Lighting Profile at the bottom of a series of cupboards can be installed over the entire length and be perfectly suited as mood light.

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Architectural lightingThe luminaires may be chosen in such a way that they highlight the architecture of the kitchen. Luminaires can, for instance, be positioned according to a certain pattern or Lighting Profiles can reiterate the shape of the kitchen for an extra architectural effect. By using LED lamps in such profiles, you give yourself plenty of freedom; it also makes it easier to create corners so that you can imitate the shape of the kitchen up to the smallest detail. When the lighting is completely integrated in the kitchen, it becomes part of the kitchen.

TIPS

» Always try to select luminaires that have the same design language as the kitchen itself.

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Quality of lightCOLOUR TEMPERATURELight creates perception and therefore the colour of light is one of the major issues. Obviously, the most natural light colour is white but also white light is available in many shades. White light may, for instance, have a rather reddish or yellow or even blue tone. This tone is very important for our perception. Red tones are mostly associated with warmth and cosiness whereas blue tones appear rather cool, efficient and clean. The difference between all these tones is indicated by the colour temperature, which is expressed in Kelvin (K).

LED lamps, energy-saving lamps and halogen lamps have a colour temperature between 2700K and 6500K.

The higher the colour temperature, the cooler the light appears.• Warm white: < 3300K (typically: 2700K & 3000K)• Neutral white: 3300K - 5300K (typically: 4000K)• Cold white: >5300K (typically: 6500K)

For a kitchen with warm colours and a finishing such as wood, you should always use a light source with a warm colour temperature. This contributes to the cosy atmosphere and feel of the kitchen. By working with golden reflectors, the colour temperature of a light source can be reduced, which adds even more to the warm and cosy atmosphere.

Cold light is suited when the kitchen is finished in rather cold materials such as corian and chrome. This is recommended if one wants to highlight the hygienic environment and clean look of the kitchen. In a (spacious) kitchen, you should never exceed a colour temperature of 4000K, higher colour temperatures would ruin the atmosphere here. The main benefit of a colour temperature of 4000K is that the textures of food are reflected perfectly.

You can combine different colour temperatures to create certain effects or to highlight a material. Be sure to create clearly defined areas though.

COLOUR RENDERING Not all light sources reproduce colours in the same way as we would see them in daylight. In sunlight, we see the exact colours of an object. The colour rendering index varies between 0 and 100, 100 being the colour rendering of the sun itself, thus the best possible score. A high value (>80) indicates that the colours are well reproduced. A low value (<50) indicates that colour recognition becomes difficult or even impossible. For kitchen lighting, you should use a light source with a colour rendering index that is higher than 80. We even recommend to use light sources with a colour rendering of more than 90 as task light (e.g. above food preparation areas).

1800K

candle light bright sunlight

sunrise fluorescent lamp standard daylight

2700K incandescent light

4000K 5500K 8000K 12000K 16000K

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Led lighting in the kitchenLED lights have become an indispensable part of our daily life and especially in the kitchen it is very useful to apply this energy-efficient lighting as the kitchen is the place where lighting is used the most. Another major benefit of LED lighting is that this type of lighting hardly emits any heat, which is much better for keeping fruit and vegetables fresh.

LED lighting also requires a smaller recessed depth compared to conventional light sources so that it is easier to integrate it in and below kitchen cupboards.

Always make sure that the quality of the chosen LED lighting is sufficiently high. The main aspects to consider here are lighting intensity and colour rendering. Also ensure that the colour consistency is sufficiently high (SDCM smaller than or equal to 3). This is particularly important in white (glossy) kitchens.

LED lighting is available in many different colour temperatures, so choose the colour temperature that fits with the kitchen.

2700K Wood Romantic, cosy

3000K Modern, contemporary kitchen Warm atmosphere

4000K Corian, stainless steel Hygienic, clean, efficient atmosphere

Main benefits of LED lighting:• Reliable• Very long lifespan• Energy-efficient• Can be touched (no high emission of heat)• Compact• Comprehensive offer

TIPS

» At kitchen appliances, a residue tends to accumulate on luminaires. Therefore, choose LED luminaires with a closed housing (IP43 or higher) as these devices are easier to clean.

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Joos de ter Beerstlaan 33

8740 Pittem

Belgium

T +32 (0)51 46 43 41

F +32 (0)51 46 43 42

info@tal-lighting.com

www.tal-lighting.com