Kitchens today are the focal point of the home, and because it is the modern home’s most active area, kitchen lighting is crucial. Because of this room’s importance, kitchen lighting ideas can be found anywhere on the Net. But unique ones, with quality and so promising, are rare. And here is what Decoholic is all about.
Small kitchens can easily get by with a center light fixture on the ceiling and task-lighting beneath a cabinet. Larger elaborate ones require a combination of accent and task lighting. In addition, because kitchens have become more than a place to eat, lights need to be longer lasting and multi-functional. This is in order to create an idyllic atmosphere for various activities and to prevent accidents and eye-strain.
While upgrading your kitchen, you may have the means to work with a professional interior designer or architect to implement your kitchen ideas. And this in order to get your lighting just right. Nonetheless, those of us on a much smaller budget look for simpler ways to enhance our kitchen lighting without all the expense. Here are a few suggestions on how to get real with it.
Kitchen lighting ideas for life
Image: The kitchen of Monica Bhargava
Below are some real, hands on suggestions you can have at your own interior. In fact you can use them in any kind of kitchen. Let’s say that these can also be considered as rustic kitchen lighting ideas. The rustic style combined with this form of lighting can have an unprecedented result. Whether they are dark or bright spaces, lighting always comes in handy and necessary.
Kitchen table lighting
A lovely hanging lamp will offer adequate task lighting while providing additional style and character to the space. It doesn’t have to be an expensive model, an interesting color or shape will do. These star shaped lamps are great and give the space a cute touch, like being in a fairytale. They are modern and chic at the same time and you should definitely try them out.
Image: Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design, Moravian Star Light Pendant
Globe- shaped lighting
Standard kitchen lighting can be accomplished with a fancy shape. This type of lighting can be used along with other lighting in the same space. Moreover, semi-transparent glass chandeliers are ideal for the kitchen as they are much easier to clean than shades made from fabric. In this case you can see how a globe pendant adds a modern touch to the interior. It is unique and beautiful, thus offering the space great elegance. And light, of course!
Image: Victorian Hotel Pendant selected by Benjamin Dhong Interiors. The cabinet color is Benjamin Moore’s ‘Hazy Skies’ OC-48.
Lighting over the sink
Recessed down-lights work fine if you are looking for even illumination over your sink or range. Indeed, this part of the kitchen needs some light too. As you do the dishes or prepare a meal. You can find a number of fancy and stand-out light designs, like metallic, that will add a touch of pizzazz to your kitchen décor.
If that’s what you are looking for, then keep reading. A track or rail system is a doable alternative if you are refurnishing your kitchen and access to the area above the kitchen is difficult. A modern kitchen is the usual type of kitchen that perfectly matches this technique. However, it can be a really good and effective rustic kitchen lighting idea if you think about it!
Image: Jennifer RIZZO
Under cabinet lighting
This type of lighting will illuminate your counter-top in a jiffy. You can find numerous styles for under cabinet lighting. Such as miniature track lights and energy efficient-fluorescent lights. Remember to install under cabinet lighting toward the front, not against the wall. This because you want the lighting to illuminate evenly. You can also install a dimmer with your under cabinet lighting. This will add depth and dramatize the overall effect while saving energy in the process.
Image: Lighting built into the Leicht cabinets by Divine Design+Build
Odd number of light features
The kitchen islands will require task and general lighting. To add style to this area try putting a group of miniature pendants together. For the ideal look, install one pendant for every two-feet of counter space. Also, try using an odd number of pendants to establish a better balance.
The chandelier used in the dining table is a quite good option, as well. Because not only will you need light while in the kitchen, but also when you are near it and enjoy the company of your family.
Image: Mitchell Wall
Combination of modern and traditional
This style is of the most unique ones. If you don’t want to completely follow a pattern, you can try and combine two of them. Modern and traditional create a great result, as you can see. You can also play it up with the colors you choose, so that they match the rest of the kitchen.
Image: Kitchen Lab, Hudson Valley Lighting
Colored colander lights
Who said that adding a color isn’t a good idea? Well it is, actually!
Three colourful custom-made colander lights add a splash of colour to this open-plan kitchen by Avocado Sweets Interior Design Studio. This is a kitchen in a converted Victorian school house. The kitchen island is custom-made out of a vintage oak chest.
The combination of such material and color shades of the pendants make it ideal and super inviting. If you like your kitchen to be more vivacious, then this is a good way to go!
Photography by Fisher Hart.
Small round-shaped pendants
This transitional kitchen by Fredman Design Group, shares both rustic and industrial elements. I love the Marshall Pendant Lamps. The elements together with the lighting become one of the most wonderful rustic kitchen lighting ideas.
To add more space and let the style flourush, notice the length of the pendant lights. They are in the right length to offer great light but also let the other parts stand out well!
Statement chandeliers
Wanna make a statement in your kitchen decor? Then choose statement elements like unique chandeliers. This one is a black and beautiful piece by Willow lamp, for Nicole Hollis. The trick here is that it creates a large focal point over the futuristic stainless steel island. The color and minimal decor of the rest of the kitchen helps it stand out even more! If you want to take it to the next level, check out some cheap chandeliers you can use.
Antique hanging pendants
Traditional kitchen by Period Homes, with Billiard Light by Cartouche. There is custom Woodmode Cabinetry color here. As Woodmode calls it, this is “Special Light Gray Vintage.” The antique idea makes the place look as vintage as it should. So if you want some kitchen lighting ideas that match this style, this one’s a good way to go!
Photo by Emily Minton Redfield.
Try metal light fixtures
This beautiful kitchen by Linda McDougald Design, is designed for functionality with a 48” Subzero refrigerator and Wolf range. In this example, metal fixtures are used wisely to add boldness and clarity and transparency to the space. They are of an industrial touch, widely known and used by many homeowners. Being right above the marble countertop they truly create a stunning area!
Circular lights
The circular shape makes the lighting element feel bigger than it actually is. Thus looking as if it takes up more space, and making the kitchen look fuller. This is a great idea if your kitchen is futuristic or minimal and you want to spice things up a little.
Extra tip: An extra modern touch would be to use two-colored fixtures. Like in the example above. If it was all white or orange the result would have been way different. So, bear that in mind.
Kitchen by David Howell Design with Canopy 422 lamp by Oluce.
Image: @ Emily Andrews
Use gold colors
The addition of three gold pendant lights in this kitchen by Arent&Pyke, creates a visual balance. How? By drawing the warm golden tones of the floor and benchtop to a higher visual point. It is striking and modern, yet belongs to simple and classic kitchen lighting ideas.
Barbara Cosgrove Library Wall Sconce
Image: William Quarles Photography
Other dreamy lighting styles
Dreamy kitchen island by Pinemar with lights from Val Maitino Antiques.
Image: John Bessler Photography
Kitchen by Terracotta Design Build with Classic Globe Pendants. This fixture is a great way to make a bold yet simple statement. Globe size changes the look: choose the 12″ for a schoolhouse approach, the 14″ for a versatile style, or the 18″ to create a focal point that looks anything but basic.
Beautiful vintage kitchen by Lauren Liess Interiors with amazing antique light.
Kitchen by Carpenter & MacNeille. The glass pendants are Large Rustic Glass Pendants right from Pottery Barn.
Rocky Ledge Kitchen by LDa Architecture & Interiors. This classic polished pendant adds shine and sophisticated nautical style.
Christina Svaneeng Mertz the designer behind SwanfieldLiving has selected an antique lighting for her kitchen.
Traditional Kitchen design by Boston Kitchen And Bath Venegas and Company with Pelham Pendant by Hudson Valley Lighting .
Contemporary kitchen by Titan with semi flush ceiling lights.
Kitchen by valerie pasquiou interiors + design with counter height farm table and Lindsey Adelman pendats.
Contemporary kitchen by Carolina Design Associates with sophisticated pendant light that has a touch of old-world charm yet still manages to make any space feel modern and elegant. You can find the pendant here.
Black kitchen by Candace Cavanaugh with Southampton Pendant in Antique Black.
Contemporary kitchen by Highmark Builders. The Pendants are ET2 Contemporary Lighting’s Sense Pendant.
Contemporary kitchen by Jordan Iverson Signature Homes with ET2 Starburst Multi-Light
Modern kitchen lights
Chef’s Delight contemporary-kitchen by Joel Kelly Design with custom lighting. Completely customizable from size to color, this fixture is made up of two sheets of hanging glass hung from the ceiling.
Farmhouse kitchen by Danielle Trippett with Eufaula Rectangular Chandelier by Currey & Company.
Large scale pendants grace the kitchen of The Concord Green Healthy Home. Find the two arm wall lamps here.
Sometimes, one grand gesture can pull an entire room together. I designed these oversize pendants, hung from the ridge beam of the gable roof 16′ up, to make a bold statement in the Concord Green Healthy Home’s kitchen. Crafted by Carol Collord of Creations by Carol, the 100% linen shades with exposed twine stitching provide a soft, Belgian farmhouse accent to the light and airy space.
Image: Eric Roth
Functional and timelessly beautiful kitchen by Diane Bergeron Interiors with oversized pendant lights in polished nickel by Ralph Lauren.
Traditional kitchen by The French Mix Interior Design with Glass Jug Lanterns. These clear glass jug lanterns have both repurposed-vintage charm and a touch of modern flair.
The kitchen in a relaxed beach side cottage by Muse Interiors. The Sorenson Lantern from Remains Lighting is netted in a handwoven wire. This versatile lantern references a form of historical factory lighting where the glass was netted for safety.
Modern functioning kitchen by Marlene Wangenheim of Interiors By Design with light fixture by ABC.
Kitchen by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects with beautiful pendant lights by circa lighting.
The hanging light fixture was made by randomspaces, designed by mim design.
Rather than several pendants, try one wide fixture like this custom made by Huniford.
Different pendant lights and chandeliers
Transitional kitchen by Buckingham Interiors + Design. The polished nickel and crystal pendants were from New Metal Crafts.
I love the color scheme and the simplicity of the design of this kitchen by Walter Barda Design.
Beautiful pendulum lamp with iconic design that matches both the modern, classic, minimalist and retro interior decoration.
High five. Industrial modern chandelier suspends five glass globes from black iron canopy. Interior design by Loop design.
Mediterranean kitchen by with interesting pendant. Pottery Barn Paxton Glass 8 Light Pendant is a similiar.
Glass lighting specialist Rothschild & Bickers has expanded its ‘Pick-n-Mix’ range with new sizes, colours and finishes. As its name suggests, the series allows any combination of shapes and materials. Pendant lights in four different shapes will now be available in more than 20 colours and five metal finishes.
Kitchen by Union Studio, Pendats are SOSPENSIONI TESSUTO by Penta, Cabinetry by “The Last Inch, Inc”.
Traditional kitchen by Carolina Design with John Street Collection Lanterns.
Traditional kitchen by The Sky Is The Limit with beautiful chandelier by bellacor.
Kitchen by Cathy Stathopoulos.
Kitchen by Kristina Crestin Design with goodman hanging lamp.
Suburban kitchen remodel by Lisa Gabrielson for a crisp urban farmhouse look.
Traditional kitchen by kitchen kraft with Metropolitan pendants.
Trickle Creek Custom Homes made something a little different by hanging regular pendants on a wooden ladder to add a rustic effect. Like we said before, these make for great rustic kitchen lighting ideas as well.
Transitional kitchen design by austin architect Cornerstone Architects.
I love these chandeliers by Chadwick Design in this beautiful contemporary kitchen by Andrea Schumacher Interiors.
Don’t be afraid to go big; this big Clobe lantern by Alison Spear for Stephanie Odegard looks striking. Cabinets’ paint is Benjamin Moore’s Hemlock. Interior design by Sheila Bridges.
Tags: pendant lights in kitchen, round pendant lights, tips for a bright house