When designing a kitchen, it can seem like over 100 different decisions need to be made. One of the most important points that is often overlooked is lighting.
You may have your main lighting source but have you thought about task lighting, how you create the ambiance in your kitchen?
Create a comfortable environment with this Kitchen cabinet Lighting ideas that come straight from the experts.
1. Under the cabinet LED strips
(Image credit: Olive and Barr)
One of the main things to consider when looking at you Lighting in the kitchen Striking the right balance between stylish and functional. You want your lights to create a beautiful soft ambiance but you also want them to be practical when it comes to seeing exactly what you’re doing.
Ayten Nadeau From i-TEN Designs says, “When it comes to cabinet lighting, under-cabinet LED strip lights are more than just an option—they’re a game-changer. Imagine your kitchen countertops bathed in a soft, warm glow, inviting you whether you’re preparing a delicious meal or enjoying a late night’s energy. Because they prefer the hard version. Functionality and without the hassle of frequent maintenance. Credibility.”
Redtoo under cabinet lighting
Price: $39.99
Easily attach this to the bottom of your cabinet.
GE Wireless LED Puck Lights
Price: $18.45
Pop this on the inside of your cabinet to act as task lighting.
48 LED under cabinet lights
Price: $65.99
Change the color of these lights to suit your mood.
Ayten Nadeau is the founder and owner of I-TEN Design located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her design studio offers high end residential, commercial and staging design services.
2. Get the tone right
(Image credit: Erin Featherston)
When it comes to any form Lighting in the kitchenIt is important that you get the tone spot on. You want to avoid a cold and sterile feeling in your kitchen, so don’t go for lighting that gives off a stark white glow. Instead, choose something warmer in tone.
“Here’s an insider tip: Color temperature is critical. It’s the key to transforming your kitchen from a sterile lab into a welcoming haven. I like to use the 2700K to 3000K range. Going any higher can create a harsh, clinical feel that makes even the most beautiful countertops look like they’re under a microscope,” explains
3. Layer cabinet lighting
(Image credit: deVOL)
Cabinet lighting is a wonderful source of illumination in any kitchen design. However, thinking about how this will work with other types of lighting in your space would be a mistake – layering is key!
Hannah Goldberg Hannah from Charlotte Interiors explains that “Layering light is one of our favorite ways to create more intimate spaces – nothing looks cooler than a space lit only by recessed ceiling lights. The best kitchen lighting scheme will include a range of different lighting that allows you to carry out everyday tasks while also creating the perfect environment for relaxing or entertaining.”
“Create layers of light by adding sconces over the sink, pendants over the island and decorative lighting over the dining area.”
Hannah Goldberg – Has had a love and passion for design since childhood. Balancing creativity, she comes to her design practice with an academic background in engineering and a professional background in interior architecture. This experience results in a highly analytical and organized process that helps Hannah understand all the challenges inherent in each unique interior design project.
4. Illuminated interior
(Image credit: Simon Taylor Furniture)
Opening a kitchen cabinet in the evening can leave you with a dark place where you can’t find what you’re looking for. Eliminate this problem by lighting up the inside of your kitchen cabinets.
“Now, let’s talk about puck lights—the unsung heroes of cabinet lighting. Whether surface-mounted or recessed, these little powerhouses can elevate your space. I’m especially fond of the recessed options for an added touch of drama when opening the cabinet to reveal your favorite art piece or that perfect collected spotlight. Lights can transform your kitchen from a functional area to a stunning display of style and personality,” says Ayten.
5. Don’t forget your countertops!
(Image credit: Willis & Stone)
Lighting your kitchen cabinets is all well and good but what about your countertops? If you feel that your work area lacks light, you can always add stylish task lighting to solve this problem.
Sara Malek Barney“I find that adding small accent lighting, like a task lamp to a kitchen countertop, makes the whole environment feel warm and soft, which lends itself to a more comfortable feel,” says the founder and lead designer of BANDD/Design.
Wet Lamp by Birch Lane
Price: $55
Display this kitsch table lamp on your kitchen counter.
Calori Cordless Table Lamp Rechargeable
Price: $79.90
These beautiful gold lamps are rechargeable.
Urban Shop 8″ Blue Tortoise Glass Mushroom Table Lamp
Price: $9.98
This trendy battery operated lamp is oh-so-stylish.
Good design is the mastermind behind it. Since its establishment in 2017, BANDD/DESIGN has successfully executed over 160 residential projects, many of which have been recognized and published worldwide. High-quality, approachable design is the driving force behind everything BANDD touches.
6. Combine cabinet lighting with under or over lighting
(Image credit: Tom Hawley)
Multiple sources of light are much better than just one or two. Get creative with your kitchen lighting and combine interior cabinet lights with under- or over-cabinet lighting.
“Kitchen cabinets are a great place to hide functional lighting. I often recommend LED lighting under cabinets to illuminate the ceiling to softly illuminate countertops and cove or crown molding lighting,” explains Sarah BarnardFounder of Sarah Barnard Design.
Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional well-being. She creates highly personal, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and environmental preservation.
7. Glass cabinet lighting
(Image credit: Ikea)
You may not feel the need to add spotlights inside each of your kitchen cabinets. Instead, choose to illuminate your glass-fronted cabinets to add a soft warm glow that will beautifully illuminate your entire kitchen.
Glass cabinets usually hold the most aesthetically pleasing kitchen items because you know they’re going to be on display. Make a feature out of your glass kitchen cabinets by adding a downlight to the inside.
8. Wall lights instead of cabinetry
(Image credit: BANDD Design)
Even a small kitchen can be made to feel smaller if you surround the entire space with wall cabinetry. Try to make your kitchen light and bright by keeping wall cabinetry to a minimum.
Instead, use wall space to display Additional lighting. Wall lights are currently extremely popular among kitchen designers because they act as a form of ambient lighting while still being attractive to look at, unlike traditional LED spotlights or strip lights.
6″ Artisan Medium Base Bulb Wall Sconce
Price: $29.94
This matte black wall light will suit an industrial-style kitchen.
JuzNlux Modern Wall Lights in Gold
Price: $56.88
Embrace the traditional style and fix one of these picture lights on your wall.
Bertina Steel Armed Sconce
Price: $119.99
Hang a pair of these wall lights on either side of your sink area.
Try and remember to carefully plan your kitchen lighting to reflect how you want to use the space. Illuminating your kitchen cabinets, whether through under cabinet lighting or built-in spotlights, can add interest and depth to your kitchen design.
Instead of focusing on one main source of light, try and incorporate many different light sources for a warm and inviting kitchen design.
