The Best Type Of Lightbulb To Use In Your Kitchen For A Warm, Inviting Atmosphere

You should never underestimate the power of good lighting, but the stakes feel infinitely higher in a kitchen. There's a lot of slicing, cooking, and cleaning in that space, so you'll need to see your surroundings clearly. That said, the kitchen is also the stomach of your home — and those ultra-bright, crisp white bulbs can read "clinical". So what's the best type of lighting to use in your kitchen? Designers recommend looking for a bulb of 2700K.

Let's back it up, shall we? Most light bulbs have three values: Watts, lumens, and Kelvin. While watts indicates the amount of energy used, lumens measures brightness. Meanwhile, Kelvin determines the color, or temperature, of your bulb. Typically, a higher Kelvin number equals a cooler temperature.

Since selecting the wrong temperature is one of the mistakes everyone makes when buying light bulbs, it's important to choose your Kelvins with care. 4000K or above lightbulbs look too sterile— and can easily veer into interrogation room territory. On the flip side, designers agree that bulbs with a 2700K rating can brighten your kitchen without feeling harsh.

Lighting temperature plays a huge role in creating a warm, welcoming kitchen, but don't skimp on quality. When buying a new bulb, look for LEDs as they're long-lasting and use less energy. In fact, the United States Department of Energy says, compared to incandescent bulbs, LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy and can take up to $225 off your utility bill each year. 

If you want to enhance your room's lighting design, some designers like to put their fixtures on dimmers, too. Think of a dimmer as mood lighting on-demand. Not only can you have a clear workspace while you prepare your meals, but you can also turn down the brightness when you're ready to open a bottle of wine and unwind.

Another way to up your kitchen's cozy factor is to incorporate multiple light sources. While many people hang pendants above their island, you may also want to focus on other fixtures. Task lights such under-cabinet LEDs or a countertop lamp can be both pretty and practical. For some illustrious inspiration, you could even add retro '70s lighting ideas that will instantly transform your kitchen.