Kitchen countertops have a dual role. They are functional in that they offer workspace in the kitchen. But they are also aesthetic in the sense that they contribute to the overall look and feel of the kitchen space. So of course, you are going to want to illuminate the brand-new granite countertops you purchase from Bedrock Quartz.
Illumination applies to both function and aesthetics. You need enough light to safely work at your new counters. At the same time, you want lighting to add to the aesthetic appeal. You don’t want lighting that makes your granite look anything less than stunning. So how do you accomplish both without bringing in a Hollywood set designer?
We have put together some helpful tips below. If you need more information, there is plenty to look at online. Fortunately, kitchen lighting is a topic that is covered extensively in blog posts, DIY articles, and the like.
1. Take a Layered Approach
The one piece of advice offered most frequently is to take a layered approach to countertop lighting. A layered approach is based on three things:
- Ambient Lighting – Ambient light is the main light that illuminates an entire room. Combining different types of lights and fixtures provides adequate ambient lighting without overdoing it where the countertops are concerned.
- Task Lighting – Task lighting is lighting designed to illuminate the countertop while you are working. Things like under cabinet lights and pot lighting are perfect for this purpose.
- Accent Lighting – Accent lighting is all about aesthetics. Different types of lights and fixtures are chosen to highlight the countertop’s best features.
Ambient lighting is the main source of lighting for the kitchen. Task lighting is only used when you’re actually working at the counter, while accent lighting is best utilized in the evening hours when ambient light is low. By layering all three, you can make the best use of your granite countertops and ensure they continue looking stunning.
2. Carefully Consider Placement
Granite can be difficult to illuminate because of its colors and sometimes stark veining patterns. So it’s important to carefully consider placement. Also remember that highly polished granite produces a lot of reflective glare. Imagine installing recessed fixtures for task lighting. Placing them directly above the center of the countertop generally works best.
3. Consider Warm Lighting
Exceptionally bright lighting can actually make a granite countertop hard to look at. So consider less powerful lights for starters. In addition, consider warm bulbs rather than their cooler counterparts. Warmer lights enhance granite’s beauty without going overboard on the glare.
4. Implement Other Anti-Glare Strategies
Light reflection and its associated glare distract from granite’s natural beauty. So consider implementing other anti-glare strategies. Frosted diffusers are an example. Angling ambient and accent lights so they don’t reflect directly off the countertop is another. Incidentally, testing placement before final installation is always a good idea.
5. Pay Close Attention to the Color
Finally, pay close attention to the color of your granite when choosing lights. Lighter shades reflect more light, making for a brighter space that feels more open. You will not need as much ambient or task lighting. Darker colors are just the opposite. The fact that they reflect less light means you’ll need more fixtures for both ambient and task purposes.We love granite as a countertop material. It is durable, beautiful, and elegant. But it can be difficult to illuminate. Here’s hoping the tips discussed in this post will help you figure it all out. If you’re unsure about any of this, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lighting professional.
