22 Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Feel Right for 2025 Projects — To Illuminate Islands, Cabinets, Countertops, and More

Perhaps the most important component of any room's design, especially the kitchen, is its lighting. Why, you may wonder? That’s because lighting not only elevates and enhances the room’s features and details, it also helps create a mood. A kitchen, which is essentially where all the hard work takes place, shouldn’t be dimly or harshly lit, as that can make the experience of cooking or even socializing unpleasant.

Interestingly, kitchen lighting goes beyond basic sconces and downlights. Since this space has become much more than just utilitarian and is easily the most social room in the house, its lighting should also contribute to the overall aesthetic. Think oversized pendants and cascading chandeliers—yes, they all have a home in the modern kitchen.

So, if you're ready to give your space some love and a big dose of design, take a look at these expert-approved kitchen lighting ideas. We'll be constantly updating this article, to introduce new inspiration, and make sure your ideas are right for 2025 projects.

1. Illuminate the Counters With Downlights

Downlights can significantly enhance a kitchen lighting design and help illuminate the kitchen countertops — arguably the most important task lighting in the entire space. From puck lights to recessed strips and LED options, these fixtures can be installed beneath the cabinets to cast a warm glow not only on the counters but across the entire kitchen.

Beyond functionality, downlights also contribute to a layered lighting scheme. Says Ky Drury of Studio Haus Co.: “In this kitchen design, we used three types of lighting: task, wall, and downlights. Steering away from pendant lights for a more subtle yet intentional choice, we opted for can downlighting. We used recessed/downlights as task lighting, while incorporating additional layers like wall lights and LED strip lighting. Especially in the evenings, this combination creates a beautiful mood and ambiance.”

Ky Drury

With over 25+ years in the building industry, Ky is principal designer and founder of Studio Haus Co; a full-service interior design studio based in Byron Bay, Australia. Her signature style features neutral tones and layered textures in a moody yet warm aesthetic.

2. Install Long Pendants Above the Island for Focused Task Lighting

In a hardworking room like the kitchen, task lighting takes on a significance that’s hard to overstate. This is especially true for countertops, where all the chopping, prepping, and even casual dining takes place. The right task lighting becomes essential. Enter kitchen island lighting. Suspended above the counter, pendants not only elevate the room’s design but also illuminate the finer details on the surface, helping to prevent accidents and making tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Interestingly, there’s a wide variety of pendant lighting options to choose from. Whether it’s a single statement piece or a row of multiple pendants, the possibilities are endless.

This kitchen by Poonam Khanna, founder and principal of Unionworks, is a great example of how pendant lights can be both decorative and highly functional. “We wanted the fixtures over the island to be simple yet have presence, so we chose one of our favorites—the Apparatus Cylinder Pendant in tarnished silver metal, wrapped in light blue suede,” she says. “The tactile luxury of that combination feels just right for the space.”

Poonam Khanna

Poonam Khanna founded the UNIONWORKS with a desire to create soulful spaces in tune with her clients and their lifestyles. She does not adhere to one formula or style but approaches every project as a clean slate with endless possibilities. Her work span residential and hospitality interiors, including fashion showrooms, and upscale retail brands and offices.

3. Or Go for an Oversized, Asymmetrical Fixture

Add drama with kitchen ceiling lighting that makes an instant impact. A large chandelier, a cluster of pendant lights, or, as seen in this kitchen by Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez of MONIOMI Design, a sculptural, curving light fixture can do the trick.

They share: “Oversized lighting is a powerful way to make a statement in the kitchen. Instead of using multiple pendants, an asymmetrical fixture with flowing strands creates organic movement, enhancing the striking nature of marble and adding visual interest to a space that’s typically all about function.”

Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez

MONIOMI Design is an award-winning interior design firm, renowned for its eclectic, bold, and elevated approach. From luxury residential and commercial projects to bespoke furniture and collectibles, the studio is located in Little River, a burgeoning creative micro-neighborhood in Miami. The husband and wife team Monica Santayana and Ronald Alvarez are at the forefront of a new generation of Miami’s Latino tastemakers and designers.

4. Choose Decorative Wall Sconces

Add a dainty touch with kitchen wall lighting—whether through sconces, lanterns, or wall lamps, there are plenty of ways to elevate the space. These fixtures not only enhance the room's ambiance but also contribute to the overall material palette of the kitchen.

“I used our Coco chandelier, handcrafted from Murano glass in Venice, for the dining space — its soft, sculptural presence adds both structure and elegance while complementing the organic curves of the kitchen and marble,” says designer and artist Annemieke Denters. “To create contrast with the rounded elements, I paired it with our Chloe wall sconces, which feature a more structured, diamond-like shape—also blown in Murano.”

“As this home is a 150-year-old Amsterdam canal house, I wanted the ornamental ceiling to remain the focal point, which is why I kept all cabinetry low,” she adds. “The functional lighting is subtly integrated beneath the shelf with an LED strip, ensuring a balance between aesthetics and practicality.”

Annemieke Denters

Annemieke is an artist and muralist based in Amsterdam, and the founder of ARLUCI Lighting. She's alawyas been passionate about merging craftsmanship, creativity, and the timeless art of Murano lighting.

5. Consider a Large Chandelier That Illuminates the Kitchen and Dining

Have an open-plan kitchen that shares space with the dining area? Consider a large chandelier that not only illuminates but also sets the mood for both zones, casting an ambient glow and subtly unifying the spaces.

“The lighting is suspended over the main dining area, which interplays with the kitchen,” says Raed Abillama of Raëd Abillama Architects. “These translucent alabaster pendants resemble celestial forms—especially at night, when lit—and appear to float through the space. This effect is even more striking when the large double glass doors of the dining room are open to the night sky.”

Raëd Abillama

Raëd Abillama is a Lebanese architect educated in France and the U.S., blending global experience with local roots through his Beirut-based studio founded in 1997. His practice spans refined residential and commercial projects, including the award-winning IXSIR Winery, while also exploring furniture and product design via ACID, a creative industrial sister company curated to executing his vision.

6. Go for a Layered Lighting Scheme

One of the biggest kitchen lighting trends for 2025 is a layered lighting scheme. The key is to have plenty of different sources at different levels and make sure you cover the three types of lighting too — task, ambient, and accent.

The best type of lighting for a kitchen is all about layers. It's about covering the three bases of lighting. "Every room should have a mix of lighting, including overhead (or ambient), accent, and task lights," says Suzanne Duin, founder of lighting brand Maison Maison. "Whether you are designing a warm and relaxing space for the evenings, carving out a nook bright enough for reading, or coordinating open plan scheme, the key is to balance these layers of lighting to help bring a room to life and emphasize different aspects of a scheme for different purposes."

"Shadow-free task lighting helps for cooking and prep, providing lighting for the functional aspect of kitchen life, while ambient lighting is for when your kitchen crosses over and becomes and entertaining space or a place to unwind, and ambient lighting for when you simply want to unwind or entertain," explains Charlie Bowles, director of Original BTC.

"Most kitchens will benefit from a central lighting source plus a combination of practical, space-saving wall lights and spotlights," says Charlie. "If possible, make sure your lights are controlled separately so you can create different moods at the flick of a switch. A dimmable pendant — or, for a dramatic look, a row of pendants —is useful for switching from functional to relaxation mode, whether over your dining table or central island. Consider also accent lighting to highlight areas of interest."

7. Design an Energy-Efficient Kitchen With LED lighting

LED lighting is a great lighting addition to your kitchen and can add a bit of focus and spotlight on what you're doing when you want the rest of the ambiance to stay the same.

"Think of your room as a canvas with areas in focus and areas in darkness and ask yourself what you want to highlight and what you want to knock back into shadows," says Jo Littlefair, director and co-founder of Goddard Littlefair.

"For example, accentuate the texture of a tongue and groove-clad ceiling by washing it with an LED track, pin spot columns with floor recessed uplights, and consider the use of concealed LED tracks to task light a kitchen work surface," she adds. "Ideally, I like to be unable to see the light source itself and just feel the benefit from the effect."

8. Think About Color Temperature

Most of us pay attention to the kitchen lighting design rules but did you know that the actual light from the bulb itself is critically important to your overall scheme? It can completely transform the mood and feel of a room—turning it from cold and stark to warm and welcoming.

All light sources have a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), which is measured in Kelvins (K). This refers to the warmth or coolness of visible light. “The lower the figure, the warmer the light,” says Darren Parnaby of Beem. “In a kitchen environment, I would suggest using either 2700K or 3000K.”

A temperature below 2000K gives off a dim, candle-like glow and is best suited for low-light areas where ambient illumination is preferred. Light in the 2000K–3000K range emits a soft white glow, often with a warm, yellowish tone.

9. Give the Space Grandeur with Art Deco Lights

Pendant lighting offers the perfect opportunity to have a bit of fun with your design. Instead of opting for three identical lampshades, think outside the box and consider your kitchen’s overall theme. Is it a rustic farmhouse style, a sleek modern space, or something more eclectic and playful?

Art Deco interior design is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence, so why not channel the style with golden pendant lighting? Arrange a trio and hang them elegantly over your kitchen island or dining table for a look that’s both timeless and striking.

10. Light up Architectural Details

How beautiful is this kitchen lighting idea? It makes a statement while casting a soft, all-over glow that highlights the room’s architectural features and emphasizes the height of the ceilings.

You can recreate a similar effect in your own space by running subtle kitchen LED lighting with strips along beams, around alcoves, or even just along the edges of the room. It’s a simple idea with a truly dramatic impact.

11. Choose Sculptural Shapes 

Proof that kitchen lighting doesn’t always have to be purely practical! Pendant lights remain a favorite in kitchens—we love the symmetry they offer—but why not break from tradition with a single statement piece? Something quirky and unexpected can become the true focal point of the space.

As Jo Plismy of Gong, says: “In a kitchen, while you clearly need a certain amount of practical task lighting, don’t forget it’s still a space where you should feel comfortable and able to relax. All of your interior choices should be an extension of your personality, and your lighting choices give you the perfect opportunity to experiment and create some statement spaces.”

“My advice is to not be afraid to go big and bold with your kitchen pendant lighting. Contrary to popular belief, oversized lights look fabulous in smaller rooms as well as in larger spaces. I often advise my clients to view their lighting choices as pieces of art. Bold designs, tactile textiles, and sculptural shapes add visual interest over an island—even when the light is switched off.”

12. Create Symmetry With Pendants

You really can't go wrong with classic, low-hanging pendants above a kitchen island. They're practical—providing essential task lighting if you use the surface for prepping and cooking—and they also look beautiful, helping to visually define the island from the rest of the kitchen. Plus, when placed on a dimmer switch, they allow you to instantly shift the mood from bright and functional to soft and ambient.

“When it comes to kitchen island lighting, decorative pendants are very popular as people want to make a statement and create a focal point,” explains Piero De Marchis of Detail Lighting. “But it’s important to be careful not to create shadows over the cooking and prep area.”

“To avoid this, we usually recommend that decorative lighting be ‘filled in’ and supported with focused spotlights to eliminate any shadows or dark spots. With this combination, you get a ‘cooking mode’ with full illumination, and a more relaxed mode where the spotlights can be turned off and the decorative lights dimmed.”

13. Make Wall Lights a Focal Point 

If you don't have a kitchen island to hang pendants above, consider opting for statement wall lights instead. They can bring just as much style and visual interest to your space—and they’re just as functional when it comes to illuminating your work areas. Plus, they offer great flexibility. Choose a design with a pivoting arm so you can direct the light exactly where you need it.

“In terms of kitchen lighting ideas, flexible wall lights—especially in brass—have recently taken off,” says Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. “These are great because they can be angled either down or up to bounce light off the wall, creating a softer, less directional ambient glow. Or, they can be tilted down for focused task lighting. Either way, the wall light itself becomes a point of interest—a really beautiful alternative to a standard downlight.”

14. Add Extra Task Lighting Where You Need It 

Small, subtle wall lights can be perfect for adding extra illumination in areas where it’s often needed—like above the sink or next to the cooker. They don’t always have to make a big design statement either.

In this bold blue kitchen, for example, compact steel lights are positioned on either side of the hob, providing both symmetry and focused task lighting for the work surface and the cooking area.

15. Go Minimal With Exposed Bulbs

This industrial look never goes out of style. It’s a simple yet chic kitchen lighting idea that works beautifully in any setting—from ultra-modern to country rustic. Exposed bulbs can make just as much of a design statement as an oversized pendant, especially when grouped together or hung in a line above an island or worktop.

With exposed bulbs, though, it's important to choose wisely. The wrong bulb can create harsh light and intense shadows. Instead, opt for tinted LED bulbs with a warm glow to soften the effect and create a welcoming ambiance. If possible, install dimmer switches so you can easily adjust the brightness to suit the mood.

16. Hang a Crystal Chandelier For a Luxurious Touch

Interestingly, one restaurant lighting trend that has made its way into homes is the use of chandeliers in kitchens—and does it get more decadent than that? Hanging a chandelier as a centerpiece instantly elevates the space. To let it truly shine, keep the rest of your lighting simple and understated.

Blending old and new adds layers of character, so don’t shy away from contrast in your kitchen. Take this space, for example: sleek marble cabinets sit alongside vintage finds and quirky collections, with the chandelier acting as the perfect unifying element—bringing cohesion to an effortlessly eclectic look.

17. Install Track Lighting (With a Stylish Twist)

Track lighting has long been a popular choice in kitchens—it's practical and often blends seamlessly into the background. But in this kitchen, traditional track lighting gets a stylish update with an exposed galvanized conduit, a metal tubing system typically used to protect electrical wiring.

Finished with classic filament bulbs, the setup perfectly complements the kitchen's raw, industrial vibe, adding both function and character to the space.

18. Pick a Subtle Linear Pendant

Simple yet striking, a linear pendant light floats above the island in this kitchen, blending seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry. This suspended design is especially effective in homes with high ceilings, providing a focused pool of light at eye level without overwhelming the space.

Take note of the layered lighting approach in this kitchen as well. Discreet LED ceiling lights offer ambient illumination while ensuring the entire space is well-lit. Sam Hart of Roundhouse, explains: “LED dimmable ceiling spots paired with beautiful, stylish pendants over the island make a kitchen both functional and elegant. For undercabinet lighting, opt for circular LED spots or strip lighting—spots cast pools of light, while strips create an even wash across the surface.”

19. Add a Pop of Color With Kitchen Lighting

Looking for interesting kitchen color ideas? Instead of relying on paint or bold furniture, why not make a statement with lighting? In this space, a dark kitchen is instantly uplifted by a splash of yellow—from the fixtures to the warm undertones in the marble veining, which now stand out beautifully. These sunny hues bring warmth to the deep charcoal cabinetry, adding energy and vibrancy to the room without overpowering it.

20. Bring in Warmth With Brass Fixtures

Brass kitchens have been taking over homes for some time now, and interestingly, brass is no longer limited to just hardware. With new styles and designs emerging, it has become a major trend in lighting too.

To keep the look cohesive, it’s best to match the tone of brass across all your fixtures—sourcing them from the same brand is often the easiest way to ensure consistency. That said, mixing metals can create a stylish, on-trend contrast. Try pairing a brass ceiling light with silver wall sconces for a fresh, modern twist.

21. Create a Quirky Look With Antique Glass

How charming are these colorful glass shades? They’re subtle yet add a hint of color and a playful shape to the room—a perfect balance between statement and classic. Plus, these when paired with glass kitchen cabinets, can look really elegant.

“You can easily tire of statement pieces and large, bold themes that dominate a room—lighting is a big one!” says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL. “We see so many lighting schemes, and it’s always the discreet and understated ones that catch our eye and that we don’t tire of.”

“That said, a statement light can look stunning if carefully chosen. Chandeliers are about as bold as you can get, but they work beautifully when they have character—think ‘faded glory’ rather than bling. It’s often the pendants over islands where people go all out—buying three oversized pendants, adding contrasting wall lights, and then mixing in even more pendants over the dining table. Before you know it, the kitchen feels more like a lighting showroom than a living space.”

22. Add Softness With Fabric Lanterns 

Fabric lampshades aren’t something you often see as part of kitchen lighting ideas, but if you have a spacious kitchen diner with room to hang them well away from the main workspace, they can bring a beautiful sense of softness to the space.

Kitchens are typically defined by hard surfaces and clean lines, so introducing a tactile element like fabric adds contrast and warmth. It’s also a lovely way to separate the functional cooking area from the more relaxed, social dining zone.

FAQs

What Type of Lighting Is Best for a Kitchen?

It's best to take a layered approach that combines ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting, such as ceiling-mounted fixtures and recessed spots, will cast an even glow throughout the space. Task lighting, including under-cabinet lights, pendant lights over islands, or adjustable wall sconces, makes working in the kitchen easier by illuminating countertops where you cook and prepare food.

Finally, accent lighting like LED strips or decorative fixtures with dimmable option —adds warmth and comfort to the room. Together, these layers create a functional and inviting kitchen that’s bright enough for food prep and cooking, while also setting the mood for socializing.

What Is the Rule of Thumb for Kitchen Lighting?

When it comes to kitchen lighting, a good rule of thumb is to aim for 70–80 lumens per square foot. This ensures there's enough brightness for essential tasks like chopping, cooking, and cleaning.

Equally important is choosing the right color temperature. Measured in Kelvins (K), this affects the overall feel of the space. A warm white around 2,700K creates a cozy, inviting glow, while 3,000K offers a cooler, crisper tone.

It’s easy to get carried away with too many kitchen lighting fixtures, so carefully consider how the illumination is affecting the mood of the room. It shouldn't feel too dim; nor overly bright and jarring.

Whether it's beautiful, oversized statement chandeliers, a cluster of pendant lights, or simple, discreet recessed lights and wall sconces, there are countless kitchen lighting ideas to choose from. When designing the lighting scheme for this space, be sure to consider all three types: ambient, task, and accent lighting.