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5 Types Of The Best Kitchen Island Lighting

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel or have recently finished one, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding on finishing touches like appliances and light fixtures.

However, the lighting in your kitchen can significantly impact its appearance. This means keeping lighting in mind as you plan the project is essential.

One element of kitchen lighting that homeowners often overlook is kitchen island lighting. While these fixtures may seem minor, they serve as a visual centerpiece of the kitchen and a vital utility during cooking, providing extra space for cutting and other preparation. Therefore, effectively illuminating your island is essential to your overall lighting scheme.

Here is a guide on choosing kitchen island light fixtures and more.

Dark kitchen island with pendant kitchen island lighting and white cabinets

How To Choose Light Fixtures?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing fixtures for your kitchen island lighting.

First, depending on the location of the light fixtures, they may serve a functional or aesthetic purpose. So, choosing fixtures that fit the correct function is important. 

The kitchen island is usually in the center of the room, so it’s the perfect place to install a light fixture that can light the entire room. Hanging fixtures like chandeliers or pendulum lights are ideal, although many other options are available.

Beyond room lighting, homeowners can also use smaller light fixtures on their kitchen island. 

Accent lights highlight or draw attention to key features of the room, while other types of lights can provide helpful light when cooking or cutting on the workspace.

Additionally, homeowners should always choose fixtures that mesh with the overall visual style of the rest of their kitchen. Fixtures that clash with the rest of the room can harm the overall visual effect and even make the room look unfinished or thrown together. 

Depending on the style you want in your kitchen, different types of lighting fixtures may be ideal for you. For instance, cafe lights look beautiful with a modern layout, while chandeliers pair best with more luxurious decor styles.

Now that you know how to choose kitchen island lighting, let’s touch on the popular styles.

chandelier and semi flush lights

5 Best Kitchen Island Lighting Options

1. Consider Accent Lighting

The visual effect can be stunning when you redesign your kitchen or even just refresh the appliances and counters.

However, it can be challenging for visitors to notice the differences without adequate lighting to draw their eyes to the new features. Accent lighting solves this problem by ensuring the highlights of your kitchen are always lit and visible.

Different types of accent lighting are available. Shop around and look online to find lights that match your style and overall vision for the room.

Some types of accent lights may completely illuminate the subject, while others will simply gently nudge the viewer’s eyes in that direction.

under cabinet lighting as accent lighting

2. Install Chandeliers

A timeless way to add class and luxury to your kitchen is with a chandelier.

While these fixtures can be challenging to install, they are showstoppers. They’re often even a centerpiece of your entire home. Placing the chandelier above the kitchen island is perfect, as it will naturally draw visitors’ eyes towards the island when they walk inside.

using a chandelier for kitchen island

3. Add Pendant Lights

While accent lights can draw attention to noteworthy items in your kitchen, some light fixtures can serve as centerpieces all on their own.

For example, while flashy chandeliers are less popular than they once were, pendant lights can still play the role of a statement piece in a modern kitchen aesthetic and look incredible above the kitchen island.

Adding pendant lights above your kitchen island can also provide a sense of symmetry to your space, as both the fixture and island will be in the center of the room. Typically, retailers sell pendant lights in a matching set.

Although pendant lights offer less brightness than other options, they are available in various styles and can genuinely complete your kitchen. The lower brightness of these fixtures makes them ideal for kitchens with a good amount of natural light or large windows with glass shades.

pendant lights over kitchen island

4. Recessed Lights

Recessed lighting is a perfect option if your goal is to illuminate your kitchen without intrusive fixtures.

These fixtures are set into your ceiling and provide lighting to the entire space. Of course, the light will be the brightest on the island directly beneath the fixture, but these lights are more than capable of illuminating your entire kitchen.

While recessed lights are perfect for ambient lighting, they can be unimpressive visually. These lights are perfect for homeowners with already impressive kitchens that just need illuminating. 

More extensive kitchen island lighting fixtures are ideal for those seeking to improve the look of their room.

recessed lights over kitchen counter

5. Flush And Semi-Flush Lights

Flush fixtures are an excellent compromise for homeowners struggling to decide between subtle recessed fixtures and more noticeable statement fixtures like chandeliers and pendants. These fixtures can contribute to your decor and provide effective illumination without attracting attention away from other items in the room.

Different kitchen island lighting styles may be ideal for you, depending on how prominent you want the fixtures to be.

For example, flush fixtures fit flat against your ceiling, while semi-flush will extend down slightly. There is a wide range of colors and styles, so shop around and explore pictures to find the type you like the most.

semi flush lights in kitchen

Get Premier Kitchen Lighting And Renovation Services In Springfield, PA

Your kitchen is one of the most noticeable rooms in your home and can transform the aesthetic appeal of the entire house. An effective kitchen island lighting system can draw attention to the most impressive elements in your kitchen and bathe every inch of the space in a flattering light.

Kitchen renovations can be expensive, though, so it’s essential to find a qualified contracting company to handle the project.

At A.M. Pellak Construction, we specialize in kitchen lighting and renovation projects. When you work with an expert lighting company like ours, you can have complete confidence in a beautiful result. We offer professional kitchen remodeling services in Springfield, Broomall, Havertown, and more of PA!

Request a free quote right now or call us directly at (610) 543-2479 to discuss your upcoming kitchen remodeling project!