Published on February 15, 2023

Pro Tips

6 Tips for Picking the Perfect Kitchen Light Fixtures

Good kitchen lighting is important for cooking, entertaining, and the overall room design. With so many different light fixtures available, you’re sure to find the right combination of kitchen lighting solutions. Use these tips to help you pick the perfect kitchen light fixtures for the space.

Brighten Your Kitchen Like a Pro

As the heart of the home and a gathering place for family and friends, the kitchen deserves a thoughtful, functional, and attractive lighting design. The fixtures you choose can help tie the whole room together and make it a wonderful place to create happy memories.

SHOP LIGHTING FIXTURES

Three black lighting fixtures above a kitchen island

1
Identify the Focal Point of the Room

You might want to jump right into shopping but, when choosing new kitchen light fixtures, it’s important to start with a plan. This will ultimately save you time and effort.

Before you buy, decide on the kitchen’s focal point. This is the spot where anyone walking into the kitchen looks first, and this is where your largest lighting fixture should go. All your supporting light fixtures will depend on this one, so it is the choice that needs to be made first.

If your kitchen has a central island, then the focal point will likely be the pendant lights above it. In a narrow galley kitchen, we recommend a flush mount light or a semi-flush mount light to help the space feel bigger. Modern track lighting can also be a good option.

Designer Tip

Don’t be afraid to use your focal point to make a bold statement. Go with that glamorous chandelier that catches your eye for a visual treat every time you walk into the room.

2
Decide on Your Design Style

The style of your kitchen should match the style of the rest of your home, especially in an open-concept space where you can see the kitchen from other rooms. A coordinated style will help create a cohesive look.

There are a lot of great styles to choose from, including modern, farmhouse, or an eclectic design. Your decision should be informed by factors like your kitchen furniture, hardware finish, and even your home’s architectural features. Figuring out what you want ahead of time will help you narrow your choices when browsing hanging lights.

If you get stuck on a decision between a rustic farmhouse pendant or a sleek, gold design, then try to choose a halfway option like this versatile matte black island light that will easily coordinate with many different styles.

Small kitchen with 2 suspended lighting fixtures

3
Consider Fixture Size and Scale

The size of your lighting fixtures should correspond to the size of your kitchen for a designer look. If the fixtures are too small, it just won’t look magazine-worthy!

When considering your lighting options, always take the size of your kitchen island into account, as it will have a significant impact on the number and size of lighting fixtures you should use. As a general rule of thumb, three pendants, evenly spaced, are the go-to. However, a smaller island may look best with just two.

Pendant lights with clear, teardrop glass shades are great for illuminating the whole space. During the day, they will also allow natural sunlight to pass through and help the space seem larger and airier.

4
Add Some Ambience with Mood Lighting

Bright task lighting is important in the kitchen when cooking and cleaning, but you might want to tone things down when it’s time to wind down. Your kitchen lighting can set the tone for the rest of the house, so consider features like a dimmer switch to enhance the ambience of the space.

Installing under-cabinet lighting will provide just the right amount of indirect light to warmly illuminate your countertops, cabinetry, and backsplash. Traditional under-cabinet lights are hardwired but newer, battery-operated, and remote-controlled designs can be attached quickly and easily with double-sided tape. It’s a simple DIY project and an effective way to set the desired kitchen mood.

5
Use Accent Lighting in Busy Areas

Wall sconces can be used strategically in the kitchen to add an additional lighting layer. These accent lights will provide greater illumination in areas where you need it the most, like over the sink, over the bar, or in the pantry. They will also give the kitchen a more intentional, designer look.

To light up the spaces that require the greatest visibility, consider a sleek, swing-arm wall sconce. Metal shades—as opposed to clear or glass shades—are best if you already have a chandelier or hanging lights, as they will direct the light downward where you want it to go.

6
Make an Impact with Light Bulbs

After picking the perfect light fixture combination, you need the perfect bulbs to help bring the whole look together.

For your focal point lighting, choose bulbs that are cool or bright white, as these will provide strong and clear light for tasks like chopping ingredients. Accent lights and under-cabinet lights, since they aren’t the main sources of illumination in the room, look better with the soft light of warm light bulbs.

Light bulbs also come in different shapes that you should consider when making your selection. These mini pendants that leave the light bulb exposed, for example, look great with vintage-style Edison bulbs that will give your kitchen a more unique look. Complete your lighting design by taking the time to choose lightbulbs that will complement your lighting fixtures and your kitchen.

The best kitchen lighting designs make use of different types of lighting fixtures coordinated together into a cohesive and stylish look. The secret recipe is to use the right amount of bright, ambient lighting and softer accent lighting in a harmonious combination with your desired functionality, kitchen layout, and overall home style. Create a kitchen you enjoy spending time in with lighting you will love.

6 Tips for Picking the Perfect Kitchen Light Fixtures

Brighten Your Kitchen Like a Pro

1
Identify the Focal Point of the Room

Designer Tip

2
Decide on Your Design Style

3
Consider Fixture Size and Scale

4
Add Some Ambience with Mood Lighting

5
Use Accent Lighting in Busy Areas

6
Make an Impact with Light Bulbs

Suggested Products

Give your kitchen a modern twist

6 Tips for Picking the Perfect Kitchen Light Fixtures

Brighten Your Kitchen Like a Pro

1Identify the Focal Point of the Room

Designer Tip

2Decide on Your Design Style

3Consider Fixture Size and Scale

4Add Some Ambience with Mood Lighting

5Use Accent Lighting in Busy Areas

6Make an Impact with Light Bulbs

Suggested Products

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Give your kitchen a modern twist

1
Identify the Focal Point of the Room

2
Decide on Your Design Style

3
Consider Fixture Size and Scale

4
Add Some Ambience with Mood Lighting

5
Use Accent Lighting in Busy Areas

6
Make an Impact with Light Bulbs