11 Kitchen Lighting Tips Designers Swear By
Who doesn’t love a good light-bulb moment? These designers share their go-to kitchen lighting tips and picks to ensure the heart of the home (quite literally) shines with style.
A mix of materials—including metal, oak and birdseye maple—adds visual interest to this high-design kitchen featuring Fusion Blue quartzite, rose gold Dornbracht faucets and Lutron shades.
Karen Ferguson
Harrison Design, Atlanta
Be Ready To: Answer A Few Key Questions
“1. What task am I performing in the space? If it is prep and cutting, you need ample task light form overhead. 2. What mood am I trying to create? Decorative sconces and pendants can layer soft lighting that makes a space feel cozy. 3. Where is the natural light coming from? You may need to prepare for potential glare with a built-in shading system like Lutron.”
Photo: Emily Followill
“Lighting must never be underestimated,” offers designer Christopher Peacock, who focuses on balancing beauty and practically in a kitchen space.
Christopher Peacock
Christopher Peacock, New York City
Pro Tip: The Small Things Make The Biggest Impact
“Accent lighting has been taken to new heights with the use of tiny LED lights. Now we can accent cabinetry and provide better task lighting in more areas than before, which provides a dramatic effect in the room. It’s easy to install and looks fantastic.”
Photo: Neil Landino
“Creative storage options, paired with beautiful finishes, wallpaper, tile, countertops and lighting have made kitchens interesting, layered and beautiful,” says designer Penny Francis, whose featured project showcases custom lighting from Hubbardton Forge over the island and dining table.
Penny Francis
Eclectic Home, New Orleans
You’ll Want To: Keep Count
“Odd numbers for fixtures over the island are more impactful or one single linear fixture properly scaled to the surface. Lastly, don’t match the fixtures in finish and style.”
Photo: Sara Essex Bradley
Think outside the box: Antique mirrors on the backsplash help reflect light in this kitchen by Beth Webb.
Beth Webb
Beth Webb Interiors, Atlanta
Remember: Be Strategic About Placement
“I always use layers of light. If you have glass cabinets, light under the counter, the interior lighting in the cabinets and then decorative lighting as well. The layers make the room.”
Photo: Lisa Romerein
“An oversized island pendant always looks really unexpected in a kitchen,” says designer Hilary Matt.
Hilary Matt
Hilary Matt Interiors, New York City
Use: Your Imagination
“Move away from using basic round pendants in a kitchen. I want to encourage people to think out of the box.”
Photo: Seth Caplan
“The kitchen is recognized as not only a favorite and functional space to be, but also as the No. 1 space in a home for personal expression,” says Mick De Giulio.
Mick De Giulio
de Giulio kitchen design, Wilmette, Illinois
Don’t Dismiss: Recessed Lighting
“I use recessed cans when and where necessary in a kitchen, but today’s approach to lighting is different than years ago when the focus was almost entirely on evenly dispersed ambient light plus some strategic task lighting. Today, I look for recessed fixtures that offer adjustability, allowing light to be aimed at elements within the space which adds multiple layers of light. Tech Lighting’s Elements and Entra line of mud-in trimless 2” and 3” recessed fixtures (square or round) are great for this feature.”
Photo: Dave Burk
A sconce by Visual Comfort sits next to a custom range hood in this kitchen by Houston designer Mary Patton.
Mary Patton
Mary Patton Design, Houston
How To: Jazz Up Compact Rooms
“If you’re in a smaller space, think about using sconces for concentrated lighting—they look like jewelry on a wall.”
Photo: Molly Culver
Spending more time at home has highlighted the importance of remembering your kitchen is a true living space, say designers Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto.
Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto
Park & Oak Design, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Create: Cozy Conditions
“Think about the way you would light a living space. Sconces on the walls. Tiny lamps. Library lights. Not only are these functional, they go a long way toward turning the kitchen into an actual living space.”
Photo: Park & Oak Design
Consider how you’ll be using the kitchen in order to make better lighting decisions. “Incorporating recessed cans, under-cabinet lighting and island lighting, in addition to decorative or statement pieces, ensure there are no dark spots while cooking or working in the kitchen,” says Dallas designer Jean Liu.
Jean Liu
Jean Liu Design, LLC, Dallas
Sage Advice: Make Everyone Look Up
“Go for statement pieces. Just because the kitchen is a utilitarian part of the home doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be well considered style-wise, just like all the other parts of the home.”
Photo: Lisa Petrole
Visual Comfort lighting hangs over a quartzite-topped island in a kitchen by Studio Thomas James. Modern History stools provide seating while Colonial Bronze hardware and Signature Kitchen Suite appliances help elevate the moody look.
Philip Thomas Vanderford
Studio Thomas James, Dallas
You Can Always: Mix It Up
“We love to use light fixtures that incorporate mixed finishes. This allows us to use a variety of metals throughout the room in a way that feels eclectic yet organized.”
Photo: Nathan Schroder Photography
“Using warm lighting makes the kitchen feel more inviting and adds a sense of calm. Like the warmth of the sun at golden hour,” says designer Brian Brown, whose highlighted project features Caesarstone countertops, Palecek counter stools and Emtek hardware.
Brian Brown
Brian Brown Studio, San Diego
Dial Up: The Warm Lighting
“Always consider the kitchen’s main uses, cooking, entertaining and satellite home office. You should have layers of warm light that accommodate these functions. Great task lighting for cooking, mood lighting for entertaining and something in between for daily family use. Great recessed lighting in the ceiling, hidden LED channels and decorative fixtures will do the trick.”
Photo: Larry Taylor
This story is part of our Luxe Ultimate Kitchens digital package, which lets you envision your culinary dream space. Click to discover products, palettes and trends that speak to your personal style.