The kitchen island is often considered the heart of the kitchen. It’s a multifunctional space where you prepare meals, enjoy family gatherings, and even do some work. To make this space truly shine, you need the right kitchen island lighting. In this blog post, we’ll explore all the questions you might have about kitchen island lighting and help you make the best choices for your space.

Understanding your space

When choosing and installing lighting fixtures for your kitchen island, it’s essential to consider certain guidelines to ensure both functionality and aesthetics. Here are some rules for island lighting:

• Proportion and Scale: Select lighting fixtures that are proportionate to the size of your kitchen island. Whilst oversized light fixtures are currently en mode, they can overwhelm a small island, while too-small fixtures may look out of place on a large island.
• Height Placement: hang pendant lights 30-36 inches above the island’s countertop for optimal illumination and visual appeal. Of course this is a general recommendations, and you should adjust this height based on your ceiling height and personal preference.
• Spacing: Ensure even spacing between pendant lights or other fixtures to maintain balance and symmetry. The distance between fixtures should be consistent, and the kitchen island lighting is typically centred with the kitchen island.
• Light Layering: Combine different types of lighting to achieve a layered lighting design. This includes task lighting (such as pendants), ambient lighting (such as wall sconces or dimmable spotlights), and accent lighting (such as under-cabinet lights).
• Dimmer Switches: Install dimmer switches for your island lighting to adjust the brightness according to different activities and moods. Dimmers also help save energy and extend the lifespan of your bulbs.
• Consider the Style: Choose lighting fixtures that align with the overall style of your kitchen. Whether it’s modern, rustic, vintage, or industrial, the fixtures should complement the kitchen’s aesthetic, and the architecture of the space.

By following these rules and considering various lighting styles, you can create a well-lit and visually appealing kitchen island that enhances both the functionality and the overall design of your kitchen. Remember that your choices should reflect your personal taste and the specific needs of your space.

Choosing the Right Style for your Kitchen Island Lighting

If you’re wondering what is the best kitchen lighting over an island – the best kitchen lighting over an island is often thought to be pendant lighting. Pendant lights come in various styles, sizes, and materials, allowing you to customize your lighting to match your kitchen’s design and your personal preferences. They provide focused illumination, making them perfect for tasks like chopping vegetables or enjoying a meal. However, they are not your only option, any lighting style can work over a kitchen island stylistically.

Kitchen Island Lighting styles

When it comes to kitchen island lighting, the style of fixtures you choose can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your space. Different lighting styles can complement various kitchen designs and personal preferences. Let’s explore some popular lighting styles that work well over a kitchen island:

Pendant Lighting

Pendant lights are one of the most popular choices for kitchen islands due to their versatility and visual appeal. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making it easy to find the perfect pendant to match your kitchen’s style. Here are a few sub-styles of pendant lighting to consider:

• Modern and Minimalist: Sleek and simple pendant designs with clean lines and minimalistic aesthetics are ideal for contemporary kitchens. They offer a clean and uncluttered look that complements modern décor.

• Rustic and Industrial: For a more rustic or industrial kitchen, consider pendant lights made from materials like distressed wood, metal, or glass. These fixtures can add warmth and character to the space and look great when paired with darker colour schemed such as Navy or Dark Green.

• Vintage and Retro: Vintage-style pendant lights with exposed bulbs or colored glass shades can create a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. They work well in kitchens with a retro, art deco or eclectic vibe and suit colourful kitchens beautifully.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are typically associated with formal dining rooms, but they can also make a stunning statement over a kitchen island, particularly if you live in an older home with higher ceilings and large windows. Consider the following sub-styles:

• Crystal Chandeliers: Crystal chandeliers can add elegance and sophistication to your kitchen. They are perfect for upscale kitchen designs and can create a glamorous focal point. We personally love how they look in light grey colour schemes, such as cashmere kitchens.
• Modern Chandeliers: A modern take on Crystal chandeliers, with straighter lines and a more minimalistic shape, this kitchen island lighting style often suited to grey or cashmere kitchens in a newer home/modern extension, such as the one below from elegantlightinguk.co.uk

Linear pendant lighting

Linear pendant lighting is a functional and versatile option for kitchen islands. It consists of a horizontal track with an LED lighting strip that can be directed to illuminate a wide area. This style is perfect for those who prefer a clean and contemporary look, and looks great in Japandi or Scandi style kitchens with neutral or monochrome colour schemes. It is also often cheaper for lighting up a large kitchen island as you won’t have to buy multiple lights.

Rattan lampshades/pendants

So good they deserve their own section! Rattan lampshades and pendants are a must have for modern organic style kitchens with lots of wood, plants and natural features. Whilst rattan lampshades are often reminiscent of exotic places such as Bali or Mykonos, these kitchen island lighting styles look just as good in Western style homes and lend themselves well to Scandinavian or transitional interior décor styles. They’re ideal for kitchens that have a lot of exposed wood in your kitchen, and look wonderful when oversized.

Underlighting

Strip lights within/under the kitchen island itself can provide a sophisticated look in a modern kitchen. This is a great way of making the kitchen island a focal point whilst maintaining a soft lighting scheme. It can also be paired with other lighting styles for a layered lighting effect. It looks great in particular with recessed lighting, also known as can lights or downlights, and is a minimalist option that provides a clean and unobtrusive appearance.

Flush mount fixtures

Whilst people usually assume pendants are the only kitchen island lighting style that make a statement, flush mount fixtures are an excellent choice for kitchens with lower ceilings. They offer a sleek and streamlined look, and their diffused light creates a soft and inviting ambiance.

Kitchen Island Lighting Alternatives

Kitchen Island lighting is not your only option when it comes to filling the empty space above the island. Whilst some may have their extractor fan there, and a retro kitchen is often seen with hooks for pots and pans, a new trend involves hanging shelves or – even better – hanging gardens.

This is very easy to recreate – there are plenty of hanging shelves to choose from on sites like Amazon (my personal favourite is below) – you can also easily add strip lighting at the bottom of these shelves to create a shelf/garden/lighting hybrid, if you so wish!

Q&A

What Color Light is Best for a Kitchen Island?

For kitchen island lighting, it’s best to use warm white or soft white light with a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K. This color temperature provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere while ensuring that your kitchen is well-lit for cooking and other tasks

Should Kitchen Island Lighting and Dining Room Lights Match?

Matching island and dining room lights can create a cohesive look in an open-concept space. However, they don’t have to be identical. Consider using fixtures with similar styles, finishes, or design elements to tie the spaces together while still allowing each area to have its unique character.

What Height Should Pendant Lights Be Over a Kitchen Island?

As mentioned earlier, pendant lights are typically hung 30-36 inches above the island’s countertop. This height provides ample clearance for both lighting and visual appeal. Adjust the height based on your ceiling height and personal preference, but avoid hanging them too low, as it can obstruct your view and be a safety hazard. However, if you have higher ceilings, you can hang them a bit lower to maintain visual proportion and ensure adequate lighting.

How Many Lights Over a 2-Meter Island?

For a 2-meter (approximately 6.6 feet) island, two or three pendant lights are usually sufficient. Distribute them evenly along the length of the island for balanced illumination. If you’re using three pendant lights over an island, their diameter should be proportional to the island’s width. For a 2-meter island, consider pendant lights with diameters ranging from 16 to 22 inches.

How Do You Position Lights Over an Island?

Position pendant lights evenly over the island, ensuring that they’re centered both horizontally and vertically. Leave enough space between each pendant for a balanced and cohesive look.

How Far Apart Should Pendant Lights Be Over an Island?

In the UK, pendant lights over an island should be spaced approximately 60-75 centimeters (about 24-30 inches) apart. This spacing provides even illumination and visual harmony.

In conclusion, choosing the right kitchen island lighting is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. By considering factors like size, style, and placement, you can transform your kitchen island into a well-lit and inviting focal point that enhances your overall kitchen experience. Whether you opt for two or three pendant lights, matching or coordinating fixtures, or warm or soft white light, the key is to create a space that suits your unique tastes and needs.

Looking for more kitchen ideas and advice? Check out our article on Cashmere Kitchen ideas!