Tips and Ideas for the Best Kitchen Island Lighting

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when designing or redecorating your space is lighting. What kind of lighting do you like best? What kind of lighting will make your room most functional or comfortable? Do you want your lighting to make a statement or fade into the background?

When it comes to lighting, what you’ll want and need will vary depending on the room. In a kitchen, you need lighting that’ll give your space warmth and personality (and make it feel homey), but you also need lighting that’ll give you the right level of light to safely cook and do other activities.

One spot that you may want additional lighting (both from a design perspective and from a practical one)? Over the kitchen island. We love a good island because they can be more than just a functional work surface. They can be a gathering place for family members, a design element, and so much more. Here, we’re breaking down why the right kitchen island lighting is so important and giving you ideas and inspiration that you can put to work in your own home.

Why Choosing the Right Kitchen Island Lighting Matters

Although it can sometimes get overlooked, lighting is actually a really critical part of your overall interior design and aesthetic—and nowhere is that more true than in the kitchen. Whether you’re forgoing can lights and other bright overhead lighting or you just want to make sure that your plans go together well, here are a few things to consider when thinking about kitchen island lighting—and why you should give it just as much attention as your countertops and cabinetry.

• It makes the space more functional: Ensuring you have the right lighting over your kitchen island can make the space so much more useful. Look for lighting that’ll be bright enough for you to slice and dice veggies, measure ingredients, or even just review your kids’ homework.

• It sets the mood: Good lighting can add so much ambiance and style to a space. Look for lighting that you can make warm, soft, and cozy for evenings spent with friends and family, or bright for hectic mornings.

• It makes a statement: Kitchen island lighting can’t help but make a design impact. Your light fixtures will act as focal points and draw the eye, especially if they’re set against a backdrop that’s more neutral (like a light and airy kitchen). Use your lighting choice to add visual interest, act as a contrast to other design elements, or make a statement.

• It adds a hit of personality: You can go so many different ways with kitchen island lighting. Choose something with a little edge, lean into something sparkly or extra traditional, or add an unexpected touch to an otherwise completely classic kitchen.

Some of Our Favorite Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas

1. Statement Pendants

Pendant lighting might feel basic and boring, but they can really make a statement. Your pendants can add depth, drama, glam, or just a bit more of your personal style and character. Consider a sculptural glass shade, eye-catching metallic focal point, show-stopping wood or rattan statement piece, or sleek and classic black (always a popular choice).

For best results, prioritize balance. If you have a shorter island or are planning to use larger light fixtures, go for two smaller pendants, but if your island is longer, you may want to spring for three. Plus, the bit of asymmetry can add extra visual interest.

2. Linear Lighting Fixtures

Another option is a long, single linear light that stretches down the length of the island. Clean and modern, this style of fixture tends to blend more and be less of an attention-getter. This type of kitchen island lighting can be a good choice in a kitchen where you want another design element to take center stage.

3. Layered Lighting

From both a function and design angle, layering your lighting might be your best bet. Go for hanging pendants along with recessed can lighting, under-cabinet lighting, or even the ever-so-trendy kitchen counter lamp. This layering of lighting sources makes it even easier to amp up the lighting when you need brighter light for cooking or focus work or make things warm and cozy when it’s time to enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea.

4. Unexpected Shapes, Textures, or Colors

Lighting is such a fun way to inject a bit of extra personality into your kitchen. Pick something that adds some flair. Opt for sculptural wood shades, gleaming glass globe lights, something in an accent color, or even an interesting chandelier. It’ll make your space more visually interesting.

Practical Tips for Kitchen Island Lighting

Although just about anything goes when it comes to kitchen lighting (there’s no need to play it too safe!), there are some practical things you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting and installing your lighting of choice.

• There is a preferred height: You’ll want to make sure to hang any pendant lighting about 30-36 inches above the height of the island if you have standard 8-foot ceilings. It’ll give you the functional light you need and look great (plus it’ll be high enough that people won’t bump into the pendants!).

• If you’re hanging more than one, leave enough space between the pendants: If you’re only hanging one pendant light, this isn’t an issue, but if you’re hanging more than one, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not hanging them too close together or too far apart. Aim for about 24-30 inches between the center of each pendant.

• A dimmer is a good idea: A dimmer might seem like a minor detail, but it’s something you’ll use all the time. Make the light brighter when you need to cook, clean, or do focus work, and make it softer when you’re lingering over conversation or for romantic dining.
  

Ultimately, the way your space looks and the elements you put in it is a real reflection of you. Overlooking details in your kitchen design can make your space less beautiful and less functional. No matter the lighting choices you make, thinking through things intentionally can make all the difference.

Looking for more design and styling tips? Check out our post on how to style a fireplace here.

FAQs

• How many pendants should I use for kitchen island lighting?

  Ultimately, it’s completely dependent on the size of your island and the lighting you want to use. Larger islands will likely need at least three pendants (and the design principle that odd numbers look more visually balanced is a good rule of thumb to follow here), but you could also use a larger, longer fixture (linear chandeliers are an excellent choice) for added drama.

• How high should pendant lights hang above a kitchen island?

  Generally speaking, your pendant lights should hang about 30-36 inches above the top of the island (if you have 8-foot ceilings). This way, you’ll be able to have the light you need to get work done, but the pendants won’t be in the way.

• Does my kitchen island lighting have to match other light fixtures?

  You might be tempted to match everything exactly, but you’re much better off aiming for coordination vs a direct match. Select complementary finishes, styles, shapes, or colors for an overall look that feels cohesive.

• Can I use both pendant lights and recessed or under-cabinet lights?

  You absolutely can! Layering the lighting sources in your kitchen will give you the most versatility for function and overall mood and ambiance.