Homeowners desire a well-lit kitchen, and for obvious reasons. A well-lit kitchen, among other things:

• Is aesthetically pleasing
• Improves the efficiency of completing tasks
• Lessens the potential for accidents 
• Creates a warm and inviting space for the family to cook or hang out

Not all homeowners are fortunate enough to have a kitchen with plenty of natural light. But with a few tricks and creative ideas, your kitchen can be brighter and more functional. If you happen to have a dark, dull kitchen, below are 9 ways in which you can improve the lighting and be on your way to a brighter kitchen atmosphere.

1. Mount a Mirror

One of the easiest and quickest ways to brighten a kitchen is to add a mirror. Mirrors are perfect tools for capturing light and dispersing rays across a room. The reflective quality of a mirror boosts brightness and makes the room appear bigger than it is. Choose a mirror that also has decorative benefits to elevate the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. The bigger the mirror, the greater the influx of light into the kitchen. For maximum impact, place the mirror across from or close to the light source.

2. Choose Gloss-Finished Kitchen Cabinets

Gloss-finished kitchen cabinets are a great option for brightening a kitchen. The shiny surfaces reflect light and illuminate dark, hidden areas of the kitchen. Opt for lighter-coloured gloss-finished cabinets, as they are more effective at reflecting light than darker ones. Glossy cabinets are susceptible to smudges and dirt, but they can be wiped down easily with soap and water.

3. Put in a Window

Windows aren’t necessary for a kitchen—but they are a sure way to brighten up the room and add a touch of luxury. If your space and budget permit it, consider putting in a large window to let in natural light. Leave it bare, or dress it up with sheer curtains to maximize the inflow of light. Your kitchen will look brighter, more open and airy.

4. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Brighten countertops and the rest of your kitchen by installing lights beneath kitchen cabinets. The lights illuminate dark areas along with the countertops and floor that are unreachable by overhead lighting, making it easier to accomplish tasks. Homeowners can choose from a variety of battery-powered, hardwired, or plug lights to install beneath cabinets.

5. Embrace an All-White Kitchen

White kitchens are classic and are synonymous with brightness and airiness; embrace an all-white kitchen design. Light bounces off white surfaces, boosting the amount of light that flows throughout the room. White kitchens are naturally bright and airy, and work with or without natural light. Homeowners daunted by the look of an all-white kitchen can consider including coloured accent pieces to break up the monochromatic theme.

6. Consider Three Layers of Lighting

Having a single light fixture in the ceiling may not provide adequate lighting in a kitchen. Instead, consider a combination of all three types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting consists of your main light source that usually resides in the ceiling. A chandelier is a typical example of ambient lighting.

Task lighting increases visibility along workstations such as a countertop or an island. This type of lighting makes completing tasks more manageable. Under-cabinet lighting is a type of task lighting.

Accent lighting offers some light but is largely decorative. Designers and homeowners incorporate this type of lighting to highlight objects or specific areas in a room.

Using all three types of lighting ensures that all areas of the kitchen are lit, and the space is more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

7. Paint Walls in Light Colours

Paint walls in light colours; lighter colours have more reflective capabilities than darker ones. Rather than absorbing light as dark colours do, light colours redirect light to brighten a room. Pastel shades like light blue, buttercup yellow, and lilac are currently on trend and are perfect for imparting a relaxing, cozy feel to the kitchen.

8. Install Open Shelves

Enclosed upper cabinets can make some kitchens appear dark and gloomy—but you do need them for storage. Try reducing the number of cabinets and installing some open shelves. The shelves allow light to flow through the kitchen and are a great way to display your prized dishware and decorative items.

9. Open Up the Kitchen

Opening up the kitchen is one of the more costly and complicated ways to brighten the room—but it’s an effort that’s well worth it. Provided there’s a wall you can part with and it’s not load-bearing, knock it out. Usually, the adjoining space like a dining room or living area has windows from which the kitchen can draw light. If you cannot commit to removing an entire wall, create a half wall instead—the kitchen will feel brighter, more spacious and open.

Your Source for Custom Kitchen Cabinets in Coquitlam

If you are searching for a custom cabinet manufacturer in Coquitlam, contact us at Oasis Kitchens. We have over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing cabinets to our customers’ satisfaction. Use our kitchen planning tool to fine-tune your kitchen remodelling design ideas, after which our manufacturing team will construct your chosen kitchen cabinets. Don’t delay. Get started today!