Small Kitchen Lighting Ideas to Expand Your Space
Every bulb counts.
Choosing the right lighting can make a big difference in the style and functionality of any kitchen. Getting things right in a small kitchen design can feel challenging, but lighting can be a useful tool. Read on for tips and inspiration with these small kitchen lighting ideas for a brilliant space.
1. Prioritize Lighting in High-Traffic Areas
Prioritizing functionality in your lighting is important, especially when you’re looking to maximize a small space. Instead of positioning your pendant light in the center of your kitchen, consider placing it above a frequently used area of your kitchen, such as your sink. This pendant light will provide light to the rest of your kitchen while making sure you have ample light where you need it most.
Tip!
Get help picking the perfect pendant with our
Guide to Pendant Lights: How to Choose the Right Fixture.
2. Center Your Lighting
Sometimes placing your ceiling lighting in the center of your small kitchen just makes sense. If you have a kitchen island in the center of your small kitchen, chances are this is a high-traffic area where you prep, cook, and eat. Centering lighting here will elevate the functionality of this space and serve as a focal point, so choose light fixtures you love to look at every time you enter the kitchen. Depending on the size of your island, go with a set of two or three pendant lights to make sure light is evenly dispersed on your countertop.
Go with flush mount lighting instead of hanging ceiling lights like pendants or chandeliers to leave the center of your space feeling more open. Flush-mount lighting provides dispersed overhead lighting that will illuminate your entire kitchen. Install dimmable bulbs so you can control the brightness in your kitchen depending on the time of day or task at hand.
If you want to keep your overhead lighting super simple, recessed lighting is the way to go. Recessed ceiling lighting is built into the ceiling, so the light fixture itself is barely visible. You can choose dimmable recessed lighting to give you control over brightness. Choose from different designs and finishes to blend in with your ceiling or to match your kitchen accents.
Leaving your ceiling free from light fixtures can make a small room feel more open. Consider strategically placed wall sconces instead of a flush mount or hanging ceiling light. If your kitchenette is connected to your dining room or living room, you can rely on that lighting to supplement your sconces. If your kitchen is separate, pair your wall sconces with under-cabinet lighting or recessed lighting to brighten things up.
Get the most flexibility out of your lighting by layering it. When choosing ceiling lights for an overhead lighting foundation, it’s best to pick dimmable lighting to avoid overhead lighting that is too harsh or too dull. Place a couple wall sconces over frequently used areas of your kitchen, like your sink or stove. If your kitchen includes a dining area, install a pendant or chandelier over your table for perfectly lit mealtimes.
Tip!
Learn more about different types of lighting and choosing the right fixtures for your space:
Types of Ceiling Lights: How to Choose The Right One.
7. Make It Minimalist
A clutter-free style like modern minimalism is great for small kitchens. Not having to worry about clutter on your counters or in your cabinets will allow you to maximize the functionality of your space. Choose lighting that won’t overwhelm this space, such as these sleek, dome-shaped pendant lights centered above the kitchen island as a simple yet chic setup. The silver domes reflect natural light around the kitchen, which helps keep your small space looking bright and open.
If you’re working with a small countertop, a swing-arm wall sconce may be just what you need to direct light where you need it most. This wall sconce won’t take up much room in your kitchen and will give you flexibility to shine light in whichever direction you are working. Swing it towards the sink when you are doing dishes so you won’t miss a spot, or direct it towards your stove top when you’re cooking up a meal.
Install lighting inside and under your cabinets for a boost in kitchen efficiency. These virtually invisible light strips will give you ample lighting for all your countertop tasks and allow you to see exactly what’s in your cabinets. Installing lighting inside your glass cabinets creates an aesthetically pleasing display while making it easy to find what you need in your small kitchen.
Make up for your small space with a big tech upgrade. Smart lighting allows you to dim lights or change your color temperature from an app or remote control, letting you control your overhead lighting without having to get up from your sofa or the dinner table. . Not only can this elevate your small space, it’s also useful for open concept layouts where light from your small kitchen also serves your dining room or living room.
Creating contrast can add visual interest and depth to smaller spaces. Pairing bold light fixtures with a neutral kitchen is a fantastic way to do this. Black modern pendant lights like the ones shown here create striking silhouettes against white walls and window panes. Metallics like gold and copper can also be used to create a bold look in many spaces.
An intentional kitchen design with cohesive accents will keep your small kitchen looking chic and put together. Choose hanging ceiling lights that highlight furniture or decor in your space. The wooden pendant lights here match perfectly with the kitchen counter stools below them. You can do this with many other materials like rattan and metal as well.
