The glow up: Kitchen lighting ideas for your culinary haven

From ensuring safety to enhancing the overall ambience of the space, the right kitchen lighting choices can greatly affect the functionality and aesthetics of this space.

Changing the lighting of your kitchen is an easy but effective way to update your space without putting a hole in your pocket. If you’re still not sure about where to start or are looking for lighting tips or ideas, we have you covered! Here are some kitchen lighting ideas to level up the heart of your home. 

Set the mood you want

Before you go out and buy your kitchen new lighting, you’ll need to think about what you want the mood and atmosphere to be like. 

Ambient lighting

This type of lighting is another name for general lighting. It serves as the main source of light in a room and provides a baseline level of brightness fit for everyday tasks. It’s best to find a reliable electrician to install these for you. 

Task lighting

Compared to ambient lighting, task lighting is designed to provide concentrated illumination for specific activity stations. You can usually find this above benchtops and kitchen islands.

Accent lighting

This one is used to highlight centrepieces, display shelves, or specific objects in your kitchen space. It is also a common lighting type sought after by those looking for kitchen island lighting ideas. 

Natural lighting

This kind of lighting uses sunlight as a source of light during daylight hours. Not many people think natural light is important when it comes to lighting, but the airy and inviting atmosphere it stimulates is something hard to recreate with artificial lighting.  

Combine your kitchen's natural light source with a good electric lighting scheme for night use, such as task and ambient lighting. 

Decorative lighting

Decorative lights give kitchens visual interest and accentuate form and function. These lighting fixtures, which include pendant lights and chandeliers, add a touch of style and personality to the kitchen.

Kitchen lighting Ideas

No matter what your needs are, there are plenty of kitchen lighting ideas to give depth to your space. With a little planning, you can create a kitchen that is stylish and easy to work in.

Modern lighting for a sleek look

Modern kitchen lighting styles have become popular because of their clean and minimalist design, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen space. Pendant lights and wall sconces are some of the few common lighting pieces to get that modern kitchen vibe. LED strip lighting is also perfect for cabinet lights to set the right mood lighting for your modern kitchen.  

Traditional lighting for its familiar charm

Traditional lighting exudes elegance and a sense of timelessness. Lighting pieces that are considered classic or ornate, like chandeliers, lanterns, and Tiffany-style stained glass lighting, are common choices for homeowners who want to bring that traditional atmosphere to their kitchen. 

Rustic lighting for a natural and warm ambience

Using rustic lighting in your kitchen creates a cosier and more inviting aura to your culinary space. Many rustic pieces are made of wood or have warm shades of colour, but the style uses lanterns, caged pieces and exposed bulbs too. Finishes tend to be rough or weathered, giving your kitchen space the charm of an aged and worn-out look. 

Art Deco for a sleek and artistic touch

Bold, streamlined, and geometric are strong words relating to art deco. The style was created and popularised during the 1920s to 1930s and retains admirers because of its modern and glamorous aesthetic. 

Art Deco-inspired floor lamps, neon lights, and geometric pendant lights can be great additions if you’re looking to make a statement in your kitchen. 

Minimalist lighting to create a simple yet functional space

Just like modern lighting, minimalist lighting styles focus a lot on simple yet functional pieces. Minimalist lighting fixtures have clean and uncomplicated designs, free from ornate details or eye-catching embellishments. Key features of a minimalist kitchen lighting style include using LED lights and clean lighting fixtures for an airy space.

Choosing kitchen lighting to create an inviting space 

Below are a few things you should keep in mind when selecting kitchen lighting to ensure the pieces perfectly complement your space and style.

Consider the type of light you need

Do you think your kitchen’s too dark? Get a piece that improves ambient lighting. Do you think the space looks a bit boring? Pick up an accent or decorative lighting fixture! 

Think about the style and design you want

Choose lighting fixtures that go with your kitchen’s overall style and design, and also ones that fit your personal taste. Whether your kitchen has a modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic style, select lighting fixtures that work well with the theme. 

Mix and match lighting features

Personalise your kitchen by having interesting lighting arrangements. For example, hanging kitchen lights from different heights can give your kitchen more depth and points of interest whilst supplementing it with LED strips around your open shelving. Important tip: make sure that there’s a core theme tying the space together. 

Light up your kitchen space

Now that you’ve done the research, it’s time you turn your vision into reality! As long as you stay true to your style and kitchen needs, you can create a functional kitchen with lighting that elevates your cooking and dining experience.

If you’re still hesitant or unsure about the style you want or want to have a professional weigh in on the matter, book an expert kitchen renovator who can help you with your kitchen lighting needs. With their expertise, you can make informed decisions and confidently select the right lighting fixtures for your kitchen.