Getting the lighting right can transform your kitchen, making it the perfect space for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Whether you go for funky, modern wall lights or pendant lights that hang over an island or dining table, there is something for everyone. Let’s look at kitchen lighting ideas in more detail.
Types of lighting
There are generally three types of kitchen lighting to think about when completing a kitchen refurb: task, ambient, and accent. The perfect design and layout will include all three, working in harmony to create the right ambience. If you need some inspiration, many companies such as thekitchenrefurbishmentcompany.co.uk specialise in providing advice and showing you examples of other projects.
The first lighting to think about is task lighting; as its name suggests, task lighting is for illuminating work areas. This is normally provided by LED spotlights, as they deliver the brightest light.
Next is ambient lighting, which is used to create a mood. This is provided through pendant lights, flush mounts, and semi-flush mounts in a mix of warm- and cool-tone bulbs.
Accent lighting provides the finishing touch, highlighting any areas of the kitchen you want to stand out. This may be under your countertops or above a shelf.
Get a glow up
Lights under cabinets are great for illuminating a worktop so you can see what you are doing when preparing food. You can also use lights under cupboards to create an atmosphere, such as when they are paired with a metallic splashback.
Rule of three
Pendant lights lined up in three over a kitchen island create a modern feel and are balanced. If you have a really large island, you could hang lights in larger groups but always use an odd number.
Mix and match
Don’t be afraid to mix different styles, such as an industrial lighting feature over your dining table with a rustic, Shaker-style kitchen. As long as you use complementary colours, materials, and textures, the look will be cohesive.
Go big
If you want to make a bold statement, consider a decorative chandelier or oversized light fixture.