Over Kitchen Sink Lights & Fixtures to Illuminate Your Space
Updated: Apr. 18, 2024
From pendants to flush mounts, modern to classic, the right over kitchen sink light adds style and brightens up your workspace.
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Everyone spends a significant amount of time in their kitchen, so it’s important to optimize the space to its fullest potential. One simple yet effective improvement is to add a kitchen over the sink light. These fixtures, as the name suggests, are designed to be installed above the kitchen sink.
Typically, you mount these lights directly above the sink or on the underside of a kitchen cabinet, illuminating the area without occupying valuable counter space. They come in a variety of styles and designs to complement any kitchen decor.
According to Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric, task lighting is the best type of lighting for over the sink. He explains, “Task lighting works best over the sink because it provides focused illumination to a specific area where activities such as washing dishes and preparing food take place.”
To help you find the perfect option for your kitchen, we’ve curated a list of the best kitchen over-the-sink lights available, catering to every style and need.
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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 to traditional options for a kitchen over the sink light, 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 lifespan 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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Types of Kitchen Over the Sink Lights
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.”
- Pendant lights: Pendant lights hang from the ceiling and often offer customizable heights. These fixtures add a stylish focal point to the kitchen, notes Worthington. “They come in a wide range of styles, materials and designs, allowing you to choose one that complements your kitchen’s decor,” he says. However, they may require professional installation.
- Flush mount lights: Installed directly onto the ceiling, these lights are a sleek and space-saving choice. They are easy to install and maintain, but may not offer as much focused light as other options. “Ideal for kitchens with limited ceiling height or space constraints, they offer a low-profile appearance that seamlessly blends into the room,” says Worthington.
- Recessed lights: Recessed lights are installed into the ceiling for a clean and streamlined look. They provide even illumination, but installation can be more complicated and may require professional assistance.
- Under-cabinet lights: These are mounted beneath kitchen cabinets, including those over the sink, providing direct lighting onto the workspace. They are excellent for task lighting and easily integrated into any kitchen design. However, they may not illuminate the entire sink area uniformly.
What to Consider When Buying Over the Sink Lights
- Lighting needs: Determine the amount of light needed for your sink area. “Homeowners should aim for a lighting level of around 75 to 100 lumens per square foot of countertop space. You can achieve this with a combination of overhead lights, under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights directly over the sink,” says Worthington.
- Size: According to Worthington, if homeowners have a standard-sized kitchen sink, a pendant light with a diameter of 12 to 18 inches is typically suitable. “For larger sinks or double sinks, you may opt for larger fixtures or multiple smaller fixtures,” he notes.
- Placement: The placement of a kitchen over the sink light varies based on factors like ceiling height and personal preference. “As a general rule, pendant lights or recessed lights are typically hung or installed approximately 30 to 36 inches above the sink’s countertop surface,” says Worthington. “This height ensures adequate illumination without obstructing the view or interfering with daily tasks.”
- Durability: Look for lights made from durable materials that can withstand the moisture and heat typically found in kitchens.
- Energy efficiency: Opt for LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They may cost more upfront but will save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Why You Should Trust Us
I lived through a major home renovation in 2019 so I know the ups and downs of home improvement projects. I’m a veteran journalist of both print and television with experience covering everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden products. In addition to Family Handyman, I’ve contributed to various publications including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent; and have won several awards for writing.
For this article, we also consulted Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric. Worthington has served as president of the company, which offers residential and commercial electrical services, since 2014. He also serves on the executive board of Electrical Safety Foundation International.
How We Found the Best Kitchen Over the Sink Lights
When selecting the best kitchen over the sink lights, we started by researching a wide range of options to understand the different types, styles and features available. We then consulted with lighting experts to identify key criteria for evaluating these fixtures, including lighting type, size, placement, style and energy efficiency. Next, we scoured user reviews to gather real-world feedback on the performance and durability of each light. Finally, we compared the cost and value of each option to ensure that our recommendations provide the best combination of quality and affordability.
Originally Published: August 31, 2022
