Lighting
30 Kitchen Lighting Ideas for Every Home
The kitchen is the heart of the home for many people. Whether you’re a skilled home cook or an expert when it comes to plating takeout, your kitchen real estate is valuable and it deserves the perfect lighting. From bold statement fixtures over the dining table to functional pieces to light your kitchen island, we’ve outlined what to consider when it comes to your space. Read on for details to consider for picking the perfect kitchen lighting.
How To Pick the Right Lighting
Before you start shopping, it’s important to know what you need. Use the following tips and information to help plan out your kitchen lighting.
1. Understand Your Space
Take time to understand your space. Look at everything with a critical eye. Do you have an open expanse of work space that you need to illuminate? Are you working with bold cabinets and countertops or statement furniture? Get a feel for what kind of lighting you’d want and need.
2. Consider Your Style
Once you’ve taken stock of your space, it’s time to think about your style. Do you love a bold statement centerpiece or are you more subdued in your expression of style? Consider what kind of lighting speaks to your personal aesthetic and go from there. Common kitchen lights include:
- Pendant lights
- Recessed lights
- Flushmount fixtures
- Chandeliers
3. Take Measurements
Another thing to keep in mind is the overall size of your kitchen, including the width of your kitchen island if you’re planning lighting around that. You don’t want anything too overbearing or understated, so getting an idea of what would fit well in your space before you shop is important.
4. Ceiling Height
On that note, consider the height of your ceilings. You want to be sure that your new light fixture won’t hang too low or make your space feel smaller than it actually is. You also want to make sure you don’t accidentally get a fixture that’s too small if you have tall ceilings! A good rule of thumb is to have at least three feet between the top of your island or countertops and the bottom of your light fixture.
Types of Kitchen Lighting
Now that you know what you need and have a theme in mind, it’s time to pick out your new lighting! Here are some of the best options when it comes to shopping for kitchen lighting.
5. Flushmount
Classic, understated and functional, a flushmount light is the perfect addition to any space. This is an especially perfect option if you have low ceilings and don’t want to take up too much space with your light fixtures over your island or table.
6. Pendant
On the other hand, if you have tall ceilings, a pendant (or a few!) is the perfect option for the space above your kitchen island. You’ll have the perfect mix of style and function—an elegant kitchen lighting fixture that provides the perfect amount of light. We love these in a breakfast nook!
7. Chandelier
Don’t be afraid to go bold. An elegant chandelier is the ultimate lighting option if you have extra tall ceilings or love a loud centerpiece above your island.
8. Wall Sconces
This one's a bit more creative. Arrange a few sconces around your breakfast nook for a cozy atmosphere. If your kitchen island sits up against a pillar or column, a wall sconce or two can add a unique lighting option to your space. Don’t be afraid to have fun!
9. Table Lamp
On a similar note, if you want your space to feel a bit more eccentric, a table lamp in the corner of your kitchen island or on a floating shelf can set the perfect ambience for your space. Think of all the fun dinner parties you’ll have with the elegant mood lighting!
10. Ceiling Fan
If you live in a hot climate, there’s no better option than a ceiling fan in your kitchen. When you’re spending lots of time cooking or prepping ingredients at your kitchen island, a breeze will surely help cool things down.
Kitchen Lighting Looks
Once you’ve taken stock of your space and have some details in mind, think about the theme you want. Check out some of our favorite lighting themes and design features below.
11. Bold
Nothing makes a statement more than a bold light fixture in the center of your kitchen! Opt for a piece that has angled features and dramatic lighting. This is the perfect theme for an industrial space.
12. Understated
Whether you prefer an understated theme throughout your space or already have bold fixtures in your kitchen, a subtle look will complement almost any design. Function reigns supreme with this theme.
13. Metallic
Style, anyone? Whether you love mid-century modern design or just can’t resist a bit of bling, a metallic lighting theme will turn things up a notch. If you’re looking for something more low-profile, a simple fixture will add the perfect touch to your space.
14. Modern
Make a statement with bold shapes and clean lines. Modern decor is perfect if you have a mid-century theme throughout your space and are looking for a light fixture to complement.
15. Contemporary
Contemporary style is a favorite look of ours, and it shouldn’t stop at your light fixtures. A bold color choice with a classic design is the perfect combination, and it will surely complement any other decor you have.
16. Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is perfect if you’re looking for a more muted design and softer light. We love a fixture that has a few bulbs attached to help distribute light in an elegant fashion.
17. Clear Glass
If you’re looking for something a bit more bold, clear glass is the route for you instead of frosted glass. This is a great option if you’d like to use statement bulbs, like Edison bulbs or tipped bulbs for a modern look.
18. Burst of Creative Energy
If you have the space, don’t be afraid to have a little bit of fun with your lighting! For example, opt for a swag lamp dangling over your kitchen island or bar cart for a unique look.
19. Classic With a Twist
Classic shapes never go out of style, they may just need a bit of updating to work in your space. Opt for a recognizable shape or design, like a chandelier, and pick out an updated version to complement your space.
20. Whimsical
Don’t be afraid to have fun! Pick out unique shapes and sizes to create a whimsical, fun space. Your kitchen is the heart of the home, so don’t be afraid to let loose.
21. Natural
If your home has more of a natural theme, reflect that in your lighting choices. Elegant wood grains bring a warm look to your space and can complement most decor.
Additional Kitchen Lighting Considerations
When it comes time to install your lighting and complete your space, we have a few go-to tips to make the most of your space—check them out!
22. Focus on Functionality
Opt for fixtures that don’t hang too low and offer plenty of even light over your kitchen counters. If you’re working on your knife skills and always trying to perfect that certain recipe, you need functional lighting that will help you in your culinary adventures.
23. Play with Design
If mastering kitchen creations isn’t your thing, no worries! Design is the way to go. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style and have some fun with a bold statement light fixture.
24. Think About Dimmers
Having the ability to dim your lights is a huge bonus. Imagine all the ways you can set the mood for a dinner party or date night. Be sure to think about installing dimmer switches when you put in your new lighting.
25. Pick Out Smart Bulbs…
On a similar note, having smart bulbs will give you plenty of ways to control your lights—even from your phone! This is a great way to take your kitchen island lighting to the next level and elevate your kitchen.
26. ...and Bulb Color
While we’re on the subject of light bulbs, pick out the right shade and warmth of your bulbs. Opt for brighter lights if you’re an avid cook who needs plenty of well-lit workspace; a gentler hue will set the tone if you love to host. You can even pick out tipped bulbs for a unique look.
27. Think About Your Countertop Material
You may not think so initially, but your countertops can play an important role in what kind of lighting you choose. A muted wood or concrete countertop won’t reflect too much light, so have fun and opt for a bright statement piece. On the other hand, a stainless steel countertop will likely reflect a lot of light, so opt for something more understated.
28. Evaluate Your Natural Light
Natural light and your kitchen lighting can go hand in hand to create a perfectly lit space. For example, if you have a skylight in your kitchen, you can opt for more simple light fixtures to complement the space. A set of light curtains to help you control the light in front of your favorite windows can almost be like their own light fixture.
29. Consider Your Window Treatments
While we’re on the subject of natural light, think about your window treatments. If you have curtains to block out the hot midday sun, a lighting setup that counteracts the darkness will help illuminate your space, no matter the time of day.
30. Coordinate With Your Furniture
Finally, think about the rest of your space and how your light fixtures will coordinate. Do you have statement bar stools at your island that you want to keep as the centerpiece? Or is the rest of your furniture pretty muted, giving you room for a bold centerpiece? Take notes of how things may work together when your kitchen is done, from the amount of light to coordinating materials.
Your kitchen is an important spot in your home: It brings everyone together and offers the perfect workspace for your culinary adventures. Be sure you illuminate it in a way that matches your style. Lighting is sure to bring your whole kitchen design together!
