15 Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Go Way Beyond Ceiling Lights

Don’t fall into the trap of sticking with the default kitchen lights that your home or rental came with — it’s time to consider removing, upgrading, or adding onto the builder-grade fixtures you may currently have with fresh kitchen lighting ideas that are both stylish and highly functional. 

“I’m not big on trends, but one thing I’d love to see more of is eliminating the use of overhead can lighting,” notes New York-based designer Ariel Okin. At the same time, this doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your kitchen and rip out electrical wires in your walls. A great place to start is by pinpointing the area(s) in the kitchen you use most. Whether you have a go-to corner of your countertops or an island you’d like to make more of a focal point, the key is to play around with different kitchen light fixture ideas.

“Layer your lighting,” says Jo Plant, head of design and production for U.K.-based lighting brand Pooky. “Bring in movable spotlights, articulated lights, pendants, and more. For instance, add a chandelier over the main table along with rechargeable lamps sprinkled around to create an inviting room you enjoy hanging out in.” 

What lights look best in the kitchen? 

Think beyond just ceiling lights: From chandeliers to sconces, under-the-cabinet lighting, and everything in between, mixing and matching multiple sources of light will bring much-needed warmth and ambience to your kitchen. Just remember to find a balance and not pair pieces that will overwhelm the room or clash with one another. “There are certainly plenty of styles to choose from, such as traditional or modern,” says designer Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors. “My best advice is to follow your style and go with the aesthetic that best fits your home.” 

Are there any current kitchen lighting trends? 

According to Plant, the lighting in people’s kitchens continues to drastically evolve year after year. While it makes sense to stick with timeless designs that’ll never go out of style, there have been some recent in-demand products that many continue to gravitate to. “Integrated LED has really opened up possibilities in lighting design, and rechargeable LED table lamps are everywhere,” Zaveloff explains.

What’s a good formula for kitchen lighting? 

“A great formula for kitchen lighting is to have lights set up in three’s,” Darden confirms. It’s a go-to number for designers to ensure the look of a place is intentional and authentic. “Feel free to mix and match pendants and sconces to be used when needed, and decorative table lamps or rechargeable ones when hosting and having guests gather in the kitchen.”