The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. It's where delicious meals are prepared, and cherished moments unfold with loved ones. But to truly make the most of this space, creating the right atmosphere is key! And when it comes to lighting, the kitchen island takes center stage.
Navigating all of the options can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! In this guide, we’ll share our tips for how to choose the best lighting for your kitchen island.
Kitchen Lighting Basics
Let’s start with understanding the basics of kitchen lighting. There are a few things you need to consider before choosing the lighting, such as:
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Kitchen island size: You should know the dimensions of your kitchen island to choose the best fixtures. If you have a very large island, mini pendants may not be right for you and you may want to seek out medium or large pendants or a large linear suspension. However, if you have a small island in a condo kitchen, smaller pendants could be the right fit!
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Light fixture height: If installing pendant lights, consider the distance from your pendant lights to your kitchen island. Ensure the pendants don't hang too high or too low for a balanced look and ideal lighting. This is also true if you are installing a linear chandelier or linear pendant.
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Lighting budget: Have a budget in mind for all of your kitchen fixtures. By planning how much you’ll spend in advance, you can be sure there is room in the budget for all the lighting you’ll need. Do you want to keep things inexpensive, or are you willing to splurge on your favourite fixtures?
- The purpose and goal of lighting: Do you want to create a cozy atmosphere, or would you like more light around certain areas of the kitchen? For kitchens, you’ll need task lighting to complete daily tasks like chopping, washing dishes and cooking. Adding ambient lighting however, is also a nice touch. We suggest opting for a combination of both.
What kind of lights should I get for my kitchen island?
There are various types of kitchen island lighting available.
For instance, the most popular type you will see in the kitchen is pendant lights. Pendants are usually hung from the ceiling by a chain/pole and make for stylish statement pieces. Usually, these ceiling lights are hung in groups of 3; however, depending on your kitchen island size, you can use more or less. It’s also not uncommon to see them in groups of 2 or 4.
Linear suspensions, sometimes called linear lights, are a type of lighting fixture characterized by their elongated shape and suspended installation. They typically consist of a horizontal frame or bar that holds multiple light sources, such as bulbs or LED strips, arranged in a linear fashion. This design creates a sleek and contemporary look that is often used to provide both ambient and task lighting in modern interiors. They come in a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes to suit different design preferences and spatial requirements.
A chandelier is yet another type of kitchen island light that many consider. Chandeliers will give your kitchen a luxurious look while still remaining functional. However, keep in mind that these large hanging lights will work best in pairs, and in larger kitchen spaces.
Recessed lights are a type of kitchen island lights suitable for more minimalist and modern houses, apartments, or condos. A recessed light, also known as a can light or pot light, is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening, or "recess," in the ceiling. Unlike traditional light fixtures that hang down from the ceiling, recessed lights are mounted flush with the ceiling surface, creating a clean and streamlined look.
Round LED Recessed Panel Light
These work very well if you have low ceilings, as they don't require additional hanging space. Recessed lights are great for providing ffocused lighting directly above your kitchen island.
Flush mount lights or semi-flush mount lights are a great option for smaller kitchen spaces or kitchen spaces with low ceilings. Semi flush mounts are ideal for those who prefer prominent lights but cannot use chandeliers or pendants due to the spatial limitations of their kitchen.
Common Kitchen Island Lighting Mistakes
If you want great kitchen island lighting, be sure to avoid these common mistakes!
Completely Ignoring Task Lighting
Ambiance lighting is great for setting a pleasant atmosphere. However, be sure not to forget about task lighting! Task lighting will ensure that your kitchen is comfortable for use, offering you visibility for daily tasks like chopping, cooking, and dishwashing.
Choosing the Wrong Colour Temperature
Not all colour temperatures are ideal for your kitchen. You need functional lighting but also want to avoid the kitchen looking cold. Avoid cooler lighting temperatures and aim for white to warm lighting. Ensure functional lighting in task lighting spaces, and layer with warmer lights for added ambiance.
Over lighting the Space
Over lighting is yet another mistake many people make, which can create a harsh glare and even cause eye strain, making it uncomfortable to work in the kitchen. So, make sure to avoid too much lighting, whether above the island or around the kitchen. To do this, choose the right watts for the lightbulbs based on the size of your space and the types of lighting fixtures used.
Choosing Light Placement
Another important aspect to address is the placement of the lights. First, measure the dimensions of your kitchen island. This will help you to understand what type of light fixtures will work best for your kitchen space.
After this, if you plan to use pendant lighting, then leave at least a few inches on each side of the island's ending. The recommended space to leave from each end ranges from 6 up to 14 inches. This way, pendants look more centralized. We recommend leaving around 35 inches between the pendant lights and your island’s counter.
Ensure that your kitchen light fixtures are not too close to each other. If you plan to hang more than one light, whether it is a pendant or chandelier, make sure to keep an appropriate distance between them. Usually, it will be around 25 to 30 inches.
Kitchen Lighting Design Tips
When it comes to design, it’s vital to consider the whole kitchen space, not only the kitchen island lighting. Lighting the entire kitchen in a proper manner will allow your kitchen island lights to stand out even more. Here are a few design tips to elevate your kitchen lighting.
Know Your Measurements
Measure the overall space. You need to know measurements such as island size, ceiling heights, room measurements, and so on. This will help you choose the right watts for lighting so as not to over-illuminate the space, as well as understand what types of lighting to use in the kitchen space.
Layered Lighting
Another design tip to elevate your kitchen lighting is to layer the light. If you use only overhead lighting, your kitchen will have dark spots. So, it is important to layer the light and incorporate different types, including ambiance, task, and accent lighting.
Ambient vs Task Lighting
For ambiance, it is usually recommended to use softer overhead lighting. Its main purpose is to illuminate the kitchen evenly. For task lighting, use bright and focused light and place it above the sinks, stoves, and areas for meal preparation. Finally, use accent lighting as a way to enhance the look of your kitchen and add additional illumination.
Make a Statement
If you want to elevate the overall look of your kitchen and accent your island, then make a statement with a unique set of pendant lights. These ceiling lights will help you to add personality to your kitchen. Choose lights that go best with the style of your kitchen. Pay attention to the colour, material, and, of course, the quality! When it comes to the amount of pendants, either choose one bold statement piece or two to three simpler lights.
Illuminate Your Kitchen with Style
The kitchen is an important space within your home. That being said, choosing the right kitchen island lighting is essential for creating an enjoyable atmosphere and functional space.
Knowing the basics, such as lighting types, mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the right lighting will help you elevate your kitchen with ease.
If you’re ready to find the best lighting solutions for your kitchen, then check out Lights Canada's collection of kitchen lighting!
