Find the right kitchen light fixtures to layer ambient, task, and accent illumination throughout your cooking and dining spaces.

Kitchen Pendants

Pendant lighting delivers focused task illumination over kitchen islands, sinks, and countertops while creating visual focal points that anchor your kitchen design.

By Size

Mini and Small Pendants — 4-8 inch fixtures ideal for groupings over kitchen islands. Space 24-30 inches apart for even coverage.

Medium Pendants — 10-18 inch fixtures that work individually over sinks or in pairs over shorter islands.

Large Pendants — 20-30+ inch statement fixtures for kitchens with high ceilings and oversized islands.

Island Pendants — Fixtures specifically designed for kitchen island applications, including linear configurations and multi-light arrangements.

Pendant Placement Guide

Hanging Height: Position kitchen pendants 30-36 inches above counter surfaces, or 72 inches from the floor.

Kitchen Chandeliers

Chandeliers bring warmth and character to eat-in kitchens, breakfast nooks, and open-concept spaces where cooking and dining areas flow together.

Mini Chandeliers — Compact 12-18 inch fixtures for breakfast nooks and smaller eat-in areas.

Medium Chandeliers — 20-26 inch fixtures for standard kitchen dining spaces.

Large Chandeliers — 28-36 inch fixtures for spacious kitchens with high ceilings.

Grand and Custom Chandeliers — 40+ inch statement pieces for large open-concept kitchen and dining areas.

Position kitchen chandeliers 30-36 inches above dining tables, centered over the eating area to visually separate dining from prep zones.

Kitchen Ceiling Fixtures

Ceiling-mounted fixtures provide ambient illumination—the foundational layer of kitchen lighting that makes the entire space navigable and functional.

Flush Mount — Ceiling-hugging fixtures for kitchens with standard 8-foot ceilings. These kitchen ceiling lights maximize headroom while delivering even illumination.

Semi-Flush — Fixtures that drop 6-12 inches from the ceiling, adding visual interest for kitchens with 9-10 foot ceilings.

Foyer and Hallway — Transitional fixtures connecting kitchen spaces to adjacent entries and corridors.

Kitchen Wall Sconces

Wall sconces add accent lighting that fills shadows and creates depth in kitchen spaces. Position flanking windows, alongside cabinetry, or in dining areas for soft ambient glow.

One Light Wall Sconces — Single-light fixtures for accent applications and narrow wall spaces.

Two Light Wall Sconces — Dual-light fixtures providing broader coverage for larger wall areas.

Kitchen Task Lighting

Task lamps deliver focused illumination for specific work areas—recipe reading, food prep, and countertop activities.

Table Lamps — Portable lighting for kitchen counters, built-in desks, and breakfast bars.

Piano Lamps — Adjustable fixtures from House of Troy providing directed task light.

Desk and Banker's Lamps — Classic task lighting for kitchen workstations and recipe areas.

Buffet and Accent Lamps — Slender fixtures for countertops and serving areas where space is limited.

Layered Kitchen Lighting

The most functional kitchens combine three lighting layers:

Ambient Lighting — General illumination from ceiling fixtures (flush mounts, semi-flush, chandeliers) that makes the entire kitchen usable.

Task Lighting — Focused light from pendants over islands, under-cabinet fixtures, and table lamps that illuminates specific work zones.

Accent Lighting — Decorative illumination from wall sconces and display lighting that adds depth and visual interest.

Combining these layers with dimmer controls allows you to adjust kitchen lighting for different activities—bright task lighting for cooking, softer ambient light for dining.

Kitchen Lighting by Application

Technical Considerations

LED Compatibility: Most kitchen light fixtures accept standard E26 LED bulbs. LED options provide energy efficiency, 25,000-50,000 hour lifespans, and reduced heat output near cooking areas.

Color Temperature: Choose 2700K-3000K for warm, inviting kitchen atmospheres. 3500K-4000K works well for task-focused areas where color accuracy matters.

Dimming: Select dimmable fixtures and compatible bulbs to adjust brightness for different kitchen activities throughout the day.

Finish Coordination: Match kitchen light fixture finishes with cabinet hardware, faucets, and appliances for cohesive design. Brushed nickel, matte black, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze are popular choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pendants do I need over my kitchen island? 

Use one pendant per 2 feet of island length. A 6-foot island typically needs 3 pendants spaced 24-30 inches apart. For longer islands (8+ feet), consider 4 pendants or a linear fixture.

What size chandelier for my kitchen? 

Add the kitchen's length and width in feet—the sum suggests approximate chandelier diameter in inches. A 12×14 kitchen suits a 26-inch chandelier over the dining area.

Should kitchen lighting match throughout? 

Coordinate finishes (all brushed nickel, all matte black) for cohesive design, but mixing fixture styles adds visual interest. Pendants over islands can differ from chandeliers over dining areas while sharing the same finish.

What's the best lighting for food preparation? 

Task lighting positioned to eliminate shadows on work surfaces. Pendants over islands and counters provide direct illumination where chopping, measuring, and cooking occur.