10 kitchen lighting ideas to brighten your cooking space
By Ellie Reeves | 4th March 2025 | 6 min read
The lighting in your kitchen sets the tone for the entire space. With a wide range of options available, you can create the perfect ambience to match your décor. From trendy industrial Edison bulbs and stylish wall sconces to sleek pendant lights that add sophistication to your kitchen island, there is a style for every taste. Whether you gravitate towards geometric cluster lights or bold kitchen chandeliers, explore these illuminating ideas to transform your kitchen into a shining oasis.
When it comes to choosing lights for your kitchen, there are three main types to consider: general, task and accent. The perfect kitchen design should have a combination of all three working together in harmony. Learn more about their different functions in our kitchen lighting buying guide.
1. Create a golden glow with under cabinet lighting
Under cabinet lights are an excellent example of task lighting, they illuminate your worktop, so you have better visibility when chopping and prepping food. Under cupboard kitchen lights are useful as a functional feature, however we think they can be an aesthetic feature too. Pair cabinet lights with a metallic or shimmered splashback to create a soft, ambient glow – especially when all the other lights are turned off.
2. Try the "rule of three" with modern kitchen island lighting
These transparent ceiling lights create a contemporary feel in any kitchen. When it comes to kitchen island lighting, we’ve found the “rule of three” seems to work quite well. This is when pendant lights are arranged in a line of three to create a sense of balance. However, if you’ve got a large kitchen island, you could hang pendant lights in groups of five or seven. Odd numbers seem to work better as they create a balanced look.
3. Create a feature with low hanging kitchen pendant lights
Hang pendant lights just above your dining table or kitchen island for a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere in your living space. Low hanging pendants add visual interest to your room, plus they can make a great talking point (just try not to bump your head on them). Choose from a range of styles, from Scandi-style wooden pendants to black wire lampshades. Low hanging lights will be in the eyeline of people sat beside them, so make sure you choose warm bulbs that emit a soft glow
4. Use similar styles for a coordinated look
If you have an open plan living space, consider using the same style of lights in both your kitchen and living area. This will create a coordinated look and a sense of unity. By incorporating similar colours and styles throughout the space, you can achieve a cohesive design. In this flat, we adore the uniform style achieved by combining copper light fixtures, yellow accessories, and black accents. This clever approach ties the entire look together, resulting in a visually stunning and harmonious space.
5. Stand out with a kitchen chandelier
Elevate the grandeur of your kitchen with a luxurious kitchen chandelier. Don't think of chandeliers as solely fit for lavish living rooms - they can be breathtaking elements in any room. Yes, even the kitchen. Kitchen chandeliers not only provide ample illumination for all your culinary activities, but they also serve as an extravagant centrepiece, adding a touch of glitz and glamour to your kitchen.
6. Create an eye-catching kitchen with chic black lighting
Add a touch of elegant style to your kitchen design with black lighting fixtures. Enhance the look of your kitchen island with a statement-making black pendant light or create a balanced ambiance by installing black wall lights on opposite sides of the room. With a wide variety of options available, from retro round pendants to sleek and modern ceiling lights, you’ll find the perfect black kitchen light to complement your unique style. For a seamless look, complete the aesthetic by pairing black light fixtures with matching fittings and accessories.
7. Mix and match styles – industrial lights and farmhouse décor
Industrial lighting fixtures serve as a bold statement piece while farmhouse-style décor adds comfortable, rustic charm. Combine these two styles to create a cohesive look. You could pair a set of matte black pendant lights with a shaker style kitchen and reclaimed wooden furniture. By using complementary colours, textures, and materials, you can perfectly blend these seemingly opposite styles and create a warm and inviting kitchen.
8. Choose contemporary chrome-effect kitchen lights
Bring some contemporary chic to your kitchen with this pendant featuring three globe chrome effect shades. The shining chrome effect shades reflect light and create a dazzling effect that highlights the kitchen's modern aesthetic. Whether you position it above the kitchen island or dining table, this pendant light becomes a striking focal point, drawing attention in. Its warm glow is perfect for intimate dinners or casual breakfasts, bathing the kitchen in style and sophistication.
9. Make a statement with oversized kitchen lights
Looking to make a bold statement in your small kitchen? It's time to go big! Choose a light fixture that is typically used in bigger kitchens to create an impressive and unique feature in your compact cooking space. A large light fixture not only draws attention in, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic of the room. Don't let the size of your kitchen hold you back - embrace the power of a statement piece and make your small space stand out!
10. Use pendant lights to illuminate worktop space
Typically, ceiling lights are centrally positioned in a room, but this kitchen lighting scheme takes a different approach by placing lights directly above the worktops. This clever design choice is perfect for enhancing visibility and providing focused illumination while you're busy with kitchen tasks. The stylish, geometric lights not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of modernity to your kitchen. Say goodbye to dimly lit countertops and embrace the practicality and chic appeal of these stylish geometric lights.
