Part 2: Some Basic Concepts in Lighting Technology

Part 2 – Shadows, Glare, and Reflective Surfaces

Good kitchen lighting depends on more than just choosing sufficiently bright light sources. It is just as important to consider how the light behaves within the space. Where do shadows form? Is any of the lighting glaring? Does the light reflect off the countertop, the back wall, or glossy cabinet fronts? Is it comfortable to spend extended periods of time in the space?

Lighting works well when it aids vision without straining the eyes. This is especially important in the kitchen, because here we not only want to create a certain atmosphere, but we also need to work safely and precisely.

Managing shadows, glare, and reflective surfaces is therefore one of the most important aspects of lighting design.

Shadows Aren’t Always Bad

Shadows are a natural part of how we perceive space. If there are no shadows at all in a room, the scene can appear flat and lifeless. Subtle shadows help us perceive shapes, add depth to the space, and create a more pleasant, natural effect.

In the kitchen, however, it matters where these shadows appear. On an accent wall, an open shelf, or in mood lighting, shadows can be beautiful. On the countertop, cutting board, sink, or stovetop, however, it’s distracting if our hands cast shadows on the very surface where we’re working.

The goal, therefore, is not to eliminate all shadows, but to create the right balance of light and shadow in the right places.

Keep Distracting Shadows to a Minimum on the Work Surface

Kitchen prep work requires even, well-directed light. If light comes only from the center of the ceiling, the user’s body often blocks it, casting the countertop into shadow. This can be tiring during daily work and may even pose a safety hazard, for example, when using knives or hot cookware.

This is precisely why under-cabinet lighting is so useful. It directs light directly onto the work surface, minimizing distracting shadows. However, it’s important that the LED lighting doesn’t just shine in a narrow strip but actually covers the usable countertop area.

For an island or a countertop without upper cabinets, the lighting should be arranged so that the light does not come exclusively from behind the user. In such cases, well-positioned pendant lights, directional spotlights, or track lighting systems can help.

What Is Glare?

We speak of glare when light that is too intense or too concentrated enters the eye’s field of vision. This can be a direct light source—such as a poorly placed LED, spot light, or pendant light—or it can be a highly reflective surface that reflects light back into our eyes.

Glare is unpleasant. In the short term, it impairs vision; in the long term, it tires the eyes and makes our sense of space feel more unsettled. It can be particularly problematic in the kitchen, because working there requires focused attention and good lighting conditions.

One of the basic principles of good lighting is that the light source should not be blinding, should not directly disturb the eyes, and should not cause strong glare on the surfaces most frequently viewed.

How Can Glare Be Avoided?

One way to reduce glare is to properly cover or recessed the light source. An LED strip, for example, can be quite distracting on its own if it’s directly visible. However, when placed in an aluminum profile, covered with an opal shade, or properly concealed, it can provide a softer and more pleasant light.

With spotlights, the correct beam angle and position are crucial. If they shine too steeply or in the wrong direction, they can easily cause glare. With pendant lights, it’s also essential that the light doesn’t fall directly at eye level, especially above an island or dining counter.

Another important element is diffuse, scattered light. If the light comes not from a single point but from a larger surface or in a softened manner, it’s less distracting, and the shadows will be more pleasant as well.

Shiny Surfaces and Reflections

Modern kitchens often feature shiny, glass, lacquered, metallic, or polished surfaces. These can be elegant, but they require special attention when it comes to lighting because they easily reflect light.

A glossy backsplash, glass panel, high-gloss cabinet front, or shiny countertop can reflect light directly into your eyes. This is particularly distracting if the light source is too bright, too close, or coming from the wrong angle. Glare is not only unpleasant but can also detract from the appearance of the surfaces.

With materials like these, it’s worth trying to work with softer, more diffused light and avoiding strong, direct spotlights that cause reflections. The direction of the light is at least as important as its intensity.

Matte Surfaces and Softer Lighting Effects

Matte surfaces generally reflect less light, so they can be easier to work with from a lighting perspective. A matte cabinet front, a matte countertop, or a surface with a natural texture reflects light more softly, creating a calmer visual effect.

However, this does not mean that you should pay less attention to lighting when using matte surfaces. Darker matte materials can absorb a lot of light, so the space may appear gloomier if there isn’t enough well-placed light. With light-colored matte surfaces, on the other hand, it’s easy to achieve a pleasant, even lighting effect.

The choice of materials and lighting must therefore always be considered together. The same light fixture can create a completely different effect on a glossy white wall than on a dark matte surface.

The Role of the Ceiling, Walls, and Floor

Light doesn’t stop at the light fixture. It reflects off the ceiling, walls, furniture, countertops, and floor. Therefore, the room’s entire palette of materials and colors influences how bright or pleasant the kitchen will feel.

Light-colored ceilings are generally a good choice because they reflect light well and make a space feel more spacious. The color of the walls also matters a great deal: a lighter-colored wall keeps more light in the space, while a darker shade creates a more intimate—but one that requires more light—environment. Floors generally reflect less light, but a floor that is too shiny can cause distracting reflections.

For a natural look, it’s best if the ceiling is lighter, the walls have balanced tones, and the floor acts as a more stable, less glaring surface.

Diffused Light and Soft Shadows

Diffused light is light that does not arrive directly or sharply, but fills the space by reflecting off a surface or being scattered. Examples include concealed lighting directed at the ceiling, an opal-shaded lamp, or light reflected off a surface.

The advantage of diffused light is that it creates softer shadows, is less glaring, and fosters a more pleasant sense of space. In the kitchen, it is not always sufficient on its own as task lighting, but it can be very valuable as part of general and mood lighting.

Especially in open-concept kitchen-living room spaces, it helps ensure that the kitchen lighting isn’t too technical or cold, but rather blends in with the home’s atmosphere.

Eye comfort matters in the long run

The quality of lighting directly affects how tired we get in the kitchen. If the light is too dim, we strain our eyes. Light that is too bright or glaring can make us feel irritable and exhausted. Excessive contrast forces our eyes to constantly adjust, which is also uncomfortable.

In a well-designed kitchen, the light is neither harsh nor blinding; it doesn’t cast spots, and it doesn’t leave important work areas in the dark. Instead, it is balanced, layered, and tailored to the kitchen’s use.

Good lighting doesn’t just mean that we can see. It also means that we feel comfortable in the light under which we use the kitchen day after day.