Lighting to enhance your kitchen
Choosing the right lighting for a kitchen is essential for both functionality and atmosphere. Here’s a practical guide I have created to the ideal lighting layers for a well-lit, stylish kitchen:
Ambient Lighting
Purpose: Provides overall brightness for the entire kitchen.
Best Options:
Recessed ceiling lights (spaced evenly for full coverage) - Flush or semi-flush mount ceiling fixtures (ideal for smaller kitchens) - Track lighting (flexible option for awkward layouts)
Tip: Use dimmers to adjust light levels based on time of day or mood.
Task Lighting (Focused for Work Areas)
Purpose: Bright, focused light where you prep, cook, and clean.
Key Areas:
Under-cabinet lighting (essential for countertops) - Pendant lights over islands or breakfast bars - Recessed lights above the sink or stove
Tip: Choose cool-white LEDs for better visibility when chopping or cooking.
Accent Lighting (Style and Depth)
Purpose: Adds visual interest and highlights features.
Ideas: - LED strips above cabinets (uplighting) - Toe-kick lighting under lower cabinets - Glass cabinet lighting to display dinnerware or glassware
Tip: Use warm or colour-changing LED strips for ambiance in the evening
Decorative Lighting (Style Statement)
Purpose: Adds character or a focal point.
Examples: A statement chandelier or oversized pendant over an island - Coordinated pendants in a cluster or row
Tip: Choose finishes that match your kitchen hardware for a cohesive look (e.g., brushed brass, matte black)
Kitchen Lighting Tips:
Layer lighting: Combine all types for flexibility and depth. Colour temperature: Use 3000K–4000K for a balance between warm and cool. High CRI bulbs: Look for a CRI of 90+ to show true food and surface colours.
Smart lighting: Consider smart dimmers or bulbs to change brightness or colour for different moods (cooking vs entertaining).
In a modern kitchen defined by sleek lines, minimal detailing, and a mix of matte or glossy finishes, lighting becomes a subtle yet powerful design element. Recessed LED down lights—especially in square or round trim-less styles—blend seamlessly into the ceiling, offering clean and consistent ambient lighting without interrupting the minimalist aesthetic. For task lighting, slim LED under-cabinet fixtures with touch dimming are both functional and discreet, giving you precise control while maintaining that streamlined look. To add a sense of depth and sophistication, cool-white LED strip lighting above the cabinets creates a soft glow that enhances the space without overwhelming it. And to tie everything together, a linear suspension light or a pair of globe-style matte black pendants over the island provide just the right amount of drama and visual interest. It’s a lighting scheme that feels modern, polished, and effortlessly refined—just like the kitchen itself.
In a farmhouse kitchen, where warmth, rustic charm, and vintage details come together, lighting is key to enhancing the cosy, lived-in feel of the space. For ambient lighting, semi-flush mount fixtures with clear or seeded glass offer a nostalgic touch while casting a soft, welcoming glow throughout the room. Under the cabinets, puck lights with a warm colour temperature provide practical task lighting that feels intimate and inviting—perfect for prepping meals or enjoying a quiet morning coffee. To highlight open shelves or add character to bare walls, vintage-style wall sconces or exposed Edison bulbs bring in just the right amount of old-world charm. And for a true farmhouse statement, barn-style or lantern pendants in black or antique brass over the island tie everything together with a rustic elegance that’s both functional and full of personality. It’s a lighting approach that makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the home—warm, familiar, and beautifully timeless.
In a Scandinavian kitchen, where simplicity meets warmth and function, lighting should enhance the clean, bright aesthetic while celebrating natural materials like wood and soft muted tones. For ambient lighting, flush mount ceiling fixtures or minimalist white track lighting keep the space feeling airy and uncluttered, providing even illumination without drawing attention away from the serene design. Hidden under-cabinet linear lights deliver practical task lighting while preserving the sleek, streamlined look that defines Scandinavian style. To subtly highlight open wood shelving or natural textures, soft LED uplighting adds a gentle glow that brings warmth without overpowering the calm atmosphere. For a touch of personality and charm, simple dome or cone-shaped white pendants with wooden accents over the island or dining area offer a beautifully balanced blend of form and function. This layered approach to lighting keeps the kitchen feeling fresh, harmonious, and quietly stylish—true to the essence of Scandinavian living.
In a luxury or high-end kitchen, lighting is more than just functional—it’s a key element in showcasing the sophistication, texture, and high contrast that define the space. For ambient lighting, recessed dimmable lights fitted with high CRI (Color Rendering Index) bulbs ensure every material—from polished marble to rich wood grain—is seen in its truest, most vibrant form. Premium LED under-cabinet lighting with touch or motion sensors offers a seamless, high-tech solution for task lighting, enhancing convenience while keeping the design sleek and unobtrusive. At floor level, LED toe-kick lighting with dimmable strips adds a subtle, architectural glow that brings depth and dimension to the room. The centrepiece, of course, lies in the decorative choices—whether it’s a statement crystal chandelier or a series of designer pendants with luxurious brass or gold accents, these fixtures elevate the entire kitchen and add a sense of glamour. Together, these layers of lighting create a space that feels both refined and indulgent—where elegance meets everyday function in the most polished way.
