From the trendy lofts in New York to the charming kitchens in Denver and the glossy, minimalist areas in Los Angeles, the best lighting can utterly rework your kitchen. With so many types and fixtures to select from, it’s necessary to think about elements like ambiance, performance, and finances to search out the right lighting options to your house. On this article, we’ll discover a spread of kitchen lighting concepts, from assertion pendant lights to under-cabinet choices, serving to you create a well-lit and alluring house for cooking and entertaining.
“I like to use lighting as an intentional wow factor,” says Chad Kahle of Kitchen Imaginative and prescient of the Carolinas. “It can draw your eye to a special feature in the space, or the lighting itself can be the feature. When done correctly, proper lighting pulls you into a building or space and invites you to explore — the effects can be amazing.”
Set the tone
Kitchen lighting concepts transcend simply brightening the house — they assist set the general temper of your house. The way in which you gentle your kitchen can create a heat, inviting environment or a glossy, fashionable really feel. Considerate lighting decisions not solely improve how the house features but additionally affect the way it feels to stay in every single day.
“The best kitchen lighting doesn’t just light the room — it sets the tone.” Erica Lee, the founder and principal designer of Studio Lee, emphasizes. “Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting so your space works and feels good. Go for warm 3000K bulbs to soften hard surfaces, and don’t be afraid to mix finishes—natural brass, matte black, even aged nickel. Your lighting should feel curated, not cookie-cutter. I have a downloadable lighting guide that includes placement tips, fixture recommendations, and a breakdown of lighting temperatures.”
Katie Brown, lead architectural designer of Hummingbird Dwelling Renovation, at all times considers how lighting will improve each perform and environment when deciding between kitchen lighting concepts. “I start with recessed lighting for overall illumination, favoring low-profile fixtures that keep the ceiling clean and quiet. Task lighting follows — usually undercabinet — then decorative elements like pendants and sconces, which I treat like jewelry: the finishing touch that elevates the whole look.”
Planning lighting as a house builder/designer
Lighting performs a singular function in dwelling design, particularly from a residential designer’s standpoint. Right here’s how Nichol Kuperus of BaseCamp Residential Design explains it:
“As a residential designer, my first consideration is the house’s structure and its orientation on the positioning. Pure gentle is a high precedence, and considerate window placement ought to come earlier than any electrical lighting is added. For instance, kitchens and eating nooks are ideally positioned dealing with east to catch the morning solar, whereas grasp bedrooms are finest dealing with north to reduce direct gentle.
Relating to {the electrical} plan, I design with three layers of lighting in thoughts: ambient, activity, and accent. I goal to maximise pure gentle first, then construct upon it with fastidiously positioned fixtures. Dimmers are a should in residing areas and bedrooms to permit flexibility all through the day.
Lighting ought to align with the anticipated furnishings structure, comparable to inserting fixtures over tables or seating areas — and I’m conscious to not overuse recessed lights, as they’ll create harsh shadows or overpower an area when not thoughtfully positioned. In open ground plans, pendants and sconces assist outline particular zones, and I at all times embody exterior lighting for each security and curb attraction. I additionally go away room for ornamental fixtures that replicate the home-owner’s private type.”
Begin with good illumination
All nice kitchen lighting concepts start with one important component: good illumination. Earlier than diving into types or fixtures, it’s necessary to ensure the house is well-lit and purposeful.
“When designing kitchen lighting, start with good general illumination — recessed can lights spaced evenly can do a lot to reduce harsh shadows,” says Matt Jones, Creator of Union Pay Scales. “Just make sure they’re not too close to the walls or only centered in the room, or you’ll end up with uneven lighting. That said, some shadows are unavoidable, especially under cabinets and around the sink. That’s where under-cabinet lights or a well-placed pendant over the sink really shine. Layering your lighting like this makes the space more functional and way more comfortable to work in.”
Layer your lighting
One of the best kitchen lighting concepts usually depend on layers — combining several types of gentle to create depth, steadiness, and adaptability within the house. Specialists present precious insights on the best way to successfully use these layers to attain a well-balanced, purposeful lighting design:
Tim Garrett, proprietor of Carolina Electrical Professionals, explains the three core varieties of lighting:
Ambient lighting: That is your major gentle supply — assume recessed lighting or a central flush-mount fixture that evenly lights your complete house. It units the tone and ensures visibility all through the room.
Activity lighting: Excellent for meals prep, cooking, and cleansing, activity lighting is often put in below cupboards, over sinks, or above islands to supply brilliant, centered illumination the place you want it most.
Accent lighting: Wish to add drama or spotlight architectural options? Accent lighting like pendant lights, LED strips, or toe-kick lighting beneath cupboards can add depth, persona, and a contemporary contact.”
“Start with ambient lighting to evenly illuminate the space, then add task lighting over work areas like countertops and sinks for focused brightness. Recessed lights are a great option — they’re modern and provide ample light. Accent lighting can highlight features like artwork or architectural elements, while energy-efficient LED fixtures help ensure long-term cost savings. Choose fixtures that complement your kitchen style — whether modern or rustic — to enhance both the ambiance and functionality of the space.” – William Iliev, Proprietor, Level A Electrical
“For general ambient lighting, 6-inch recessed light fixtures spaced 4 to 6 feet apart are best for an even blanket of light. We try to avoid bright and darker areas by keeping them as uniform as possible in a “grid pattern”. For accent lighting, ornamental pendants over an island, customized LED tape lengths for below cupboards, and small 3 to 4 inch adjustable spot recessed lights for particular kitchen options. Tender white (2700k-3000k) is our go-to for common ambient lighting and for vivid colours, brilliant white (5500k-6500k) is typically used for accent lighting.” – Steve Roy, Proprietor, Roy Electrical
“I recommend a layered approach that combines targeted task lighting, decorative accents, and adjustable mood lighting to support the kitchen’s many roles. Advancements in integrated low voltage LED lighting expand these layers further—adding light not just beneath wall cabinets, but inside drawers, cabinets, floating shelves, and even toe kicks and knee spaces.” – Kimberly Kerl, Founder and Principal Designer, KH Design
“Layered lighting is key to a functional and emotionally responsive kitchen. It’s more important to have your counters well-lit than to perfectly align fixtures on the ceiling. Under-cabinet lighting makes a huge difference in how usable and inviting the space feels. Putting each light on a separate switch with a dimmer gives you full control, so you can shift from bright task lighting to a soft, ambient vibe when the kitchen is simply part of the backdrop.” – Nicole Baxter, nBaxter Design
Below-cabinet lighting
Below-cabinet lighting is important for each practicality and ambiance. It not solely brightens up counter tops for higher visibility but additionally provides a glossy, fashionable contact to your kitchen design.
“When it comes to kitchen lighting, undercabinet illumination is often overlooked,leading to exposed wires, uneven lighting, or underwhelming store-bought fixtures,” says Josh Sanchez, proprietor and licensed electrician at Levolt Electrical. “We take a smarter approach by installing custom-sized, low-voltage lighting channels tailored to your kitchen. No bulky kits, no visible cables — just sleek, seamless lighting that fits perfectly, whether you’re planning a new kitchen or upgrading an existing one. Each cabinet gets its own dedicated light, creating a continuous, modern glow across your countertops. It’s not only beautiful and functional but also practical — any failed light can be easily replaced without hassle. This extra layer of lighting doesn’t just improve visibility — it elevates your entire kitchen.”
Spotlight cabinetry
Kitchen lighting concepts supply the right alternative to spotlight key options in your house, from elegant fixtures to trendy cupboards and cherished decorations. By strategically inserting lights, you’ll be able to draw consideration to those parts, enhancing their magnificence and creating a focus that provides each heat and depth to the general design.
“Kitchen lighting should do more than brighten the space. I should highlight your style and showcase the craftsmanship of your custom cabinets,” JHR Customized Cupboards advises. “Finishes like matte black or brushed gold pair beautifully with personalized cabinet hardware and sleek, minimalist door designs, creating a cohesive and modern look. Add dimmable lighting to enhance both function and ambiance — bright for meal prep, soft for entertaining — bringing out the best in your custom kitchen design.”
“Lighting plays a huge role in kitchen design and can drastically affect how your cabinet colors appear.” says Paige M. Burns of Cornerstone Kitchen & Tub. “If your space lacks natural light, consider adding accent lighting, can lights, or hanging fixtures to reduce shadows. Warm lighting adds yellow and orange tones to cabinetry, while cool lighting brings out brightness and cooler hues. Under-cabinet lighting isn’t just decorative: It’s incredibly useful when preparing to cook or reading recipes.”
Island lighting
Island lighting is an important component in kitchen lighting concepts, offering each activity lighting for prep work and a classy point of interest. Properly-placed lights can improve the house and create a seamless stream within the kitchen.
“A clear line of sight can create the illusion of a larger space, especially in smaller kitchens,” says Leah Heinsius of Kitchen And Tub Designs. “Instead of bulky pendant lights, consider choosing fixtures that are lightweight and feature open designs. Opting for fixtures without glass or those with transparent elements allows light to flow freely, contributing to a more airy atmosphere. This thoughtful approach enhances the kitchen’s overall design, making it a welcoming space for cooking and socializing.”
Additional fixtures over activity areas
It’s necessary to recollect so as to add further fixtures over key activity areas or in hard-to-reach spots. These extra lights assist guarantee each nook is correctly illuminated for each performance and ease of use.
“While most homeowners understand spacing their recessed cans 4-6 ft apart to avoid “spotty” ceiling, the commonest lacking consideration are further fixtures over activity areas like stovetops and counters to eradicate shadows,” says Theo Coetsee, co-owner of Touchstone Electrical. He continues: “Pair with a smart dimmer to shift from bright work mode to a warm, ambient glow for dinners. Creating a standout kitchen isn’t complex but there are some crucial details to get right–don’t shortcut the lighting.”
“As electricians, we love getting creative with unique and functional kitchen lighting ideas that bring your space to life.” Jesse, common supervisor of Gianni Electrical says. “Some nice choices to think about embody low-voltage undercabinet lighting, which works nicely as a nightlight, activity lighting, and even as a part of a wise lighting setup with dimmers.
Overhead recessed lighting is ideal for offering common illumination throughout your complete house, whereas above-cabinet lighting provides a tender, ambient glow to the higher areas of the room. Toe kick lighting not solely helps illuminate the ground for simpler cleansing but additionally creates a glossy, fashionable ambiance. Should you’re planning on together with glass show cupboards, don’t overlook so as to add inside lighting — it’s good for highlighting your favourite items and likewise doubles as a wonderful, refined nightlight when used with a dimmer.”
