Kitchen Lighting Ideas

A space for entertaining, cooking and catching up with loved ones over a cup of tea, the kitchen really is the heart of the home. As with any room that has a variety of uses, great lighting is essential. A well thought-out kitchen will have practical task lighting for food preparation as well as decorative mood lighting to create atmosphere while enjoying a drink or two.

Our Top Ideas for Kitchen Lights

Our kitchen lighting ideas offer practicality with plenty of style to boot. Whether you’re renovating a large country kitchen or looking for ways to add flair to a compact kitchen-diner, we’ve gathered everything you need to know.

A Spotlight on Ceiling Lights

Kitchen ceiling lights are the easiest way to brighten up your space. If you don’t have lots of natural light, flush ceiling lights will illuminate from above, creating the illusion of sunlight. The type of bulb you use will also affect the feel of your space. Cool lighting will feel more like daylight, while a warm-toned bulb is a good way to make a large space feel more cosy and inviting.

Photograph of modern white kitchen and office desk

LED ceiling lights are an energy efficient way to brighten up your space and will suit every style of interior. Depending on the size of your room, you can have as many or as few downlights as you need. Just make sure that any key zones, such as a kitchen island, have an LED positioned directly above them.

Direct overhead lighting will draw the eye in, creating a focal point as well as ensuring that your space is well-lit where it matters most.

If your kitchen also doubles as a dining room, fitting a spotlight bar above the dining table is a clever way to create separate zones within your space. That way, you can turn off lighting around your food preparation area while you’re eating. This is a great way to hide any pots and pans from view until it’s time to wash up. Chrome light fixtures will suit any interior style, while a black powder-coated or copper finish offer a contemporary twist on industrial design.

Top Tip: For more advice on finding the best bulbs for your kitchen light fittings, have a look at our light bulb buying guide.

Make Light Work of Under-Cabinet Lighting

Some tasks call for a little extra light. Whether chopping, washing up, baking or basting, having a more direct light source at hand will help you get to work quickly and efficiently. After all, salt and sugar look deceptively alike in poor lighting, and that’s not a mistake any cook wants to make.

Photograph of a modern open plan kitchen with large central island and white cabinets

Battery-operated LED strips are a great fit for a modern kitchen. They can be easily installed underneath cabinets and are hidden from view when not in use. What’s more, as many models come with multiple colour settings, they can also be used to help set the mood when you’re entertaining guests.

Alternatively, if you have an accessible power supply near your kitchen cabinets, LED downlights or a bar light can be switched on when needed but remain discreetly tucked away when not in use.

Good kitchen lighting is all about having options. If flush ceiling lights feel too bright for a dinner setting, under-cabinet lighting and a lamp nearby can help to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Show Your Style with Statement Lighting

Yes, your kitchen light fittings need to be practical. However, that doesn’t mean that your lighting design can’t also be an expression of your personal style. A statement light fitting will be a talking point among guests while also ensuring that your space is well lit.

Alongside more practical task lighting, consider a glass pendant chandelier or an oversized floor lamp with a vintage feel.

Photograph of a modern kitchen with blue, white and oak cabinets

The right statement lighting for your kitchen will depend on the period of your property and the size of the room. Large kitchens with high ceilings will pair well with chandeliers, hanging pendant lights or even antique brass wall lights for a more traditional feel.

If a corner of your room looks a little unloved, it could be calling out for a floor lamp. In smaller kitchens, a large ceiling light can make the space feel cramped. A floor lamp is also a great alternative here. They’re a great way to vary the height of the lighting throughout your space and will create the perfect cosy atmosphere for late night dining.

Opt for statement materials or upcycle an old lamp stand with a lick of paint and an eye-catching new lamp shade. Don’t be afraid to choose bold patterns or a clashing colour – ornamental lighting is all about having a bit of fun.

Our kitchen lighting range caters for a wide array of interior styles. Choose from retro-inspired metal shades (perfect for a farmhouse kitchen), sleek black ceiling spotlights or even twinkling pendant lights with vintage bulbs.

Top Tip: If this has piqued your interest, take a look at these home lighting ideas for more tips.

And there we have it, our top kitchen lighting ideas to help you brighten up your space. Make sure to share your latest room transformation with us @Homebase_UK or explore our Ideas & Advice hub for more inspiration to kickstart your next project.