9 Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas That Are Functional and Stylish
Updated: May 05, 2024
Check out these designer-approved light fixture ideas to brighten up your kitchen island.
Kitchen Island Lighting
Hanging kitchen island light fixtures can improve your kitchen’s function and style. But the big question is: which fixtures should you choose? We spoke to interior designer Mimi Wilson to shed some light on the best kitchen island lighting ideas.
What kind of lighting is best for a kitchen island?
The top contender for kitchen island fixtures are pendant lights, usually installed in groups of two or three.
“Kitchens usually have a very horizontal feel with a lot of solid surfaces, so I’m a fan of pendants for kitchen islands,” says Wilson. “Pendants help to bring the eyes up and prevent you from focusing on just one direction while breaking up the solid cabinets in the background.”
Is soft white or daylight better over a kitchen island?
When selecting light bulbs for your kitchen island, all the brightness and color options can be overwhelming.
“Anywhere between 2,700 and 3,700 kelvin is ideal, depending on your liking. It’s also important to note that you should use the same color bulbs in any connecting rooms for better flow,” says Wilson.
About the Expert
- Mimi Wilson is the owner and interior designer of MW Design Group – Decorating Den Interiors.
Brushed Brass Pendants
Your kitchen light fixtures (along with cabinet hardware) can be like jewelry for the kitchen. In this example from @carriagelanedesign_build, the brushed brass pendants provide the perfect touch of gold, contrasting nicely with the mostly-white kitchen. The clean lines of the modern cone shape draw the eye up without adding too much visual clutter to the overall kitchen.
What we like: The brass color of the pendants adds elegance; while the opaque shade creates soft, ambient light for the island.
Glass Pendants
Island pendants with glass shades are a good choice if you prefer a brighter glow in your kitchen. In this space from @to_mimishousewego, the seeded glass fixtures brighten up the island as well as the overall kitchen. The glass shades don’t obstruct the view, giving an airy feel whether they’re on or off.
What we like: The warm glow of the bulbs. “A home feels cozier with warm white or neutral white bulbs,” says Wilson.
Three Pendants
This gorgeous kitchen from @stonebrook.home features three pendants over the large island. The oxidized nickel finish gives the fixtures an aged look, adding character to the kitchen design. Notice the pendants match the nickel hardware and faucet, creating a cohesion that works well with the timeless feel of the space.
What we like: Three pendants help balance the oversized island. “When designing, we typically use odd numbers,” says Wilson, “The amount of pendants needed will depend on the size of the island and the size of the pendants.”
Concrete Finish
Glass and metal pendants are common, but we were blown away by the fact that these fixtures from @the.westnest are made of concrete! The lightweight concrete pendants help bring an earthy yet modern element to the kitchen. The two wide domes draw attention while still blending in nicely with the neutral color palette.
What we like: The pendants are hanging at the perfect height. “My rule is always 34″ to 36″ above the island countertop. This length will keep the line of sight open for everyone, regardless of their height,” says Wilson.
Fabric Shades
Your island lighting can be a dramatic focal point or a soft and seamless accent like in this kitchen from Emily Woods of @emilywoodsathome. “I chose them because I love the combination of clean, bright neutrals and wood tones and these felt like they married the two really well [while] adding some formality to the space,” says Woods.
What we like: Fabric shades diffuse the light evenly, giving your island a nice cozy glow.
Pair of Chandeliers
Ornate lighting can bring an eye-catching moment to your kitchen design. Notice how the two chandeliers above this kitchen island add a touch of glamour to the already beautiful kitchen from @threefoldchic. The fixtures include six bulbs each, giving off plenty of bright light, and the gold finish ties in with the gold accents on the chairs and the cabinet hardware.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvnMGMcpS67/
What we like: The elegant chandeliers add visual interest and elevate the whole kitchen.
@futurehomesdaily The stone crew have just installed this incredible island. I mean it looks absolutely spectacular. What do you think? 😀 #luxuryhomes #luxurykitchen #luxuryinteriors #marble #marblekitchen #marbleisland #modernkitchen #modernkitchendesign #marblecountertops #kitchenislandlighting #fyp #architecture##modernarchitecture ♬ original sound – logan
LED Rope Light
Hanging pendants are one of the most popular choices for kitchen island lighting, but one large linear chandelier can be just as effective as multiple pendants. The LED rope light shown in this video from @futurehomesdaily is absolutely stunning! The long rope gives off needed light, while the chandelier itself looks like an art piece all its own. Here’s a similar fixture if you want to recreate the look.
https://www.tiktok.com/@futurehomesdaily/video/7290001439315873067
What we like: The long shape of the light fits nicely with the long island. Of course, the unique style of the piece is what truly shines.
@geezergal_diy Kitchen Light DIY for only $50. Kitchen lights on a budget. Island kitchen lights. DIY Ideas. Kitchen hack. #kitchenhacks #kitchenlighting #kitchenlightinghack #targethack #targetfinds #kitchenideas #islandlights ♬ original sound – Molly-DIY + Home Design
DIY Woven Lights
Here’s a quick DIY idea from @geezergal_diy to make over your builder-grade kitchen island pendants. Watch as she simply replaces the plain glass shades with outdoor lanterns. By flipping the seagrass lanterns upside down, they make perfect cone-shaped pendant shades. From boring to custom in just a few minutes!
https://www.tiktok.com/@geezergal_diy/video/7157865835657284906
What we like: You get a designer look on a budget, and anyone can do it!
@modernfarmhouse_ohio BACK in STOCK! These oversize pendant lights are a fan favorite bit habe been sold out. They are 17.875”W x 15.25”H and make such an impact in our space 🖤 Linked in my Amazon Storefront in bio 🔗 #pendantlight #kitchenpendants #whitekitchencabinets #pendantlightinspiration #kitchenisland #founditonamazon #amazonhomefinds #amazonhome ♬ Pretty Girl Era – LU KALA
Bold Black
Watch as @modernfarmhouse_ohio demonstrates what a huge difference kitchen pendants can make on the overall kitchen. The small glass pendants weren’t doing much for the space. The switch to the oversized black shades makes a big statement, better balancing the size of the island and adding some needed drama.
What we like: The black shades draw the eye up, while the gold finish inside the shades helps soften the light.
Originally Published: March 22, 2024
