Good lighting is essential in any kitchen, whether it be for cooking or entertaining. But when you have a small kitchen, finding the right lighting can be a challenge. You want to make sure that you get enough light without making the space feel cramped and cluttered.
Luckily, there are plenty of small kitchen lighting ideas that will help you create an inviting atmosphere in your space. From stylish pendant lights to recessed fixtures, these ideas will help illuminate even the smallest kitchens and make them look larger than life!
How Much Light Do I Need For A Small Kitchen?
The most important thing to consider when choosing the right lighting for a small kitchen is how much light you will need. You want to make sure that it’s bright enough to support tasks like cooking and cleaning, but not so bright that it makes the space feel overwhelming. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 30-50 lumens per square foot – this should provide enough light to allow you to move around the space safely.
What Type Of Lighting Is Best In A Small Kitchen?
When it comes to small kitchen lighting, the key is to choose fixtures that won’t overwhelm or overpower the space. Opt for fixtures that are low profile and also provide adequate task lighting for food prep and cooking. LED strip lights are an excellent option as they provide a consistent, bright light without taking up much visual space. Pendant lights and track lighting are also good options, as they provide both general and task lighting. Fluorescent lights can be installed in rows or used as under-cabinet lighting. Finally, recessed lighting is an efficient option that provides ample light while maintaining a low profile. [1]
How Do I Add More Light To My Small Kitchen?
Adding more light to your small kitchen can be a tricky task, but there are several solutions that can help you maximize the space and provide ample lighting. Here are some of our top tips for adding more light to your small kitchen:
- Choose a brighter color scheme. The lighter color palette will help make the room look bigger while reflecting more light.
- Hang pendants over the kitchen island to focus light exactly where it is needed, such as countertops or cutting boards.
- Install under cabinet lighting to provide additional illumination and make dark corners brighter.
- Add a skylight for natural daylighting to supplement your existing artificial lighting.
- Utilize recessed lights to create an even spread of light throughout the room.
- Install task lighting over work surfaces such as countertops and kitchen tables to focus on specific activities.
- Replace regular bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs which will provide more brightness without using too much electricity.
- Invest in a dimmer switch to make the most of your lighting and adjust it according to need.
- Use mirrors strategically placed around the room to reflect light and give the illusion of space.
- Hang artwork or other decorative items on walls to draw attention away from dark corners and add character to your small kitchen. [2]
Lighting Ideas For Small Kitchens
Lighting plays an essential role in making any room of your home look bigger and brighter.
This is especially true for small kitchens, where lighting can help make the space seem larger and more inviting. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect lighting solutions for your small kitchen:
Install Statement Lighting
Statement lighting is the perfect way to add a touch of style and sophistication to any small kitchen. Choose one or two glamourous fixtures that make an impact, such as pendant lights hanging over an island or bar area, wall sconces flanking the sink area, or a chandelier placed in the center of the room. Statement lighting will set the tone and make your small kitchen look larger and more luxurious.
Try A Little Lamp
Small kitchen lighting can be a tricky business, as you don’t want to overpower the cozy atmosphere of a small space. One way to achieve this is by using little lamps that provide just enough light while still creating an inviting atmosphere. A bedside lamp or two placed on either side of the kitchen counter will create a subtle glow and make the room feel more inviting.
Hang A Trio Of Intricate Pendants
One of the most eye-catching and stylish lighting ideas that you can use in your small kitchen is to hang a trio of intricate pendants. These unique light fixtures can be used to draw attention to both modern and traditional kitchen designs, creating an inviting atmosphere for meal preparation or entertaining. Consider adding pendant lights in various shapes, such as orbs, geometric shapes or round silhouettes.
You can also choose from a variety of finishes to match the style of your kitchen, such as copper, bronze, brass or stainless steel. Place these pendants in an area where they will be most visible and use dimmable bulbs for extra flexibility. With this simple but impactful lighting idea, you can easily create a beautiful and inviting space that will be the center of your home.
Try Some Globe-Shaped Pendants
If you’re looking for a more modern and stylish way to light up your cooking space, try some globe-shaped pendants. These hanging fixtures come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and styles so you can find one that best matches the look of your kitchen. They are especially great for small kitchens because they don’t take up a lot of space and provide a bright, even light.
Plus, they look great when hung in multiples! Whether it’s one large globe pendant or several smaller ones, you can create a unique lighting display that will make your kitchen look chic and inviting. [3]
Don’t Forget About Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting provides a functional layer of light that will help you easily find what you need in the kitchen. It can be mounted under the upper cabinets and provide a direct glow on countertops, making tasks like slicing and dicing easier. LED strips are a great choice for under-cabinet lighting, as they generally don’t require a large amount of power and are available in many colors. You can also choose to add dimmers, which will enable you to adjust the brightness as needed. To take it even further, motion-sensitive lighting is becoming increasingly popular, as it turns on when it detects movement in the kitchen. This makes it easy to access your kitchen at night without having to worry about turning on a light.
Pick The Right Color Temperature
A key factor to consider when selecting lighting for your kitchen is the color temperature. Color temperature refers to how warm or cool a light appears, and is measured in Kelvin (K). A lower number indicates that the light has a warmer tone, while a higher number denotes a cooler tone. Warm light (3000K-4000K) creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool light (5000K-6000K) is great for tasks such as reading recipes or preparing food. You can also opt for lighting with adjustable color temperature so you can switch between warm and cool tones depending on the occasion.
Also Include Task Lighting
Task lighting is a great way to ensure that you can see and work in your kitchen without the hassle of too much overhead light. This kind of lighting is ideal for underneath cabinets, on countertops, or in any other areas where you may need more focused illumination while cooking or preparing food. Task lighting helps to create an even distribution of light throughout the kitchen, making it easier to stay focused and productive. Furthermore, including task lighting will help you avoid shadows and other areas of darkness that can make a kitchen feel cramped and small. You can also use task lighting to create an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen, as this type of lighting can be dimmed or brightened depending on the mood you wish to create.
Consider incorporating different types of task lighting fixtures, such as pendants, wall sconces, or recessed lights. [4]
FAQ
How do I put lights in my small kitchen?
Adding lights to a small kitchen is relatively simple. Begin by assessing what type of lighting you need and where it should be placed for optimal illumination. Consider task lighting for areas like the stove, sink or countertops, as well as ambient lighting that can brighten up the entire space. Install recessed or track lights for general use and consider adding a pendant or two to make the room feel more inviting. When possible, try to use energy-efficient LED lights for maximum efficiency and cost savings.
What is the best light for a small kitchen island?
When it comes to a small kitchen island, the best light choice is usually a pendant. Pendants provide direct task lighting while also adding an interesting design element. Plus, they come in many different shapes and sizes so you can find one that fits perfectly with your kitchen decor. Make sure your pendant is UL-rated for safety and provides adequate light by choosing one with at least 3,000 lumens. If you need more light, try combining a pendant with recessed lighting or under-cabinet lighting for a complete illumination solution. To ensure an even distribution of light throughout the room, consider adding multiple pendants in different styles and heights. This will help you create a pleasing, balanced look.
How do you light a small dark kitchen?
The key to lighting a small dark kitchen is all about finding the right balance between task lights and ambient lights. Task lighting should be bright and focused in areas where you use utensils, knives, or food prep like counters and islands. Ambient lighting should be diffuse and fill out your space with a brighter light. Consider using pendant lights and track lighting over counters and islands to provide task lighting. Wall sconces flanking the sink or stove can give excellent ambient light with a slightly more romantic atmosphere. Recessed ceiling fixtures can also be used in place of wall sconces, while LED tape lights are great for brightening up kitchen cabinets.
Finally, consider using a series of under-cabinet LED lights to provide ample task lighting for counters.
Should small kitchens be light or dark?
The answer to this question depends on the size of your space and the atmosphere you’re trying to create. If your kitchen is small, it’s best to go for a light color palette that will make the room feel larger and brighter. Light colors can also open up the area, making it look more spacious. On the other hand, if you’re looking to create a more cozy atmosphere, darker colors may be a better choice.
What kitchen lighting is trending?
There are many lighting trends that can bring style and personality to your kitchen. One popular trend is the use of Edison-style bulbs, which create a warm glow while providing ample illumination. Another option is to opt for under cabinet lighting, which adds a decorative touch while helping to brighten up dark corners in the room.
Finally, statement lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces can make a bold design statement while providing useful illumination. If you’re looking for the perfect small kitchen lighting ideas to brighten up your space, these options are sure to inspire.
What kind of light goes over the kitchen sink?
When it comes to kitchen sink lighting, one of the most important things to consider is brightness. Especially in smaller kitchens, finding the right amount and kind of light over your sink can make a difference in how enjoyable you find your time preparing meals. For small kitchens, task lighting is often a great choice for ensuring the area around the sink is bright enough for all your food preparation needs. Opting for a bright light bar above or on either side of the sink can be an effective way to shed some extra light in those tight corners, and plenty of options exist that offer additional features like dimming capabilities, motion sensors, and energy-saving LEDs.
If you have the space and the budget, you may also want to consider a hanging pendant light above the sink for added style.
What color looks best in a small galley kitchen?
When choosing lighting for a small galley kitchen, avoid bright colors as they can make the space look smaller. Instead, opt for white or cream shades that will reflect light and brighten up the room. Cooler colors such as blues and greens can also be used to create a cozy atmosphere. Avoid yellow tones in small kitchens as these may make the space appear too warm.
In addition, try to choose lighting fixtures with a minimalist design that won’t overpower or overwhelm the room.
How do you light a kitchen with no overhead lighting?
Although overhead lighting is the traditional way to light a kitchen, it is not necessary for every kitchen. If you do not have overhead lights in your kitchen, you can still make sure that the room is well-lit with some creative lighting ideas. One of the best ways to light a kitchen without overhead lights is by using wall-mounted fixtures. Wall-mounted lighting can be placed higher up on the wall, allowing you to get more light without taking up much space.
Other options include recessed lighting, pendant lights, and track lighting. These are all great ways to illuminate your kitchen without using overhead lights. Whatever option you choose, make sure that the lights are bright enough to provide adequate lighting for working in the kitchen. You can also use task lighting, such as under cabinet and countertop lights, to create a more efficient workspace. Additionally, consider adding decorative light fixtures and accent lighting to give your kitchen a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Should the kitchen island be lighter or darker than the cabinets?
When it comes to kitchen island lighting, you have the option of making it lighter or darker than your cabinets. If you have dark cabinets, a light-colored kitchen island can provide a contrast that adds visual interest and helps to make the room seem bigger. You could also opt for a neutral shade like white, gray, or black for a subtle look. On the other hand, if you have light cabinets, then a darker kitchen island can help to provide depth and contrast.
In either case, make sure that the lighting on your kitchen island is bright enough to illuminate the space while still being stylish and comfortable. Remember that this is an area where you will spend a lot of time, so it should be a place of relaxation and joy.
How do I choose a light for a small space?
When selecting small kitchen lighting, it is important to consider the size of your space and how much light you need for certain tasks. For example, a bright overhead light may be necessary for overall coverage but could overwhelm a smaller room. Consider opting for a central pendant or chandelier with several layers that can be adjusted to create different levels of light.
Wall sconces and under-cabinet lighting are other great options for adding task-specific illumination, as well as accentuating unique features of the kitchen. Aim to create a balance between task lighting and ambient lighting, so you don’t end up with an overly bright or dark space. Finally, consider the size and scale of the light fixture. In a smaller kitchen, it’s best to opt for something with a small profile that won’t overwhelm the space.
Useful Video: 🔥 21 Small Kitchen Lighting Ideas | Jansen’s DIY
Conclusion
When it comes to lighting up a small kitchen, the key is to create an illusion of space with strategically placed fixtures and the right type of lights. While the main concern should be providing adequate light for tasks that need it, there are plenty of creative solutions to make the area feel larger and more inviting. With a bit of planning and imagination, you can easily create an efficient lighting scheme that is both functional and visually appealing.
When it’s time to upgrade your kitchen, take the time to consider all of the small kitchen lighting ideas available so you can choose the best combination for your needs. With careful consideration, you can bring out the beauty in any size kitchen.
References
- https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/lighting-ideas-for-small-kitchens-224048
- https://www.idealhome.co.uk/kitchen/kitchen-ideas/small-kitchen-lighting-ideas-302004
- https://www.lampsplus.com/ideas-and-advice/small-kitchen-lighting-ideas/
- https://www.thespruce.com/small-kitchen-lighting-ideas-5223755
