How to Light a Kitchen Like a Designer

The kitchen is said to be the heart of a home and if you’ve ever tried cooking in a poorly lit one, you know exactly why lighting matters. I’m often asked how to light a kitchen. Lighting is a big part of any room, but in addition to aesthetics, you really want to make sure your kitchen is properly lit for functionality. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing kitchen, or simply swapping out fixtures, creating a lighting plan can completely transform how your kitchen looks and functions. A beautiful kitchen isn’t just about cabinetry, countertops, or hardware. Lighting helps your kitchen feel warm and welcoming while ensuring you can actually see what you’re doing when chopping vegetables, reading recipes, or cleaning up after dinner. Over the years, I’ve developed a simple formula for properly lighting a kitchen. It’s the same approach I use in my own homes and it creates a layered, functional space that still feels beautiful at night. Here’s my designer approved guide for kitchen lighting!

Our kitchen was the first full room we renovated after moving into our home. It’s one of the biggest projects we’ve tackled here, and it remains my favorite room in our house… even years later. Most recently, we added a foot pedal for the kitchen faucet that’s worth the upgrade. Aside from that, not much has changed in almost a decade, and I think that’s a testament to the design. Here’s how I designed a classic kitchen that still feels timeless! Now let’s dig into lighting…

My Formula for Properly Lighting a Kitchen

I created a formula I like to use when planning a kitchen, I typically incorporate as many of the following elements as the space allows:

• Recessed lights (aka: can lights)
• Sconces
• Semi flush mount or pendant lighting
• Under cabinet lighting
• In cabinet lighting
• A lit range hood

This create layers of light that serve different purposes throughout the day. A kitchen that relies on one light source almost always feels flat. Layered lighting creates dimension, warmth, and flexibility.

Recessed Lighting: The Foundation of Every Kitchen

Every kitchen needs general overhead lighting. Recessed lights, often called can lights, provide even illumination throughout the room and help eliminate dark corners. I like to place them intentionally rather than scattering them randomly across the ceiling. Think about the areas where you spend the most time (above a cooktop, a pantry entrance, the coffee bar, a food prep area, walkways and work areas, etc). Check out my guide to recessed lighting for more details. While cans aren’t the most beautiful, they really are a functional necessity.

Why I Love Kitchen Sconces

If you’ve followed along for a while, you know I love a sconce installed against backsplash tile, stone, or brick. That look is super classic, and it provides an additional light source. In our kitchen, I installed three sconces above the coffee bar and food prep area. I love the ambiance they add during the early morning and evening hours. They give the perfect soft glow that creates a completely different mood than overhead lighting. If you’re designing a kitchen with open wall space, I highly recommend considering sconces. They’re often overlooked, but they add both personality and function.

Pendant Lights vs Semi Flush Mounts

One of the most common kitchen lighting questions I receive is whether to choose pendant lights or semi flush mount fixtures. The answer usually comes down to ceiling height. If you have taller ceilings, pendants can help anchor the space and provide a decorative focal point. If your ceilings are lower, semi flush mount fixtures often feel more proportionate and prevent the room from feeling crowded. I generally use pendants to make a statement and use semi flush mounts when you need function with a more subtle presence.

Both options work beautifully above islands, sinks, and gathering areas. As for fixture quantities, don’t be afraid to install them in odd numbers. One or three fixtures often feels more balanced than two in many kitchen layouts. If I didn’t have cabinets above my sink, I definitely would’ve used a semi flush mount fixture (like I did in my basement bar, pictured above). If I had an island in the room, I would’ve opted for pendant lights.

The Most Underrated Kitchen Lighting Upgrade

If there is one thing I wish every homeowner would add to their kitchen, it’s under or in-cabinet lighting. I didn’t realize the value and necessity of under cabinet lighting until I lived with it. Having cabinet lighting is a game changer! Not only does under-cabinet lighting illuminate the countertop and your prep space, but it is also beautifully changes the atmosphere in the evening when the other lights are dimmed or turned off. We often use it as a kitchen nightlight and it makes the entire space look so soft and dreamy.

Under cabinet lighting is one of those upgrades that feels luxurious without requiring a luxury budget. Under cabinet lights come in many different shapes and sizes. Whether you choose tape lights, puck lights, or bar lights, I consider it one of the best investments you can make in a kitchen.

My Experience with Under Cabinet Puck Lights

In our kitchen, I installed a few puck lights under the upper cabinets above the sink. I also painted them the same color as the cabinetry. It’s one of those little details that most people never notice, but it helps the lighting blend seamlessly into the design. Our lights plug into an outlet in the center cabinet, but if you don’t have an outlet that is easy to hide or disguise… don’t worry! Many newer options are battery-powered if wiring is a challenge.

Don’t Forget the Range Hood

Lastly, I also think having a lit range hood is incredibly convenient. I always have the range light turned on when cooking or baking. It provides focused task lighting exactly where you need it and helps eliminate shadows created by overhead fixtures. If you’re selecting a new range hood, make sure integrated lighting is part of the design. It’s a small feature that has a surprisingly large impact on everyday functionality.

I get lots of questions about my range hood. I ordered it from the Diamond Cabinetry book at my local Lowe’s store when I placed my cabinetry order; therefore it isn’t listed online. Check out my cabinetry selection & design process at Lowe’s post for more info or visit your local store. The in-store designers and cabinetry specialists can definitely help you. There are tons to choose from!

Common Kitchen Lighting Mistakes

After renovating several kitchens, I’ve noticed the same mistakes appearing repeatedly. The biggest one is relying on a single type of lighting. Another common mistake is choosing bulbs that are different colors. I almost always recommend warm white bulbs around 2700K. They create a softer, more inviting atmosphere and make materials like wood, brass, and natural stone look their best.

No matter what bulb color you choose, make sure all of your kitchen lighting is the same temperature.

Oversized fixtures can also become problematic if they overwhelm sightlines, especially in open concept homes. Before selecting any fixture, think about how it will look from adjoining rooms.

Where to Splurge and When to Save

If I had to prioritize a lighting budget, I would absolutely splurge on decorative fixtures. Pendants, sconces, and statement lighting are the fixtures people notice. These lights contribute to a kitchen’s personality and can enhance the overall design. On the other hand, I would save on recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting. Those fixtures are primarily functional, and there are plenty of excellent budget-friendly options available.

Questions About Kitchen Lighting?

Related Posts

Looking for more posts on kitchen renovating and design? I’m going to share some helpful favorites with you below. Be sure to give these a read!

• The Kitchen Dimensions Every Designer Knows (And You Should Save)
• Overlay vs Inset Cabinets: What’s Best for Your Kitchen
• Easy Smart Home Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas
• 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Kitchen
• 15 Aesthetically Pleasing Kitchen Storage & Organization Ideas
• My Top Paint Color Picks for Dark Kitchen Cabinets
• How to Install a Hidden Kitchen Trash Can
• Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide (With Easy Examples)
• 50 Classic Kitchen Essentials from Amazon
• How to Replace & Upgrade Your Cabinet Doors
• Should You Choose Soapstone Countertops? Pros, Cons & Tips

Good kitchen lighting isn’t just about adding more fixtures. It’s about creating layers that support the way you actually live. A thoughtfully lit kitchen should feel bright enough for meal prep, comfortable enough for conversation, and beautiful enough to enjoy long after the dishes are done. A poorly lit kitchen is kind of the worst… you really want to be able to see, set the mood for whatever the occasion, and make sure your space is super functional. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or refreshing your existing space, I hope this guide helps you create a lighting plan that feels both functional and timeless. Questions or thoughts about kitchen lighting? You know I love chatting in the comments below.