Kitchen Light, Illuminate the Heart of Your Home

Lighting is the final decorative layer that has the power to transform your kitchen Think of it like an accessory that's the perfect finishing touch to complete an outfit. When choosing kitchen lighting, there are several factors to keep in mind, the first being proportion. Consider the size of the room, height of the ceiling, and the length of the island to determine the right size for a fixture or number of pendant lights you will need. Coordinate the lights' color, style, and material with other kitchen elements such as cabinet hardware to create a cohesive and visually balanced design.

In addition to scale, color, and material, lighting offers the opportunity to play around with shape as well. If you have lots of linear features in your kitchen, go with a sphere-shaped pendant light to introduce a new shape for added visual interest. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may need multiple lights, in which case you'll want to ensure they don't compete with one another, but instead complement each other in style, size, and material choice. To give you inspiration for updating the lights in the heart of your home, browse this collection of kitchen lighting ideas that range from minimalist pendants to statement chandeliers.

Lantern-Style Pendant Lights

Two cream colored lantern-style pendant lights add an elegant vintage element to this modern rustic kitchen. They contrast the bright white cabinetry and streamlined open shelves and island, bringing in an inviting warmth.

Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

Two statement semi-flush mount lights adorn the ceiling and add a spherical design element to a kitchen otherwise filled with straight lines. The milk glass and aged brass introduce new materials and pick up the warm tones in the hardwood floors to balance the cool-toned gray cabinetry.

Farmhouse-Style Kitchen Lighting

Matte black conical pendant lights bring contrast to the white cabinetry, shiplap walls, and rustic wood beams for a modern farmhouse look. The oversized lights are echoed in color, shape, and design by smaller, more understated wall sconces above the windows and floating shelves, creating a cohesive lighting scheme.

Modern Candle-Style Chandelier

A pair of modern candle-style chandeliers steal the show in this light and bright kitchen. The brass shines against the white cabinets and floor-to-ceiling marble subway tile, while a set of woven wicker-back counter stools bring in a toned down, natural material. Proportion is key when choosing kitchen lighting—consider the size of the room and the kitchen island as well as the ceiling and cabinet height to determine the correct light size.

Modern Track Lighting

Go contemporary and understated with modern track lighting above your kitchen room. It's an unexpected choice and a particularly good way to highlight an extra long island and create an open feel within the room.

Candelabra Chandelier

A black candelabra-style chandelier pops against warm white cabinets and contrasts a set of ultra-modern acrylic counter stools. The light emphasizes the height of the ceiling and brings in some much needed depth of color that breaks up the creamy white shiplap walls, rustic butcher block island top, and warm woven wood shades.

Glass Pendant Lights

Three glass pendant lights suspended on oil-rubbed bronze rods complement this kitchen's modern rustic aesthetic. When using pendants above an island, space them out evenly and consider the visual balance of how many lights will be proportional to its size.

White Ceiling Lights

A pair of white ceiling lights keep it simple and modern in this modern kitchen. The oversized lights seamlessly blend in with the white walls, cabinets, and backsplash and they introduce a more organic, curved shape that contrasts all the linear elements.

Oversized Five-Light Pendant

Match your kitchen lighting with the cabinetry hardware for a cohesive design. This oversized five-light pendant makes a statement, yet is well-incorporated into the space given that its matt black finish matches that of the cabinet pulls, counter stools, and faucets.

Polished Brass Dome Pendant

These polished brass dome pendant lights add a touch of glam in this two-tone modern kitchen. Minimalist cabinet pulls, a streamlined faucet, and kitchen accessories tie in the shiny material, while a set of three chunky wood floating shelves tone down the sparkle.

Schoolhouse Lights

A set of three schoolhouse-style lights above a gray kitchen island combine three materials—milk glass, matte black metal, and antique brass. The vintage design brings in charm and character, instantly infusing this mostly white kitchen with personality.

Matte Black Dome Lights

Matte black dome lights emphasize ceiling height, continue a color theme, and highlight a modern design style in this beautiful open concept kitchen. A dark veined marble slab behind the stove, industrial-style counter stools, and emerald green cabinets emphasize the contemporary aesthetic and complement the sleek pendant lights.