Outdoor kitchen lighting is a crucial part of your outdoor living space. Without proper lighting, you won’t be able to properly utilize the outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas. With that said, there are many different types of outdoor kitchen lighting ideas out there, so it can be hard to know where to start. Here we’ll discuss some frequently asked questions and useful tips to help you make the best decision regarding outdoor kitchen lighting.
What Is An Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is a dedicated area outside the house that’s specifically designed for cooking and entertaining. They usually have all the amenities of an indoor kitchen, such as countertops, appliances and storage options.[1]
Types Of Outdoor Kitchen Lighting
Downlights
Downlights are a popular choice for outdoor kitchens because they provide bright illumination and add an attractive, modern look to the space. Downlights can be recessed into a ceiling or mounted onto a wall, and depending on the type you choose, you may even be able to adjust their brightness or direction.[1]
Task Lights
Task lights are designed to provide focused illumination for specific tasks, such as food prep or cooking. They can be mounted above work surfaces to provide direct light and eliminate shadows. The best task lighting options for outdoor kitchens should be water-resistant and durable enough to withstand the elements.[1]
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are also a popular option for outdoor kitchens since they can provide bright general lighting while adding a decorative touch. Pendant lights come in a variety of shapes and styles, so you can find one that perfectly complements your outdoor kitchen design.[1]
Pathway Lights
Pathway lights are a great way to add safety and visibility to outdoor kitchens. You can choose from a variety of styles, such as solar-powered lights or lanterns that attach to your kitchen walls. Pathway lighting also helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the space.[1]
Step Lights
Step lights provide additional safety and visibility around stairs or pathways leading to your outdoor kitchen. They can be recessed into the ground or mounted on walls, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.[1]
String Lights
String lights can add a beautiful, festive touch to your outdoor kitchen. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose something that fits the theme of your space. String lights are also great for creating ambience and providing extra illumination when necessary.[2]
Chandeliers
If you’re looking for a statement piece, chandeliers are a great way to add a dramatic touch to your outdoor kitchen. Chandeliers come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that suits the design of your space.[2]
Outdoor Kitchen Under Counter Lighting
Led Candles
Under counter lighting is one of the most common types of outdoor kitchen lighting. It provides a great combination of task, safety and accent lighting. Led candles are a great choice for under counter lighting as they are very energy efficient and will last many years without needing to be replaced. They provide bright, even illumination that can easily be directed towards any area of the counter top that needs light. They are also very easy to install and require no wiring or drilling, which makes them ideal for any outdoor kitchen space.[2]
Tiki Torches
Tiki torches are a great way to add ambiance and drama to your outdoor kitchen. They provide a nice, warm glow without being too bright or distracting. Additionally, they are very easy to install and don’t require any wiring or drilling. Tiki torches come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that fits your space perfectly. They also provide a lot of character and charm to any outdoor area, making them an ideal choice for lighting your outdoor kitchen.[2]
Low Voltage Vs. 120 Volt Lighting
When it comes to outdoor kitchen lighting, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether to use low voltage or 120 volt lighting. Low voltage lighting is usually less expensive than 120 volt lighting and can be used in a variety of ways, such as accent lights or task lights.
However, if you are looking for brighter light, you may want to consider 120 volt lighting.
Using low-voltage lighting for outdoor kitchen lighting is the safest option and will provide a certain level of ambiance. Low voltage fixtures can be found in a variety of styles and are typically easy to install with minimal wiring required. Most low-voltage lights use either 12 or 24 volts, which is much lower than traditional 120 volt lighting.
The main benefit of using low-voltage lighting for outdoor kitchen areas is that it requires less energy and produces less heat. This can be beneficial if you live in a climate with high temperatures and need to keep your kitchen cool.[3]
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are a classic choice for outdoor kitchen lighting. They add sparkle and sophistication to the space, while also creating a feeling of warmth and intimacy. Chandeliers come in many sizes, shapes, and styles – from modern pieces with sleek lines to rustic designs with wrought-iron details.
For maximum impact, choose a design that is both eye-catching and appropriate for the style of your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to hang the chandelier at an appropriate height – typically around 30 inches above a countertop or dining table. A dimmer switch can be installed to control the brightness levels; this allows you to adjust the lighting depending on the time of day, type of activity, or amount of light outside. Chandeliers are a great way to add a little bit of glamour to your outdoor kitchen lighting design![3]
Under-Counter Lighting
Under-counter lighting is a great way to add subtle illumination to your outdoor kitchen. Installing LED strip lights in the cabinet or under the counter will provide a nice, soft glow and create an inviting atmosphere. You can also choose to install pendant lights over each cooking surface for direct task lighting. This type of lighting can be best used for tasks such as cutting, chopping and working with smaller ingredients that require more precision. Another benefit of this type of lighting is that it does not obstruct your view of the food you are preparing, making it easier to see what you’re doing. In terms of wiring and installation, LED strip lights usually come in a continuous roll and can be easily installed with a few simple steps. Pendant lights require more installation work, but will provide brighter and more focused task lighting.[3]
FAQ
What lighting is best for outdoor lighting?
The best lighting for outdoor kitchens depends on the size, shape, and purpose of your outdoor kitchen. Generally speaking, task lighting is ideal for outdoor kitchen areas since it helps you to see what you’re doing when preparing food or entertaining guests. For example, if you have a built-in grill in your outdoor kitchen, spotlights and hanging fixtures are great for providing illumination.
If you have an island in the middle of your kitchen, pendant lights or chandeliers offer soft lighting that’s perfect for gathering with family and friends.
What is the best lighting for kitchen cooking?
The best lighting for kitchen cooking should be bright enough to allow you to see what you are doing, but not too bright that it becomes uncomfortable. Spotlights or canisters are a great option as they provide focused illumination and can easily be adjusted depending on the task at hand. Hanging pendants with spotlights are also great options if your kitchen has an island.
What is the best lighting for an outdoor porch?
The best lighting for an outdoor porch depends on the size and shape of the space. Wall sconces are a great option, as they provide ambient light while illuminating specific areas like entryways, seating areas, and walkways. Hanging pendants are also a good option to bring overhead illumination to your outdoor porch. If you want to create a more romantic atmosphere, string lights or lanterns are great for providing soft and inviting lighting.
Is LED better for outdoor lighting?
Yes, LED lighting is definitely a better option for outdoor lighting. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and they provide bright illumination while using less energy than traditional bulbs. They also tend to generate less heat so they won’t overheat your outdoor kitchen in the summer months. Additionally, LEDs have relatively low maintenance costs as they don’t need to be replaced as often.
Is warm white or daylight better for outdoor lighting?
This really depends on the look and feel you want to create in your outdoor kitchen. If you are looking for a cozy atmosphere, warm white lighting is great as it emits a soft and inviting light that’s perfect for entertaining. For tasks such as cooking or grilling, daylight is better as it provides bright lighting to ensure that you have complete visibility of your work space.
What LED color is best for the outdoors?
The best LED color for the outdoors really depends on the look and feel that you want to create. For a warm, inviting atmosphere, a soft white or yellow is best. If you’re looking to create an elegant ambiance, a cool white can be used. Alternatively, if you’re looking for bright lighting in your outdoor kitchen, a daylight LED color is best.
What color temperature is best for the kitchen?
Again, this really depends on the look and feel you want to create in your outdoor kitchen. If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere, a warm white color temperature is best. For tasks such as cooking or grilling, daylight is better as it provides bright lighting for visibility.
Is cool white or warm white better for the kitchen?
Cool white or warm white both work well for outdoor kitchen lighting. Cool white emits a bright, crisp light that’s great for task lighting, while warm white is softer and more inviting, making it perfect for entertaining guests. It really comes down to personal preference and what kind of atmosphere you’re looking to create.
Useful Video: How To Light an Outdoor Space | Outdoor Kitchen Part 9
Conclusion
Outdoor kitchen lighting ideas can add a special and unique touch to your outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re looking for ambient lights that create an inviting atmosphere, task lighting so you can see what you’re doing, or decorative lights to show off your outdoor kitchen design—there are plenty of options available. With the right fixtures and a few creative ideas, you can create an outdoor kitchen lighting experience that’s both stylish and functional. Thanks for reading! We hope this article has provided you with the answers to all your outdoor kitchen lighting questions, as well as some useful tips and tricks to get you started. Happy lighting!
References
- https://designingidea.com/outdoor-kitchen-lighting-ideas/
- https://lightingdistinctions.com/outdoor-kitchen-lighting-ideas-youll-love/
- https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/outdoor-kitchen-lighting-ideas/