Whether you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or if you simply want to enhance your space, the right lighting can be transformational. However, with so many options available, selecting the perfect kitchen lighting can be difficult. Our in-depth guide to kitchen lighting will help you narrow down your options, learn about the types of kitchen lighting, and discover beautiful inspiration for your home.
What is the best type of lighting for my kitchen?
When selecting kitchen lighting, here are some considerations to help you find the best lighting for your functional needs and kitchen design. If you plan on remodeling your kitchen, working with an experienced remodeler will help you select lighting that will complement your space and design.
- Kitchen Layout and Size are two of the most important variables when selecting lighting. For many kitchens, a combination of lighting types and styles will work best.
- Natural Light Sources such as windows and skylights will determine where you need additional lighting in the room. Consider whether your kitchen faces north or south and how your lighting needs may change through the day.
- Color Scheme and Decor are design elements that can influence how lighting is reflected and absorbed in the space. The right light fixture can enhance your space, while a discordant piece may throw your kitchen out of balance.
- Task Areas vs. General Illumination clarify the purpose of your kitchen lighting. Food preparation areas require brighter lighting while general illumination provides background.
- Energy Efficiency is an important consideration, as LED lighting options can provide enhanced quality as well as long-term savings.
- Budget should also be considered when selecting lighting fixtures. There is a wide range of costs for lighting fixtures, so the types of lighting you need, the number of fixtures for each type, and the fixture sizes and materials will all be factors for your budget.
- Maintenance varies by the styles of lighting fixtures you select. Styles such as chandeliers and pendant lighting require more careful cleaning. If you have limited time to upkeep your kitchen lighting, consider fixtures with easily replaceable bulbs and resilient materials.
Types of Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen lighting goes beyond simply choosing one fixture. It’s important to consider how different types of kitchen lighting complement each other to create a functional, inviting space.
There are three main categories of kitchen lighting: ambient, task, and accent lighting. Each type of lighting serves a specific purpose and can be layered together to create a desired mood.
Ambient Kitchen Lighting
Ambient kitchen lighting is the primary source of illumination and ensures your kitchen is bright enough for everyday activities. This lighting option replicates natural daylight, reduces eye strain, establishes the mood of your kitchen, and creates a foundation for other lighting fixtures to build upon. Popular styles of ambient lighting include ceiling-mounted, chandelier, pendant, and recessed lighting fixtures.
Task Kitchen Lighting
Task kitchen lighting is the second layer of illumination and provides focused, brighter illumination in key work areas. This style of lighting is crucial as it ensures you can prepare food, read recipes, and perform other kitchen tasks safely and efficiently. Some of the most popular styles of task lighting include under-cabinet, pendant, recessed, and track lighting.
Accent Kitchen Lighting
Accent lighting is the third layer of kitchen lighting and adds depth and visual interest to your room. You may use accent lighting to highlight specific features in your kitchen, create greater visual interest, and further develop the mood of your space. Some of the most popular ambient light options include under-cabinet lighting, cabinet and display lighting, up-lighting, and track lighting.
Popular Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are a versatile, stylish option that can be used for task, accent, and ambient lighting. These fixtures often feature a light source hung from a cord, chain, or metal rod, but many variations exist. You can customize the height, finish, material, color, arrangement, and design aesthetic of your pendant lighting to create a different mood in your kitchen.
Styles
As pendant lights are some of the most popular fixtures for kitchens, many styles can complement different styles.
- Single-bulb pendant lights feature a light bulb hung from a wire, chain, or cord typically with a stylized container. This style of pendant light can provide task lighting and accent lighting and is often hung above kitchen islands or dining tables.
- Multi-light pendant lights contain multiple bulbs, either clustered or spread out around a central hanger. These lights range from simple hanging bulbs to elaborate displays with lights suspended at different heights or along complex metal frames. Depending on the size, multi-light pendant fixtures can be used as ambient, task, or accent lighting.
- Drum pendant light fixtures are known for their characteristic drum-shaped lamp shade and softer, diffused lighting. Because these fixtures lend a dimmer illumination to spaces, they are best for dining areas.
- Globe pendant lights feature a hanging bulb enclosed in a spherical frame which evokes a more simple, modern aesthetic. These fixtures are available as single or multiple bulbs and can be used as task or ambient lighting.
- Lantern pendant lights typically place a light bulb within a metal frame, either with or without glass panes. This vintage style works well in classic and rustic kitchens as an ambient, task, or accent lighting option.
These are just some of the many styles of pendant lights available for your kitchen. With other interesting designs—from teardrop, cluster, and industrial to cone, bell, candle, and art glass pendant fixtures—you can find the perfect lighting option for your design feel.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lights are typically installed under kitchen cabinets and above countertops to provide brighter, focused illumination for kitchen tasks. Installing these types of lights can create functional workspaces by reducing shadows and highlighting food preparation areas.
Styles
There are several types of under-cabinet lighting fixtures that can be tailored to offer different levels of illumination.
- LED under-cabinet lighting comes in adhesive backed strips which can be easily cut and installed. With its range of colors, brightness levels, and dimming controls; LED lighting is a great solution for task lighting.
- Puck lighting are small, round fixtures that provide bright illumination for food prep areas in your kitchen. These lights offer a range of color temperatures, intensities, and additional controls.
- Linear light bars can be mounted under kitchen cabinets to illuminate important task areas. These lights are sleek, with many LED options available to improve energy efficiency.
Statement Chandeliers
Statement chandeliers are the perfect fixtures to create a focal point in your space while offering functional and decorative appeal. To determine the best chandelier for your kitchen, consider your design style, the size of your space, and the level of upkeep you’re willing to undertake.
Styles
Chandeliers come in nearly endless varieties to complement any style of kitchen, from traditional to modern and everything in between. These show-stopping fixtures require knowledge of electrical wiring, proper mounting hardware, and special tools. So, hiring a professional is recommended.
- Classic chandeliers feature elegant curves, ornate details, and multiple layers of glowing lights. These fixtures are typically finished with glowing brass or bronze as well as crystal details. Classic chandeliers are ideal for traditional and formal kitchens.
- Modern chandeliers are simpler, with clean, geometric lines, symmetrical forms, and more subdued finishes such as brushed bronze, nickel, and matte black. This style of fixture complements contemporary and minimalist kitchens as it conveys a more understated look.
- Farmhouse chandeliers are typically made of natural materials such as wood, iron, and distressed metal paired with Edison bulbs, curved wires, and other rustic accents. Some farmhouse chandeliers may have an asymmetrical design, reclaimed antiques, and fixed metals, lending to a casual look. These fixtures play well in country-style and vintage kitchens.
- Industrial chandeliers combine rugged features such as exposed bulbs, elaborate metal frames, and dark finishes to evoke a modern, raw aesthetic. These light fixtures typically suit urban lofts, contemporary kitchens, and other cutting-edge spaces.
- Candle chandeliers come in many styles and are designed to hold traditional candelabras. Modern candle chandeliers often contain faux candles that are powered through electric wiring. These chandeliers evoke a timeless, romantic feel that pairs nicely with classic and vintage spaces.
Besides these popular styles, chandeliers come in many more designs including globe, transitional, bohemian, retro, beaded, waterfall, and cage types. Visiting a lighting showroom and consulting with a remodeling expert can help you narrow down your selection of chandeliers to the best for your kitchen.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed or downlighting is a style of fixture embedded into a hollow opening in the ceiling to provide a streamlined source of illumination. This versatile style of lighting can provide ambient, task, and accent lighting depending on the number and pattern of bulb installation. Recessed lighting is a great option for those seeking to create a modern feel, save space, evenly distribute light, and access dimming capability.
Styles
While there are fewer distinct styles of recessed lighting, you can still customize your lighting through the spacing and placement of light bulbs, installation of movable beams, and by selecting dimmable options. Recessed lighting can also be specially designed to highlight certain architectural features or protect against heavy wear and tear.
- General ambient recessed lighting is perfect for those seeking to create a consistent ambient light in their kitchen. Recessed lights are installed on the ceiling in a grid pattern to provide uniform illumination.
- Task-recessed lighting can provide brighter, focused illumination for food preparation and cleaning areas.
- Accent recessed lighting highlights specific stylistic features or areas in your kitchen such as artwork, cabinetry, or statement wall. Accent lights can be angled to create greater emphasis.
- Wet-rated recessed lighting is especially designed to be resistant to direct moisture such as rain or splashing water. While these fixtures are typically used in outdoor spaces, they can be a good lighting option for areas in your kitchen that are frequently exposed to water.
- Directional recessed lighting allows you to alter the focus and beam angle of each fixture to highlight specific features. These controls make directional lights ideal for task and accent illumination.
Smart Lighting
Rather than referring to a specific style of lighting, smart lights are any type that can be controlled through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile devices, voice commands, and/or smart speakers. These modern fixtures allow you to control brightness, hue, and color temperature autonomously. Additionally, you can set lights to automatically turn on when you enter a room, change color when you receive a notification on a smart device, and change appearance on a schedule.
Types
- Smart bulbs are one of the most accessible forms of smart lighting. These bulbs can be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and controlled through apps and smart devices. You can choose between bold multi-color bulbs, temperature-changing bulbs, and retro Edison bulbs—all with enhanced smart capabilities.
- Smart motion-activated lighting is ideal for busy areas that you are likely to enter and exit with your hands full, such as pantries. These lights offer hands-free illumination that can be programmed to turn on when you enter a space, at certain times of day, in low light, or dimmed when you exit.
- Smart toe-kick lighting describes LED light strips placed beneath lower cabinets to illuminate the floor. Motion-activated, color-changing, and dimming options are an excellent choice for those seeking convenient illumination.
- Smart lighting for dining allows you to create unique moods through light for your hosting spaces. You can integrate these lights with smart devices to effortlessly create the perfect atmosphere for family dinners, parties, and more!
Whatever your needs and design preferences, smart lighting can be an excellent way to bring your kitchen into the modern era. For more information about smart lighting systems and our favorite brands, check out our home automation guide.
Ready to brighten your space?
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