Interesting choice mixing halogens—I get the appeal of their warmth, but personally I'd steer clear of them in a kitchen reno these days. Not just for efficiency reasons, but they also generate more heat, which can be noticeable if you're cooking regularly or have lower ceilings. I've found that carefully selecting LED bulbs with a warmer color temperature (around 2700K) and high CRI ratings can closely mimic that inviting glow without the added heat or higher energy bills. Dimmers are definitely essential though... no debate there.
Has anyone else found that LEDs can sometimes feel a bit... clinical, even at warmer temps? I recently redid my kitchen lighting and ended up mixing in some vintage-style filament LEDs. They gave me that cozy vibe without the heat issues of halogens. Curious if others have tried something similar?
"Has anyone else found that LEDs can sometimes feel a bit... clinical, even at warmer temps?"
Honestly, I think it's more about placement and diffusion than the bulbs themselves. I've used standard warm LEDs in my kitchen remodel, but added frosted glass fixtures and indirect lighting under cabinets. It softened things up nicely without needing vintage-style bulbs. Those filament LEDs look cool, but they're not always necessary if you get creative with fixtures and placement.
I get what you're saying about diffusion, but honestly, I think color temperature still plays a pretty big role. When I redid my kitchen, I initially went with standard warm LEDs (around 3000K), and even with frosted fixtures, it felt a bit sterile. Switched them out for 2700K bulbs, and it made a noticeable difference—felt way cozier. Placement definitely matters, but don't underestimate how much a slight shift in warmth can change the vibe of the room.
"Switched them out for 2700K bulbs, and it made a noticeable difference—felt way cozier."
Totally agree with you on the 2700K sweet spot. Ever tried going even warmer, like 2400K Edison-style bulbs? Did that in my dining area, and now it's everyone's favorite spot to hang out...
