8 Easy Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Brighten up your kitchen.
Whether you're enjoying a morning cup of coffee or preparing dinner, the right lighting can make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting. We tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it's important to choose lighting that is both practical and stylish. Keep reading below to learn about the different types of kitchen lighting, as well as our top eight simple kitchen lighting ideas to brighten up your space.
Types of Kitchen Lighting
When shopping for kitchen lighting, it's best to consider the size of your space to ensure that you have enough lighting and to determine which type is right for you. We've outlined four common types of kitchen lighting – pendant lighting, flush mount lighting, wall sconces, and ceiling fans – to help you choose the best kitchen lighting for your home.
Pendant Lighting: Often placed above a kitchen island or sink, pendant lighting draws the eye upward and adds a decorative touch to the space. They bring soft ambient lighting to the kitchen rather than direct task lighting. Pendant lighting comes in a variety of shapes and designs to suit your style, making this type of lighting an excellent choice for kitchen light fixture ideas.
Flush Mount Lighting: Flush mount and semi-flush mount lighting hangs close to the ceiling with little space between the top of the fixture and the ceiling. Flush mount lighting is best for illuminating more compact spaces or kitchens with lower ceilings.
Wall Sconces: Wall sconces are a great addition for layering kitchen lighting or providing extra task lighting for prep spaces, such as countertops or sinks. With shaded or adjustable options, it's easy to find wall sconces that suit your needs.
Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are an excellent lighting option for kitchens. They circulate fresh air to keep the kitchen at a comfortable temperature – ideal for baking on a hot day. To suit your kitchen lighting needs, look for ceiling fans that are light kit-compatible or include a light kit to make installation easy.
Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Lighting is an essential part of any design, especially in high-traffic spaces like the kitchen. From antiqued finishes to clear glass shades, we've gathered eight kitchen lighting ideas to help you illuminate your space.
1. Choose a Shaded Pendant
Whether you're relaxing with a glass of wine or prepping ingredients for a new recipe, the kitchen island often has many different uses. Hang a pendant light above the kitchen island to keep the surface well-lit. Opt for a simple fabric shade to fill the kitchen with a warm inviting glow. The fabric shade softens the space and is easy to clean. Simply wipe the shade with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust.
Pro Tip:
When installing multiple pendant lights above the kitchen island, there are a few easy tricks to follow to ensure you achieve a balanced look. The distance from the top of the counter to the bottom of the fixture should measure between 30" and 36". Each pendant light should also have between 26" and 30" of space from the next.
2. Install a Swing-Arm Sconce
Add extra lighting above the countertop with an adjustable wall sconce. As one of our favorite kitchen lighting ideas, wall sconces add versatility to your space. Swing-arm sconces can be easily repositioned to lend some light exactly where you need – from prepping fresh produce to illuminating open shelving. Choose a sconce in a brushed brass finish to bring some warmth to the space, or opt for a matte black finish for a timeless look.
For kitchen lighting ideas, choose a set of two or three pendant lights to fill the kitchen with plenty of light and add a bit of symmetrical style. Pendant lights can be a great way to illuminate the whole space or layer different types of lighting. Glass or fabric pendant light shades are best for providing bright light. Pick opal glass shades to softly diffuse light throughout the kitchen, or try sheer glass shades to show off vintage-inspired Edison bulbs. If your space has other types of overhead lighting, pick metal pendants to add extra task lighting over prep spaces.
Make the most of smaller kitchens or kitchens with lower ceilings with flush mount lighting. Pick a flush mount fixture with a glass shade to diffuse light evenly throughout the kitchen. Bonus: Glass shades are easy to clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Choose a fixture with a polished nickel finish for a touch of brightness, or opt for antiqued bronze finish to give the space a rustic feel.
Provide plenty of light above the kitchen island with a linear pendant. Linear pendants often have two or more lights attached to a single frame to create a streamlined silhouette. The even spacing and continuous lighting make linear pendants ideal for long spaces, such as above countertops, dining tables, or kitchen islands. Linear pendants bring a cohesive look to the space, making them a practical kitchen lighting idea.
From early morning breakfasts to after-dinner dessert, we love the cozy appeal of ambient lighting over the table. Capture that familiar feeling with a pair of metal dome pendants. Metal dome pendants bring a rustic feel to the space and provide a warm, direct glow above the kitchen table. Choose pendant lights with an aged metal finish for an antique-inspired look that complements a farmhouse-style kitchen. Opt for dimmable pendant lighting to adjust as the day goes on.
Combine form and function by installing a ceiling fan with a built-in light fixture. A ceiling fan is great for keeping the kitchen cool while preparing dinner or cleaning up after a meal. Not only does a ceiling fan keep the kitchen at a comfortable temperature, it also helps circulate fresh air and quickly remove any smoke. For kitchen lighting ideas, look for ceiling fans that are light kit-compatible or include a light kit for easy installation.
When choosing kitchen lighting ideas, another key spot to consider is above the sink. Choose a simple pendant that provides enough light for washing and drying dishes. If your sink is in front of a window, we suggest opting for a slim silhouette that doesn't take up too much visual space. Pick a dome-shaped pendant light with a matte white finish to match an airy farmhouse palette, or choose a textured glass shade for a subtle statement.
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