The kitchen is considered the "heart of the home" for a reason — it's the central gathering place for family and friends, plus it's where you spend hours preparing and enjoying your favorite meals. Not only can lighting completely transform a kitchen design, but choosing the right fixtures make food prep, cooking and cleaning much easier. Whether you've got a small kitchen setup or spacious open-concept layout, we've rounded up kitchen lighting ideas for every home size and style.
From ornamental pendants to unobtrusive track lighting, the options for kitchen light fixtures are endless. Think striking chandeliers over the kitchen island, sleek wall sconces above shelving and retro-inspired flush mounts (a great option for low ceilings). No matter if your style is modern, country, industrial or minimal, we've found lighting ideas that will add personality to your space. And don't be afraid to let lighting be your focal point — especially with fixtures over the kitchen island.
As with any interior, it's important to layer lighting in the kitchen — which means using multiple light fixtures to ensure a balanced, well-lit room. Use ambient lighting, like chandeliers or flush mounts, as the kitchen's primary light source. Employ task lighting like LED strips under uppers cabinets to illuminate your cooking space. Next, incorporate accent lights, like picture lights or wall sconces. Don't worry: If you're not sure where to start, steal inspiration from these stylish kitchens that prioritize proper lighting.
1
Chrome Flush Mounts
Although flat to the ceiling, these shiny silver fixtures draw attention, while adding a subtle retro style to this kitchen layout. Here, Daniel House Co. goes for a chrome faucet and stainless steel appliances to tie the space together.
2
Linear Lighting
To illuminate this modern kitchen island, Diana Pauro of Rebel Builders hangs an eye-catching brass pendant light. Meanwhile, LED strips under the wooden shelves ensure a bright prep station.
3
Minimalist Bell Pendants
With two simple-bell shaped white pendants, Maren Baker Design gives this industrial kitchen a touch of modern Scandinavian style.
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4
Matte Black Details
Layer in black accents to create contrast in an all-white kitchen, just as Kozy Kasa Design does here with matte black pendants over the island and a circular chandelier above the dining space.
5
Hanging Globes
In this mid-century modern kitchen designed by Unique Kitchen & Baths, globe pendants complement the gold cabinet hardware and textured range hood.
6
Simple Sconce
Install a classic sconce onto the side of your cabinet to help illuminate your prep station — ideal for washing dishes or cooking in the evening. Designer Caroline Kopp goes for a white shade, which blends seamlessly with the cabinet color.
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7
Artistic Chandelier
With a dramatic black chandelier, design and build firm Forge & Bow allows lighting to act as the centerpiece of this modern kitchen.
8
Glam Geometric Pendants
Brass details are the star of the show in this light-filled kitchen by designer Heather Lucas — from the geometric pendants to the cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet.
9
Industrial Glass Globes
Take note from Bianca Ecklund Design and mix modern with industrial. Layer in chic industrial accents, like these glass globes suspended from vintage-inspired hardware.
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10
Colorful Lanterns
Bring in soothing shades of color — like light green — in the form of lantern pendants and seat cushions, just as Marian Louise Design does in this otherwise neutral kitchen.
11
Single-Arm Wall Sconces
Sleek black sconces look beautiful hung above floating shelves, plus they help illuminate the sink and counter below. Here, Daley Home isn't afraid to install the fixtures directly into the tile backsplash.
12
Starburst Lighting
Guaranteed to strike up conversation, three starburst light fixtures double as art when hung over the kitchen island in this coastal kitchen by designer Dana Schwartz.
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13
Hanging Fabric Shades
These gold fixtures draw the eye upwards, adding instant style to an otherwise minimalist kitchen cued up by Meredith Owen Interiors.
14
Simple Sconces Over the Sink
Possibly the best place for sconces in the kitchen will be above the kitchen sink. Here, Collected Interiors installs a uniform set of three chrome sconces.
15
Mix and Match
To guarantee a well-lit interior, it's best to layer your lighting sources. Think pendants over the kitchen island and sconces on the walls above cabinets. Take note from Cedar & Oak and don't fear mixing metals, too.
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16
Splash of Yellow
Brighten up your space with sunny yellow pendant lights, which Mottram Architecture pairs with vibrant blue lower cabinets for a playful style.
17
Beaded Chandeliers
Here, Nesting Place Interiors adds a dose of texture with two beaded chandeliers over this expansive kitchen island.
18
Clear Glass Lighting
Keep it modern and minimal with clear glass pendants, which ATX Interior Design hangs high above this bright white kitchen island.
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19
Large Black Domes
Opt for dark and moody fixtures, like these matte black dome pendants. Here, House of One uses them for contrast in an otherwise neutral interior.
20
Natural Weave
Whether you love coastal style or you're looking for a unique way to infuse an interior with texture, rattan pendants are the answer. Take inspiration from ATX Interior Design and hang three over the island.
Alicia Mies
Alicia Mies is an editorial intern at Chairish, an online marketplace for vintage home decor. Before covering interior design for Chairish, she completed journalism internships at local newspapers and earned her B.A. in Urban Studies from Brown University. She is based in the Bay Area where she eats plenty of pho and Korean barbecue.
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
