Interior Design Basics: Kitchen Lighting Tips

We all know lighting is such an important part of interior design, and in the kitchen, it really earns its spotlight. You need bright, functional lighting for tasks like cooking and chopping, but that same space should also feel cozy and inviting when it’s time to gather with family or friends. A well-balanced lighting plan helps our clients create a kitchen that’s not only practical, but also a warm, welcoming space for everyday life and entertaining.

To create the perfect kitchen lighting, we like to create a blend of ambient, task, and accent lighting. The American Lighting Association emphasizes the importance of layering these three types of lighting, stating that “a good lighting plan combines all three types to light an area according to function and style.” Our team designs kitchens that are not only highly usable but also warm, stylish, and tailored to the lifestyle of our clients near and far.

Three Main Types of Lighting

We mentioned the types of lighting recommended for a kitchen, but let’s take a closer look and break it down in a way that’s easy to understand. There are three main types of lighting, each of which plays an important role in a contemporary kitchen. Whether we’re focusing on function, mood, or adding a bit of style, layering these elements is what really brings a kitchen space to life.

Ambient Lighting

Think of ambient lighting as the base layer, it’s the general light that fills the whole kitchen. It’s what makes the space feel bright, open, and easy to be in. You’re not using it to spotlight anything in particular, just to create a welcoming overall glow that sets the tone for the room.

Ambient lighting includes:

• Track lighting
• Recessed lighting
• A large chandelier or pendant

A good rule of thumb for ambient lighting is to have a central light point in the middle of the room, for example a chandelier. Then, if you’re not working with a lighting designer, we recommend installing a grid of recessed or track lights. You should have a recessed light approximately every 5 feet at a minimum. That’s why it’s important to have enough of them to illuminate your entire space without creating shadows or glare.

We always recommend installing dimmable lights or adding a dimmer to your existing lighting, as this will allow you to set the ambiance of the room. This can be a budget-friendly way to create a more atmospheric space without having to swap out any of your existing fixtures.

Task Lighting

Next up is task lighting, and honestly, it’s the most important one in the kitchen. Since the kitchen is where we do so many different tasks, this lighting is key. It’s your focused, practical lighting that helps you see clearly when you’re chopping veggies, cooking on the stove, or washing up at the sink. It’s all about brightening those key work areas, like countertops, stovetops, and sinks, so everything feels easier (and safer!) to do.

Task lighting includes:

• Under-cabinet lights
• Pendant lights over islands
• Directional track lights
• LED lights under cabinets
• Integrated lighting in range hoods
• Wall-mounted swing-arm lights

The most common task lights in a kitchen are under the cabinets. Some cabinet lights are even motion- or mechanically-activated, turning on when triggered.

Accent Lighting

The third and last type of light is accent, or decorative lighting. As kitchens become more decorative over time and are now a main common area in the home, as a result, accent lighting has become just as important as the other two types.

Accent lighting adds both style and interest to a space, making it feel more personal. It can highlight architectural features, cabinetry, or decorative elements such as a painting or sculpture. It can also be used as an artistic feature, like the three pendant lights in the kitchen pictured below.

Accent lighting includes:

• Spotlights
• Cabinet lighting
• LED strips
• Pendants
• Chandeliers
• Backlit backsplashes
• Recessed wall niches with lighting

Where to Position Your Kitchen Lighting

Wondering where exactly to place your kitchen lighting? This is where having a designer is especially helpful, because we know exactly how lighting affects how you use your kitchen. We want you to be able to make the most of your kitchen, which is why placement is key!

Ambient

Our goal is for clients to feel comfortable and look their best in every part of their home. The kitchen is no exception. While your space needs to be bright enough for cooking and other tasks, we’re mindful of where overhead lighting is placed. Rather than positioning lights directly above where people stand, we plan for fixtures to be centered over workstations like countertops, islands, and sinks. This ensures that work areas are well-lit, without making anyone feel like they’re right under a harsh spotlight.

Task

We recommend installing task lighting directly above work surfaces. This way, the light falls in front of you rather than behind, preventing shadows caused by your body. Adjustable fixtures are also great as they allow you to position the light exactly where it’s needed for different tasks.

You can also vary the color temperature of your task lighting. In addition, we recommend more white or blue-toned lights around your prep areas for precision, and warmer lighting around your eating zones for a more relaxed vibe.

Accent

Pendants and chandeliers are also a dream for defining spaces. Hanging them over an island or dining table creates a visual barrier that separates one part of the kitchen from another without breaking up the flow. If you check out our interior design portfolio, you will notice that we LOVE to have pendants above kitchen islands.

Pendants not only anchor an island but also give us the chance to add a pop of metal, glass, or even a color in the kitchen. Whether you place a pendant centered or off-centered is up to you. An offset cluster of pendants can add a dramatic focal point, while a centered linear pendant can be just the piece you need to finish your space. Of course, the classic two or three pendants aligned on top of the island always look great as well!

We hope you’ve found some inspiration today to help you choose the lighting for your kitchen. Remember, designing a space you love is not only about the journey but also about the final result. So take your time, trust your instincts, and most importantly, enjoy the process! Reach out to our team today with any questions or to book a consultation about your home design.

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