Interesting choice with recessed LEDs and pendants. I've been researching kitchen lighting for my first renovation, and I'm leaning toward under-cabinet lighting to complement overhead fixtures. But I'm still unsure about color temperature—did you go warmer (2700K-ish) for that cozy vibe, or did you stick with something cooler for practicality? Curious what others have found works best day-to-day...
"I'm leaning toward under-cabinet lighting to complement overhead fixtures. But I'm still unsure about color temperature..."
I've tried both, and honestly, 2700K under-cabinet lighting is great if you're aiming for a relaxed, inviting feel—perfect for evening snacks or early morning coffee. But if you cook a lot, slightly cooler (around 3000K-3500K) gives better clarity when chopping veggies or reading recipes. Personally, I'd go warmer overhead and slightly cooler under cabinets...best of both worlds, imo.
Good points all around. A few things from my experience:
- 2700K is definitely cozy, especially if your kitchen doubles as a hangout spot. Makes midnight snack runs way less harsh on the eyes.
- But I did find slightly cooler temps (around 3000K) more practical for cooking and prep work—less shadowy, easier to see details clearly.
- Honestly though, you're already on a solid track with under-cabinet lighting. It makes such a huge difference, you'll wonder how you managed without it...
Great breakdown, really helpful to hear your experience with color temps. I'm currently in the planning stage for my kitchen reno and debating between 2700K and 3000K myself. Leaning toward 3000K for the main overhead lights because, like you said, visibility during prep is key. But then again, I do love the warmer vibe for evenings and hanging out...
Under-cabinet lighting is definitely on my must-have list, but I'm also considering dimmers for flexibility. Has anyone tried installing dimmers with LED lights in their kitchen? Curious if it actually gives you the best of both worlds or if it's more hassle than it's worth.
I installed dimmers with LED lights in my kitchen about two years ago, and honestly, it was one of the better decisions I made during the reno. At first, I worried they'd flicker or buzz (heard some horror stories), but as long as you get dimmer-compatible LEDs and quality dimmer switches, it's pretty smooth sailing. I love being able to crank up the brightness for cooking, then dial it down afterward for a more relaxed vibe. Are you thinking of going with smart dimmers or just standard ones?