Kitchen lighting ideas over island
Top 50 Best Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas
The kitchen island is the centerpiece of any great kitchen.
The kitchen island affords one ample space to create and savor the joys of cooking, as well as entertain and enjoy the company of guests.
Such a luxury deserves equally beautiful lighting, and today’s leading lovers of cuisine and interior design alike have created the best in kitchen lighting, which naturally includes the kitchen island.
A well-lit kitchen island ensures safety and clarity while prepping and cooking. It also allows the chef to show off his talents while keeping his companion equally engaged. Island lighting can lend ambiance to nighttime dinner parties, as well as a cheerful openness during morning feasts.
While dome fixtures evoke a vintage main street diner, recessed LED lights are ideal for islands with accompanying overhangs for pots and pans. A well-placed industrial bulb casts a chic factory air, while the nouveau light fixture is available in all artistic renditions. Great kitchen lighting gives you a chance to turn your kitchen into a personal gallery.
It’s no secret that lighting can transform a space entirely, either lifting it from dismal regularity or elevating it to unimaginable new heights. The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home, where memories are made over mouthwatering cuisine.
Such a sacred place deserves to be cast in the best possible light. To spark your creativity, we’ve come up with the best kitchen lighting ideas. You’ll soon be able to create something equally special in your home. Let’s get started!
1. Pendant Lights
Pendant lighting is the most common way to light up a kitchen island. These look fantastic and hang from the ceiling just over your island. They can be in many different styles of light fixture but usually have a lamp that focuses the light down below.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you’ll probably need more than just one pedant light as you’ll want enough light to cover your whole area.
For the most versatile and elegant of kitchen lighting ideas, you can’t go wrong with pendant lights.
2. Task Lighting
Task lighting is where you have lights directed over one specific area so you can do that task in the correct kitchen lighting. A pendant light can come into this category but some of them don’t have enough power to act fully as a task light.
If you wanted a mix of kitchen lights, then having a task light can be a great addition. As well as over your kitchen island, you could put it over a dining table, over a kitchen cabinet, or a preparation area. These lights allow you to focus on the task at hand.
3. Flush Mount Lighting
A flush mount light fixture is where you have a light fixture attached very close to the ceiling. You also have a semi flush mount which will hang a little lower. These are some of the best kitchen lighting ideas if you have a low ceiling that isn’t suitable for pendant lights but can also be a great way to compliment your pendant lights with brighter spotlights.
The other alternative to a flush mount is recessed lighting but flush mounts are great for those who still want something unique in their kitchen. Another variation is to have pendant lights that don’t hand very far from the ceiling.
4. Recessed Lighting
If you have a low ceiling or just don’t want your lights to be the main feature then a recessed light can be a great idea. This is where you have a ceiling light built into your existing structure so that it doesn’t protrude at all.
This type of recessed fixture is ideal for bright LED blubs that can illuminate your kitchen. One of the best kitchen lighting ideas is to combine your recessed lighting with another light fixture such as a pendant light which can give your kitchen added versatility.
5. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is similar to task lighting in that they focus on one particular spot. The difference is that accent lighting is more for aesthetic reasons rather than anything practical.
They are often used as a wall light but can be used for a kitchen island too.
Accent lights are great for setting a mood. If you had a dimmer switch then you can essentially turn your pendant task lights into accent lights by just turning them down a little. If you have an open plan area, this can be great for transforming your kitchen into a beautiful area once the cooking is done.
6. Cabinet Lighting
When working out your complete lighting solution, you need to think about how each light will complement the other. If you’re looking for great kitchen lighting ideas then a great effect is to have an ambient kitchen island light along with under cabinet lighting.
Undercabinet lighting can also double up as task lighting too as it shines a light on your workspace. For many people though, a cabinet light will be there for its aesthetic beauty rather than having much practical use.
7. Chandelier
Nothing says beauty and opulence quite like having a chandelier.
This is a lighting fixture that can become the main focus of the room and get a lot of attention. There are many different types of chandelier so you can work out which one is best for you.
One of the obvious factors about a chandelier is that you need to have enough clearance to make it possible as your light fixture will hang down quite fae from the ceiling. There is no doubt that a chandelier can put the finishing touch on a beautiful kitchen.
8. Edison Bulb
One thing you might not have considered is the type of bulb that you wanted to use, they’re all the same, right? Well, that’s not true and the Edison bulb can be a brilliant addition. This is a classic type of bulb which has an industrial look.
A perfect way to complement your Edison bulb is with a cage light which is a more mechanical-looking pendant light. If you love the more industrial look then the cage light and Edison bulb can be an amazing combination. You can also opt for a cage light but with a traditional bulb, which also looks fantastic.
9. Track Lighting
If you have a longer space to cover then one of the best lighting ideas is to have track lights. These are essentially one light fixture that has a line of light bulbs. These come in many styles and can be a creative way of getting enough light.
They can also be called string lights and are a more modern type of chandelier. Along with this, you get the coverage of multiple pendant lights but encased in just one fixture. If you’re looking for creative kitchen lighting ideas, this is a great solution.
10. Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is any type of lighting that is meant to set a mood. Ambient light isn’t usually great for completing tasks such as cooking but instead is great for when you are hosting guests and want a warmer level of illumination.
A great ambient light can work from dimmer switches that will change the color temperature of the space. This can add immense beauty to your kitchen island and make it a great social space for either family or friends.
FAQs
How many lights should be on a kitchen island?
When it comes to overhead lighting, there are no set rules on how many light bulbs that you need. The right number of lights will depend on the length of your kitchen island. As a general rule, three pendant lights can look aesthetically pleasing but if it’s particularly big, then four or more may be needed.
How do you light a kitchen island?
As we’ve seen here, there are many different ways to light your kitchen island. You may choose recessed spotlights in your ceiling, pendant kitchen light fixtures, or perhaps you’ll want to make your kitchen design stand out with a beautiful chandelier. As long as you have light shining directly down onto your kitchen island, you can do whatever you want.
How big should your light be over island?
This will depend on what you’re using your kitchen island for. Some like to use it as a cooking and preparation area but for others, they will use it as a place to dine and socialize.
If it’s the former, then you’ll want to have a pendant light that is bright enough for your tasks. If it’s the latter, then you can focus on the type of ambient lighting you’d have in a breakfast nook.
How do you choose pendant lights over an island?
Pendant lights can come in all shapes and sizes. You want to choose one that fits in with the design of your kitchen while also giving you enough kitchen island lighting. If you have high ceilings and a large kitchen island, then it’s best to go for a bigger light fixture. If you’re worried about enough light, then you always have the option of installing brighter bulbs.
Should pendant lights be centered over a kitchen island?
With pendant lights, you want them to be symmetrical and an equal distance apart. If you have an odd number of lights, then the middle light should be centered directly over the middle of your island. Each light beside it should then be an equal distance from every other light. This adds some beautiful symmetry and gives it the best visual effect.
Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.
Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.
51 Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Counter Workspace
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There are so many ways to illuminate the surface of your kitchen island – from individual pendants to playful chandeliers to lengthy linear suspension lights and more. In this post, we've collected our favorite kitchen island lights from across the web, our selection covering each type of light in a wide variety of styles.
Are you looking for efficient downlighting to illuminate your food prep? Or would you prefer gentle ambient lighting to set a calming mood while you dine at the counter? There's a lighting option for every kitchen island setup. Find your next kitchen lighting idea in the compilation below.
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This piece comes with an adapter kit to suit sloped ceilings as needed. - BUY IT
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This linear lantern fixture is available in three finish options to suit any kitchen hardware theme. Equip with five of your favorite candelabra bulbs. - BUY IT
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This piece is available in three finish options, each one measuring at just under 44 inches in length. - BUY IT
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This piece is crafted with a gleaming brass cage that surrounds a frosted glass cylinder, providing a gentle mixture of directed and ambient illumination. Colorful squares decorate the exterior in fun-to-coordinate pastels. - BUY IT
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This piece features twin metal shades finished in a dark navy, the milk glass globes diffusing the light for glare-free illumination. - BUY IT
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On a multipurpose kitchen island, some lights could be pointed toward a workspace while others point toward the dining counter. This piece is available in gold and black or flat black. - BUY IT
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Each one comes with three 12-inch down rods and one 6-inch down rod to facilitate different hanging heights. Equip with a single A19 bulb up to 60 watts max. - BUY IT
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Brushed nickel hardware ensures easy coordination with the most common kitchen fixtures. This pendant is a work of art – no two are exactly alike. - BUY IT
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Hang one or invest in a series to illuminate a larger kitchen island. Aged bronze finishes lend a vintage look well-suited for traditional kitchens. - BUY IT
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This design includes three linear suspensions hung from a single mount for easy installation. Use the included remote control to adjust the brightness and color temperature of the lights to suit the task at hand. - BUY IT
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Equip with a single 60W bulb. - BUY IT
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This design features a four-bulb design, each fixture adjustable to provide directional lighting right where you need it. A darkened bronze finish makes this piece suitable for kitchen themes like rustic and industrial. - BUY IT
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This piece is supported by a bronze metal frame, the matching chain making it easy to choose the installation height that is right for your kitchen island setup. This piece is also available in gold. Use to flatter kitchen themes ranging from industrial to coastal chic. - BUY IT
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Equip with your favorite Edison style bulbs to complete the industrial-leaning theme. This piece is also available in a three-light model to suit smaller kitchen islands. - BUY IT
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The chain suspensions make it easy to adjust the height, and the ropes can also be adjusted to bring the lights closer or further from your kitchen island at will. - BUY IT
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Antique brass details lend a luxurious gleam throughout. This attractive design is rated for damp locations, suitable for kitchen islands that include a sink. - BUY IT
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This piece is finished with a white glazed exterior and polished brass accents for a quiet high-end appearance. Hang alone or invest in multiples to hang as a series. Recommended Reading: 50 Unique Kitchen Pendant Lights
Illumination of the island in the kitchen - do it according to the rules
When choosing between modern design styles and a classic kitchen with an island, not only the overall harmonious picture plays an important role, but also lighting that balances the image, adds accents and shine. In the workspace, light takes on a special significance that cannot be overestimated.
The selection of the correct luminaire configurations, their combination and location will also be important. Each lamp has its own purpose.
We have prepared for you some relevant ideas that you should consider and perhaps be inspired by them to create an individual composition.
Many designers often use the unspoken "rule of three" in their work - a variant that is based on combining the same devices.
This is an easy way to make the interior balanced. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that our mind at a subconscious level is more susceptible to odd numbers, and some talented craftsmen use this feature to create a beautiful, comfortable and stylish interior.
In this version, the kitchen is illuminated by four lamps at once. The highlight is that one of them is located in another plane - above the sink. Thus, a certain pattern is involved in the project, but at the same time there is individuality.
Delightful snow-white lampshades with gold frames for a classic style
When illuminating a kitchen island, you need to consider its size: in some cases, an excess of lamps will overwhelm. In this one, only two lamps, chosen to match the rest of the design, do an excellent job of lighting.
Cheerful motif emanating from the ceiling
Sometimes pendant lights do more than just light up the space. For example, these stylish lamps add color and variety to interior design.
They become the center of attention precisely because of their bright colors, which stand out against the backdrop of a calm and measured design. They are small enough to sit harmoniously over a small island, and provide enough light for comfortable work.
Non-standard solutions
When the height of the ceilings does not allow you to create a multi-level composition of pendant lamps, you can replace them with other options. Pay attention to this photo: an unexpected approach is used here - peculiar sconces are attached to the near wall on hinged brackets, which are much more functional than ordinary lamps.
Such sconces make it possible to fully use interior lighting design: movable structures can change the direction and angle of incidence of light fluxes and angle, which will not only illuminate exactly the surface that the hostess needs at the moment, but also emphasize interior details.
A way to fill voids and create balance
The variety of shapes and sizes of lighting fixtures is a delight for those who are not accustomed to standard thinking.
For this kitchen, the designer chose extremely original lighting fixtures, since non-standard high ceilings require equally non-standard solutions.
Large lampshades with a silhouette reminiscent of clouds divert attention from the vast space, visually filling the void. The elegant Logico Suspension Pendants look light and airy despite their size.
Perfection and its own character
The kitchen island in this case can be seen as an example of correct and harmonious design. The concept is based on elegant classics, emphasized by the beauty of curved lines.
Smooth curves subtly echo the shape of the luminaires. This creates a gorgeous drawing that is hard to look away from.
Playful reflections of custom lampshades
Spectacular island in the center of the kitchen pleases the eye with light reflections of metal. Such elements are found throughout the kitchen, but this is not a chaotic repetition, but an accurate and thoughtful move.
Particularly interesting are the original luminaires whose design echoes these smooth surfaces.
They focus attention on the central part of the room, elegantly emphasizing the details of the interior.
Simplicity and magnificence in one look
In this case, all attention is focused on geometry. The designers did not use an asymmetrical arrangement or other deliberately prominent touches. The main motive is measured and unobtrusive. There are no bright elements of decor, and harmony is at a premium.
Sharp contrasts
This kitchen is unique for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the beautifully balanced use of dark shades. The combination of black and white is formed in such a way that the light tone seems to flow around the dark one, thereby visually expanding the space.
Lighting does its job without creating visual barriers. Correctly selected height and combination of different types of lamps: chandeliers, sconces and magnificent shades under the ceiling create a real harmony. The picture fascinates with its accuracy and at the same time diversity, which appears only with a careful study of the details.
Joyful touches in a discreet interior
In this kitchen, three pendant lights bring a touch of playfulness to a soothing color scheme. The long tapered contours look beautiful against the background, add color to the interior and draw beautiful red and yellow circles with light on the shiny surface of the table top.
A useful tip to help you determine the correct height for your pendant lights. Ask three family members or friends to help. Each of them will have its own task: one will help you adjust the height, the second, standing below, will determine how conveniently the lamp is placed, and the third will evaluate the entire composition from the side.
And one more important point: please note that the glare from the lamp should not irritate the eyes, and the distance from the lamp to the work surface should be comfortable.
In order to create the perfect image of the kitchen, it is not enough to choose the right stylish furniture. An important aspect will be the choice of fixtures.
They will provide the level of lighting you need, correctly place accents and complement the picture by adding finishing touches.
Kitchen island lighting: the most inspiring examples
Competent lighting of the kitchen island can solve many problems of housewives. For designers and those who like to diversify and improve the interior, we offer an overview of 19 stylish options for implementing this idea.
We took into account the different styles of kitchens, selected successful options for playing with light in terms of professional design.
Depending on the style, we offer you delicate vintage or solid lamps, pendant glass or classic. Also, modern round options, in the style of the 50s and 70s, can become a stylish accent of the kitchen island.
Clear glass pendant lights
Clear glass can be incredibly shiny and elegant. Glass pendant lights look like air bubbles, softly illuminating your workspace.
Round glass pendant lamps are popular these days (as they were in the 70's) but may go unnoticed due to their size.
Attention! Glass round models are transparent and do not burden the room; they can be installed in a small kitchen.
A cluster of blown lamp-shaped luminaires looks solemn and creates a festive atmosphere.
Wide copper pendant lamps (similar to Indian baskets) are large and bright elements. A bold decision, but with a successful combination, they harmoniously dilute the pastel interior.
Light, camera, motor! These classic stainless steel lamps are reminiscent of lighting from the film industry. Remember, they look neat while you polish them. "Spotlights" are good in both steel and black versions.
Industrial style luminaires help you cope with a variety of tasks in the workplace.
Adjustable lamps can concentrate more light on the kitchen island or diffuse it throughout the room.
To make the colored lighting look more original, the shades can be installed at different heights.
Moroccan blue lamps add an exotic touch to this traditional kitchen.
