I've found that adjustable brightness can sometimes lead to uneven illumination or flickering, especially with certain LED brands. Personally, I prefer having separate dedicated task lights at full...
Totally get where you're coming from. I redid my kitchen last year and initially went with dimmable LEDs thinking they'd be versatile... but man, the flickering drove me nuts. Ended up swapping them out for fixed-brightness LEDs under cabinets for prep work (especially chopping veggies—I need all the clarity I can get, haha). For late-night snacks or early-morning coffee runs, I installed some warm-toned pendant lights over the island. Gives a cozy vibe without feeling like I'm under interrogation lights at 2 AM.
For late-night snacks or early-morning coffee runs, I installed some warm-toned pendant lights over the island.
I had a similar issue with dimmable LEDs in my kitchen. Thought they'd be perfect for flexibility, but the uneven brightness was distracting, especially during detailed tasks like slicing or reading recipes. Ended up using dedicated bright LEDs under cabinets too—makes prep so much easier. For general lighting, though, I stuck with dimmable recessed lights but did extensive research to find brands that wouldn't flicker... took some trial and error, but finally happy with the setup.
I went with budget-friendly LED strips under the cabinets and honestly, best decision ever. Bright enough for chopping veggies without squinting, and cozy enough for midnight snack raids... plus, my wallet didn't cry too much, haha.
I totally get the appeal of LEDs—practical and wallet-friendly is always a win. But personally, since my place is an older home with lots of vintage charm, I went for those retro-style pendant lights over the island. They're not exactly budget-friendly (my wallet definitely shed a tear or two), but they add so much character and warmth. Plus, dimmers are a lifesaver for late-night snack missions... nothing like sneaking cookies under cozy mood lighting, right?
I recently redid the lighting in a property I renovated, and while LEDs were my initial go-to for efficiency, I ended up mixing them with some recessed halogens. The halogens gave a warmer, more inviting glow—especially important in kitchens where people gather. Dimmers were definitely key, though... nothing worse than harsh lighting when you're grabbing a midnight snack. Balancing practicality with ambiance can be tricky, but it's worth the extra planning (and expense).
