The kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in the home. It’s where we eat, work, sometimes read a book, and more. Just like the living room or the dining area, it needs to be lit with suitable lighting fixtures. To help you make the right choice, Lumeers guides you through the main kitchen lighting options.
Kitchen lighting➞
LED ceiling lights as the main kitchen lighting fixture
LED kitchen
Ceiling lights➞
Since they’re often installed in the centre of the ceiling, some corners of the kitchen may remain slightly dim. That’s why LED ceiling lights should be paired with other types of lighting for a better result. When selecting yours, opt for ceiling lights made from metal, wood, glass, or rattan. These materials are resistant to cooking odours and steam, and are easy to clean.
LED kitchen spotlights for a friendlier atmosphere
LED spotlights are ideal for areas like the worktop, kitchen island, and more. They provide efficient lighting for cooking and complement the ceiling light thanks to their balanced output—neither too harsh nor too dim. LED spotlights are the key to achieving perfect light balance for preparing tasty dishes in the kitchen. You can even connect them to switches or dimmers to define exactly which zones to illuminate.
Kitchen spotlights➞
Chandeliers to elevate your kitchen
Just like pendant lights and ceiling lights, kitchen chandeliers hang from the ceiling. They tend to be more impressive in size, usually feature multiple bulbs, and are ideal above a dining table.Depending on the materials, you’ll find a wide selection—from bronze, wrought iron and brass to wood or fabric. Before choosing a kitchen chandelier, check your ceiling is high enough. It’s also worth selecting a model that matches your dining area furniture.
Pendant lights➞
Pendant lights to create kitchen ambience
Inspired by workshops and factories, kitchen pendant lights can really boost a room’s style. Available in a range of designs (bright colours, mismatched shapes, asymmetric bulbs, etc.), they’re perfect above a dining area.
Kitchen pendant lights➞
To choose one that works for your kitchen, consider your desired end look. If you want to give your kitchen a bold touch and add a designer feel, pick a large metal pendant light. For a natural vibe, a Scandinavian-style pendant in rattan or bamboo is ideal.
Kitchen lighting: the three types of essential lighting
When fitting your kitchen with lights, you’ll need all three types of lighting. Each plays a key part and brings specific advantages.
General lighting: a kitchen essential
The first step is installing general lighting. As in the dining area, this is vital for overall brightness. The type of lighting fixture you choose will depend on the size and layout of your kitchen.
Your choice should also reflect the interior style you want to achieve. Ceiling lights are usually the most popular because they’re subtle and practical, but you could also go for an XL pendant light, a chandelier, or LED spotlights.
Functional lighting as a complement
After sorting out your general light, you absolutely need functional lighting. This allows you to shine light on the kitchen’s key zones, work comfortably and safely, and boost both comfort and safety. These strategic areas include any kitchen spot that needs extra direct light for tasks.
That includes: above the sink, the cooking area, worktop, kitchen island, and drawers.
For these areas, a discreet yet elegant pendant light is ideal, offering soft lighting just where you need it. Alternatively, install LED spotlights beneath overhead cupboards for optimal task lighting.
Decorative lighting for a cosy, stylish kitchen
Once you’ve got your general and task lighting sorted, it’s time for decorative lighting. Although optional, this can enhance your kitchen’s style and highlight its décor. It also helps you create a warm, inviting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy together.
The right decorative fixture can even make your kitchen totally unique. Go for LED strips or switch up your kitchen colours by fitting a coloured bulb in an accent lamp. Not keen? Consider an XXL kitchen pendant light—perfect for a modern twist and eye-catching originality.
Kitchen lighting fixtures: be mindful of colour temperature Colour temperature refers to the shade of light a bulb emits. Expressed in kelvins, it tells you how much yellow, red, blue or pure white is produced. The results are often described as ‘cool white’ or ‘warm white’.
For your main or decorative kitchen light, go for a 3,000 kelvin bulb. For functional lighting, look for bulbs between 4,000 and 4,500 kelvins.
Consider the atmosphere you want to create. For a cosy feel, choose yellow, warm light between 3,000 and 3,500 kelvins. For a crisp modern feel, pick cool white light at 4,000 to 4,200 kelvins.
