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Kitchen sink lighting ideas


How To Enlighten Your Cooking Space

By Simona Ganea | Published on Reviewed by Lance Crayon

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Kitchen sink lighting is the perfect choice if you want to add lights to your cooking space. With many homes, regular overhead fixtures don’t work well when performing certain tasks. The more you think about it, sink lighting is a great way to make your kitchen area a better workspace.

If you’re installing fixtures for the first time over your sink, make sure they hang 30 to 40 inches above the counter. Even with small sinks, you should follow the same rule. You’ll also want to use water-safe lights given their proximity to water.  

When choosing a lighting style for your kitchen sink, height, style, and context should be considered. 

Best Kitchen Light Fixtures

If you’ve been thinking about updating your kitchen, sink lighting is one of the most effective ways to achieve this without breaking your budget.

Undercabinet Lighting

Kitchen lighting offers easy installation. But more than anything, the lights provide a service that accentuates its look.

Here are the best kitchen fixtures to use in your kitchen:

Recessed Lights

They are used to focus light on particular areas of the kitchen, say work and display areas. They can be placed on the kitchen counter, refrigerator, oven, and so on.

Pendant Light Fixture

They’re a great choice when adding color and marking the functional areas of a kitchen. The lights come in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes. 

Multiple Lamp Fixture

The lights are fixed on the ceiling and depending on how powerful the light they disperse, they can illuminate up to two feet. They can also come equipped with a dimming light which helps reduce dispersion.

Cabinet Lighting

They are useful when you want to display content and also useful for people who don’t see clearly. Some of the best options are installing puck lights for cabinets with glass doors or LED strips for under cabinet lighting.

What Is The Best Light Color For A Kitchen?

This is one of those questions that doesn’t have a wrong answer. There are a few popular kitchen light colors, but you’re free to follow whatever style you want. 

Undercabinet Lighting 

Warm white is the best light hue for kitchens. Other light shades worth considering are soft white and bright white.

A bright light is measured by a Kelvin rating. The higher the brightness, the higher the Kelvin rating. Here’s a breakdown of bulb brightness:

Kitchen Sink Lighting Ideas

There are many lighting options for your sink and kitchen area. Popular choices include pendant lights, over the sink lighting, flush mount lighting, and recessed lighting. With interior design sink lighting, less is more. 

Check out the following sink lighting ideas for your kitchen.

Kitchen Sink Island 

Task lighting should be your first concern. If your sink is part of a kitchen island, hang pendant lights above it. In this classic style kitchen design by Cindy Smetana Interiors, pendant lights are the focal point and offer rustic appeal as they hang over the sink and provide visual depth.

With kitchen islands, you’ll have more lighting ideas, especially if you have vaulted ceilings.

Kitchen Sink Pendant Light Fixture

Studio Warmington & North designed this kitchen space, which includes two sinks, one in the kitchen island and the other next to a window. They both have stylish lighting overhead, featuring the same pendant lights at the same height.  

Blue Backsplash Kitchen Lighting

Pendant lamps are only one of the many options you can choose from when it comes to over the sink task lighting for the kitchen. This eclectic space designed by Randall Architects proposes a set of three sconces, one above each of the windows.

Kitchen Sink Lighting Fixtures

This is what you get when you combine traditional appeal with contemporary design. The role of sink lighting is all about providing task lighting. With this in mind, pendant light size is important.

This farmhouse kitchen, designed by Smith & Vansant Architects, is an example of how harmony is achieved when you have enough room.

Geometric Frame Light Fixture

Hanging several pendants at optimal height is a popular, but other options like sconces, spotlights, and small chandeliers are also good ideas. This rustic style kitchen, designed by Frank Shirley Architects, is a source of interior light inspiration.

Flushed Mount Light Fixture

For some kitchens, pendant lighting doesn’t work well. You want your kitchen to have aesthetic appeal, so consider your kitchen decor. With a kitchen island, the lighting should work with it rather than against it.

This design from recipegirl, is an example of how white kitchen cabinets in a dining area can help illuminate a kitchen space. If you use your kitchen island as a dining table,, then flush mount lighting wouldn’t be too bright.

To safeguard against overbearing lights, install a dimmer switch so you’ll have more control over the room’s brightness.

Recessed Lighting

Among all lighting ideas, when lighting your kitchen space, you have serval ceiling light options. Here are a few that offer contemporary appeals and more inspiration for your kitchen.

This kitchen layout is from Blair Design. The sink is in front of the window which provides natural light. The stylish hanging pendant is a subtle light source at night. With the black metal shades and brass sink fixtures, and industrial color scheme is achieved.

Contemporary Style Lighting Ideas

These over sink sconces not only look beautiful and chic but are also very practical. The Imbrie articulating sconce has an adjustable arm design that lets you position them. If you’d like to find out more details about this beautiful kitchen you can check out  stylebyemilyhenderson.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish

The kitchen is a good place to hang some rustic or industrial-looking pendant lamps. They’d look right at home above the sink or in key areas in need of task lighting.

You can combine them with sconces or spotlights to create a diversified and practical design perfect for this space. Check out devolkitchens for more details about this particular kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What kind of light goes over kitchen sink?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, you should use recessed lighting as much as possible. This involves using standard lighting such as natural ligting from a window or recessed lighting fixture.

What are the lights above sink called?

Lights over the sink are called recessed lights. Years back, recessed lighting usually involved the use of one incadecent bulb or a bright spotlight while nowadays, there is a wide selection to choose from.

How far should a pendant light hang over a sink?

Pendant lighting comes in handy when you’re doing important tasks in the kitchen such as washing dishes. It’s recommended to position your pendant 30 to 40 inches above the sink or counter.

What size recessed light over sink in kitchen?

For proper lighting, you can use two 6 inch recessed lights. You can include more lights if you want more illumination.

Can I Use Floodlights Over A Kitchen Sink?

Floodlights are meant for outdoor use. However, as a form of recessed lighting, they can work well in your kitchen. The benefit they offer is how they handle moisture generated from daily tasks. 

How Far Does A Light Switch Need To Be From A Kitchen Sink?

A light switch should not be more than two feet from a kitchen sink in either direction.  

Can I Install A Motion Sensor Light Fixture Over My Kitchen Sink?

If you want motion sensor lights in your kitchen, the best place to install them would be under your cabinets. If you installed sensor lights over your kitchen sink, it would cause problems at night when you used your sink. 

What Is the Best Way to Install Lights On A Ceiling Beam?

For ceiling beams, install spotlights around the perimeter of the room for optimum kitchen lighting. Position the spotlights at the highest point of the side walls and direct them up and across the beams at an angle

You could also go with a diffused light style as a backup option.

Over Kitchen Sink Lighting Conclusion

When installing light over your kitchen sink, there are several options. Many homeowners do not dedicate enough attention to the lighting style in their kitchen sink area. However, the kitchen is a great spot to add lights and set an overall mood for your living space.

As you’ve seen here, natural lighting is an easy way to give your kitchen space more light. However, after the sun has set, your mid-century kitchen, for example, needs sufficient lighting. And this is where your kitchen sink area could benefit from additional kitchen lighting like undercabinet lighting, for example. If you’re afraid that you ‘ll have too much light, install a dimmer switch in your kitchen. 

With lights above your kitchen sink, for your first purchase, consider pendant lighting. The light fixture is an interior design favorite. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you might need to install several pendants, but other styles are available.

As we’ve said before, interior design is about you and your personality. However, one thing that cannot be denied is how your kitchen area needs sufficient lighting. When designing your kitchen layout, aim for a rich visual texture.

14 Over Kitchen Sink Light Options for 2022

From pendants to flush mounts, modern to classic, the right over kitchen sink light adds style and brightens up your workspace.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

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Seed Glass Light Trio

Looking for a rustic design with a modern twist? This trio of lights from Globe Electric comes in four finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze, and features three seeded glass shades that act as excellent accent lighting. Since the light is dimmable, you’ll get just the right amount of brightness for the mood. Buyers call these lights easy to install and say they offer plenty of brightness.

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Single Dome Pendant Light

When it comes traditional options for over the sink kitchen lighting, this single dome pendant is always in style. The dome features three lights in your choice of two finishes, and offers plenty of light for kitchen tasks. If you’re looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, one buyer notes it “blends well with various colors and is an eye catcher.”

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Metal Cage Light

With brushed metal and exposed bulbs, this metal cage light is what happens when industrial design meets farmhouse style. Buyers note that the light’s quality, ease of installation and overall look make it worth the money when choosing this option among all the various types of ceiling lights.

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Modern Industrial Cylinder Pendant Light

Four finishes and three available sizes make this pendant light a smart option for over the sink lighting in modern kitchens. The height of the light is adjustable, so you can customize it to your specific kitchen needs. It has a frosted cylinder pendant shade that still allows plenty of light to shine through. Plus, it’s dimmable when used with a compatible dimmer switch and outlet.

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Iridescent Flush Mount Light

Bring a bit of sophisticated glamour to the kitchen with this iridescent flush mount option. It features sculptural glass with a champagne brass-finished base, perfect for a classic design style. While a bit on the pricey side, buyers note it offers a good amount of light, is well-made and is “prettier than the pictures.” Those just learning how to hang a ceiling light can also feel confident in the ease of the light’s instillation, as noted by many reviewers. “Bought this light for my kitchen and it’s perfect. Beautiful but subtle. Easy installation,” says one buyer.

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LED Flush Mount Light

Sometimes you just need a simple style to get the job done, such as this LED ceiling flush mount light. The basic design means it matches most kitchen styles and brings plenty of light to the room. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking to make the switch to LED lights as it has a life span of 30,000 hours—that’s 10 years when used eight hours a day!

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Sculptural Glass Pebble Flush Mount Light

Get ready for admirers when you install this sculptural glass light. It comes in three finishes and two size and shade options, meaning it matches kitchens with bright colors, upscale countertops and backsplashes that aren’t tile. Plus, you can hang it at an angle, making it a great option for kitchens with sloped ceilings.

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Hammered Glass Dome Pendant Light

Pendant light fixtures are a smart option if you want a light with an adjustable hanging length. This single dome pendant with a hammered glass shade hangs exactly where you want it to cast a warm glow in your kitchen. It even works with sloped ceilings.

“These are FABULOUS!!!!” says one happy reviewer. “They have transformed my kitchen. I have a dimmer on them and at night, I put them at this lovely setting that warms up my newly renovated kitchen. They give off these little glimmers all over the room and ceiling. People have commented on them all the time.”

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Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light

Ideal for a kitchen with a modern vibe, this semi-flush light with a clear shade gives you plenty of light for over the kitchen sink. This simpler alternative to chandelier lights comes in four color options, and uses an Edison-style LED bulb for a romantic glow. Reviewers say that the ease of installation and price make this light a win. “Very easy to install, came with its own lightbulb but will fit any regular bulb also. The price couldn’t be beat with any other places I looked,” said five-star reviewer Lyndsi Miller.

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Farmhouse Pendant Light

If you have a sloped ceiling, this farmhouse pendant light is designed specifically to suit your needs. It comes with five height extension options that allow you to adjust the height up to 48 inches. The canopy also adjusts up to 90 degrees for plenty of versatility. Plus, the light comes in five different finishes for easy kitchen color coordination.

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Single Cone Pendant Light

For a straightforward kitchen over the sink light, this single cone pendant comes in two options—matte black and satin platinum. Plus, it’s adjustable, works with sloped ceilings and is compatible with dimmer switches. “Pendant light is perfect above my sink,” says one buyer. “Easy to install. Looks great with an Edison light bulb.”

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Retro Rectangular Flush Mount Light

Mixing materials is a great way to add character to your kitchen, and this retro rectangular light delivers with a combination of metal and high-grade oak that matches both industrial and farmhouse styles. The two bulbs provide task lighting over the kitchen sink, and the retro design makes a bold statement. Plus, it’s easy to install, a perfect option for beginner DIYers.

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LED Recessed Ceiling Lights

These LED recessed ceiling lights offer serious brightness over the kitchen sink, with soft, warm, neutral, cool and daylight settings. These slim recessed lights are a good choice for those who want plenty of light for kitchen tasks, but don’t want to go with any particular design aesthetic. They also work well if you don’t have much kitchen space over your sink, as the lights only require two inches of space.

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Blue Marble Pendant Light

For some added color in addition to light over your kitchen sink, try this blue marble pendant light. The 40 watt kitchen light is comparable with Edison, incandescent and LED bulbs. “This was perfect for hanging above the kitchen sink,” says one five-star reviewer. “The colors are perfect and has high quality for the price. Installation was super easy. The length is adjustable so we were able to hang it where we wanted it.”

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Originally Published: August 31, 2022

Rachel Brougham

Writer and editor with a background in news writing, editorial and column writing and content marketing.

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2021-09-29T06:00:00+00:00 2021-09-29T06:14:35+00:00 25 Kitchen Lighting Ideas: Tips from the Experts 2021-09-29T06:00:00+00:00 We make breakfast in the twilight, we cook dinner already in the dark - these are the costs of city life. Light in the kitchen is an important issue that you want to solve as efficiently and effectively as possible. You will be inspired by our experts and the most beautiful ideas 25 Kitchen Lighting Ideas: Tips from the Experts nine0003

We make breakfast in the twilight, we cook dinner in the dark - such are the costs of city life. Light in the kitchen is an important issue that you want to solve as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our experts and the most beautiful ideas will inspire you.

The kitchen is a place of hectic gatherings for work and leisurely cozy gatherings with tea and cake, a zone of culinary exploits and family recreation. Lighting here should adapt to any conditions, be comfortable, dynamic and multi-tasking. Consider different lighting solutions with examples and talk about possible difficulties. nine0003

Kitchen fittings: what to look for

Everything ingenious is simple: 13 ideas from Japan for smart kitchen storage

The light in the kitchen should be able to adapt to the circumstances - be bright or intimate, illuminate widely or pointwise. One of the options is a switch with a dimmer, a lighting power regulator. The other is a height-adjustable luminaire that allows you to change the size and location of the illuminated area. Be careful - the spring can stretch over time. nine0003

Two main areas of the kitchen - working and dining. The working room may include a sink, stove, dining room - a table or a kitchenette. Remember that warm and soft light contributes to appetite, but it is better to cook in as much natural light as possible. Some areas can be left in the twilight - a refrigerator and a dishwasher for example. A bright and eye-catching chandelier above a table or island can add theatrics to any setting and make any dinner a special occasion.

Our opinion:

- Remember about the safety and grounding of electrical appliances in the kitchen. Lights, sockets, switches, wiring must be located at least 60 centimeters from the sink and water communications. nine0003

It would be good if the working area is near the window. Natural light adds space and uplifts the mood, unless, of course, you are in the kitchen during the day and the window is not located on the shady side. However, the opportunity to open a window in the summer, even to the north side, pleases. A good look will add inspiration, a bad one can be hidden with blinds or Roman blinds. A deep window sill can be used for storage or used for growing herbs and spices.

LED lighting does not consume a lot of energy, but it allows you to highlight kitchen cabinets, kitchen backsplash or decoration details. Decorative multi-colored lighting using LED strips can create the effect of a table or island floating in the air. LEDs can even be placed inside kitchen drawers. The muted light left at night will work as a night light and illuminate the path to the kitchen - for a glass of water, in no case for cakes. nine0003

Our opinion:

- Remember that the backlight draws attention to all the imperfections of the walls, scratches and dirt. It is better to place the lamps at some distance from the walls.

Unusual lighting in the kitchen will cheer you up and surprise your guests. For example, a lamp from cans or bottles that you can make yourself. Luminaires inspired by industrial spotlights, exposed multicolored wires, glowing cookware or other delightfully crazy design ideas. You can come up with something of your own - for example, use a New Year's garland or a composition of candles. nine0003

Inga Azhgirey, designer:

– Regardless of the area of ​​the kitchen, it is worth considering at least two lighting options – working and general, and to save energy, put both lighting scenarios on one switch, it’s great if you can adjust it without getting up from behind table. Working lighting is the illumination of the cooking area, countertops, sinks. Here it is convenient to use a light tape built into the lower edge of wall cabinets, and so that the light does not hit your eyes, sink the tape into the case or provide a small protective cornice. Another interesting option is a rail turning light that can be directed to the desired area. As for general lighting, be sure to think about the light above the dining area, for which I would recommend a dimmer to adjust the brightness. If space allows, why not highlight all the most beautiful - paintings, decorative plates. Even a simple additional table lamp can make the kitchen even cozier. nine0003

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Marina Sargsyan, decorator:

— The main thing to consider when choosing lighting in the kitchen is the need for different scenarios: work area lighting, upper cabinet lighting, dining table lighting. Use pendant lights and sconces where you relax and eat. Be sure to consider the convenient placement of switches and sockets. The biggest mistake you can make when planning kitchen lighting is to limit yourself to overhead lighting. nine0003

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best options, 55 photos in the interior

How to organize?

To be comfortable in the kitchen, you need multi-level lighting:

The lighting of a small kitchen cannot be limited to one chandelier. A room with a low ceiling and a modest area should be equipped with several light sources: in the center, above the worktop, above the dining table.

Lighting options

Before starting repairs, you should think over the location of lamps, switches and other equipment in advance, since finishing work is carried out only after all current-carrying cables have been laid.

General lighting

First of all, it is worth providing the kitchen with one central or several light sources built into the ceiling. They are necessary for convenience at the entrance to the kitchen, as well as during the reception of guests and cleaning.

The photo shows a spacious kitchen-living room with ceiling lighting in the form of spotlights.

Illumination of functional areas of the kitchen

It is hard to imagine a comfortable working area for cooking, immersed in twilight. It is also difficult to enjoy food or have sincere conversations at a table where it is hard to see a plate or an interlocutor. It is for the comfort of households and guests that every corner needs to be highlighted additionally. nine0003

Light for the kitchen in the work area

Lamps are recommended to be placed above the worktop just below eye level. To wash dishes efficiently, it is desirable that the light also hit the sink. It is not necessary to highlight the sink separately if it is installed in the center of the work surface.

Pictured is a kitchen where lights are built in under the cabinets and illuminate the work area.

There are situations that require constant standing at the stove. Then a small addition as a lamp above the stove will come in handy. Often this function is performed by a hood with a built-in light bulb. nine0003

Dining area lighting

Perhaps the most important detail that instantly makes the atmosphere cozier is the lighting of the kitchen table. It is the centerpiece of the kitchen-dining room, around which guests or family gather. It is important that the surface of the table or island be in a halo of light: in addition to creating comfort, this sets up an open friendly conversation.

The photo shows a blue kitchen, the dining area of ​​which is also a working one. It is lit by two hanging lamps. nine0003

Light sources are also needed above the bar: their purpose is not only to illuminate, but also to zone the kitchen space. If the kitchen is connected to the living room, then the lamps should be located not only above the dining group of the table and chairs, but also next to the seating area - armchairs or a sofa.

Internal lighting for kitchen cabinets

Lighting for closed cabinets is purely utilitarian: it does not affect the perception of the kitchen as a whole, unlike the interior lighting of a set with transparent facades. You can equip cabinets or lower cabinets with lighting both at the stage of ordering furniture, and independently with the help of economical LED strips. nine0003

In the photo, the illuminated backsplash echoes the decorative lighting of cabinets with glass doors.

Decorative

Additional light can solve the most unexpected and interesting tasks. Decorative lighting is aimed at creating a special mood, as well as in order to emphasize the features of the interior.

Pictured is a lamp with a phrase redesigned especially for the kitchen from the anti-war slogan "Make love, not war". nine0003

Decorative LED lighting can be placed under the ceiling, at the edge of the podium or linearly on the wall as an accent. The set, illuminated from below, visually expands the space of a long narrow kitchen.

If the kitchen contains house plants that need additional lighting, it is also considered decorative.

The picture shows an unusual decoration for the kitchen - a magnificent vertical garden.

Which lamps should be used in the kitchen? nine0063

Consider the features of various lighting fixtures that can be used to decorate a kitchen.

Spotlights

Small luminaires that produce beams of directional light are called spotlights. As a rule, products are mobile or are on track rails, so they are easy to adjust. In addition to the ceiling, spots can be built under kitchen cabinets, above an apron, or fixed to a wall.

Chandelier

This is the most traditional solution for Russian kitchens. For low ceilings, a no-frills product that fits snugly to the surface is more suitable. If the height of the room does not bother you, it is recommended to choose a hanging chandelier. In classical interiors, this option is the only appropriate one, but the modern style allows you to safely combine various lighting fixtures with each other. nine0003


Lighting

Local kitchen lighting can be organized not only with the help of spots. Especially common are LED strips, which are used everywhere. The main advantages of tape lighting are easy installation and the ability to choose any shade, both warm and cold.

The photo shows a bright kitchen, where the diode strip emphasizes the yellow set, creating an accent color spot. nine0003

Lamp

Many owners prefer to use light bars - tubular fluorescent lamps, but their cost is several times higher than the price of conventional diode strips. Lamps differ in size and method of fastening: mortise models are built directly into kitchen furniture, and overhead ones are mounted on the surface. Their use is justified when you need to highlight a small area - for example, a sink.

The photo shows a modern white kitchen with combined lighting: fluorescent lamps play the role of local lighting, and the central light is realized using built-in ceiling lights. nine0003

Pendant lamps

These products are at the height of fashion today - a rare designer interior does without lamps on a long wire. Most often, pendant models make up a stylish composition of several identical or simply similar lamps. They are convenient in that they give a bright directional light, but, muffled by shades, do not cause discomfort to the eyes.

Spotlights

Typically used when installing stretch ceilings. With their help, you can evenly distribute the light throughout the room, only the distance between them must be calculated in advance. Spotlights are reminiscent of many office lights, but for modern designers this way of lighting has long become the norm. nine0003

Halogen lamps save energy, but their installation is associated with certain difficulties, so most people prefer LEDs.

Lighting features of a small kitchen

At first glance, it seems that in a modest-sized kitchen, one chandelier with an incandescent lamp is enough to illuminate the entire area. In fact, the brighter the room, the more spacious it seems. In addition, it is difficult to do without illumination of the working area: if during evening cooking, apart from the chandelier, the countertop does not illuminate anything, then a shadow from a person or an unsuccessfully located refrigerator appears on it. nine0003

The photo shows a small kitchen with a hanging chandelier, LED strip in the work area and spotlights above the cabinets.

Often in a small kitchen, the role of general lighting is played by a pendant lamp above the dining group. But in this case, the backlight of the apron or cooking area is required.

An LED strip installed along the perimeter of the ceiling can serve as additional light: it will help to visually raise it. The most important thing is to fill the small kitchen as evenly as possible with diffused light that will not create shadows. nine0003

Interior photo

If there are no partitions in the kitchen-living room or studio apartment, zonal lighting will help separate the room or dining room from the kitchen.

Some light sources help to work on the chosen style: for example, hi-tech cannot exist without decorative lighting. In addition, an unusual lighting fixture can become a highlight of the interior, its main decoration.

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