The BEST Way To Light Your Kitchen Is Not What You Think

Walk into any stunning kitchen, and odds are, the finishes get all the praise. That Calacatta Viola marble! Those unlacquered brass fixtures! The inimitable DeVol cabinetry! And yet, with subpar lighting, all these design choices can fall flat.

In fact, all your design hard work (and budget) can be visually undermined by lighting that’s too harsh, too cool, or simply in the wrong spot. Not to mention, lighting is as critical to safety as it is to style; after all, good lighting can mean the difference between a shallot that’s perfectly diced and a trip to urgent care.

A good kitchen lighting plan is as foundational as your floor plan, yet it’s often an afterthought—until now, at least. Below, we're sharing designer-approved ways to make your kitchen (ahem) shine and illuminate your space like the pros.

Layer Your Lighting

The key to a well-lit kitchen isn’t just brightness—it’s balance. To make the space feel both functional and beautiful, layers of light are the key. "Like any other room, great kitchen lighting is all about the mix," says designer Stefani Stein. "Avoid flooding your kitchen with an abundance of recessed ceiling lights. Instead, incorporate a combination of pendants, flush-mounts, and sconces, as well as under-cabinet lighting. When possible, I love incorporating a strategically placed vintage table lamp. And, always remember to have everything on a dimmer—even utilitarian spaces need ambiance!"

Set the Scene

Adding smart controls to lighting isn’t just about convenience; it’s about crafting the perfect mood with a tap or a voice command. Whether you're prepping dinner or pouring a glass of wine, lighting “scenes” can be programmed to match the moment. A “Cooking” scene can offer bright, focused lighting over countertops, sinks, and stovetops—anywhere you need precision and clarity. When the meal is ready to serve, a “Dining” scene can dim the overheads and warm up the space, casting a soft glow that feels more like your favorite bistro than a work zone.

Rethink Recessed Lighting

Recessed lights have their place, but that place doesn’t have to be everywhere. Today’s designers are looking up and thinking differently. Instead of a grid of downlights on your ceiling, consider surface-mounted cylinders, flushmounts, or sleek monopoints. These fixtures not only offer a more architectural look, but many can be aimed exactly where you need light, like atop art or a cutting board. “I’m doing a lot of surface-mounted fixtures instead of recessed— keeping the ceiling less task-oriented and more fun,” says interior designer Nina Freudenberger. “We’re also pivoting back to under-counter lighting to allow for a little flexibility in choosing fun surface mount lights.”

Spotlight the Details

Countertops need light so you can see what you’re chopping, but don’t forget other star moments in the kitchen that also deserve attention. “One thing I always remind clients is to think about lighting from the inside out,” says kitchen designer Taylor Farrell. “Don’t forget about lighting inside cabinets, under floating shelves, or even toe-kick lighting for a soft glow. It’s the little details that make a space feel elevated and intentional.” Lighting designer David Warfel agrees: “Tidy rows of recessed downlights over aisles put the best light on the floor, which is great for the dog but not so great for the humans.”

Mind Your Temperature

The temperature of your steak is critical if you’re looking for the perfect medium rare, but the temperature of your lighting is just as important. Color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K), is a measure of how warm or cool the light is, and it’s essential to keeping your kitchen feeling warm and inviting. “Stick to dimmable LEDs in between 2700K and 3000K,” says interior designer Elaine Bauer Brooks. “Anything cooler than 3000, and things start to look clinical. We’re going for light that mimics late afternoon sun and gives your kitchen a warm, inviting vibe.”