Do you need kitchen lighting ideas to make your small space look larger? Let’s talk LED lighting tips.
It’s a myth that only recessed lighting is the perfect pick for a small space.
Lighting can become your best friend in a small kitchen. When I’m choosing lighting for a small space, I don’t immediately think recessed lighting.
But I do think about using your light fixtures as décor, since a small kitchen is typically lacking available wall or counter space.
It doesn’t matter if your kitchen just seems small or actually is ‘square-footage-challenged,’ I’ve got a few tricks to make small spaces look larger.
Let’s talk light fixture type, and how each can be used in a small kitchen. Oh, and all of these can use LED light bulbs.
Under-cabinet
Before we talk ceiling fixtures, let’s talk about the double-duty functional mood changer power of under cabinet lighting. These little lights are space-conscious, not taking up any additional space.
No matter the size of a kitchen, under cabinet lights can become the most used lighting, especially if you make sure they are dimmable. It certainly is the first switch I touch when I go in my kitchen.
I love my under-cabinet lighting. Typically it’s the only light on in our small kitchen because of it’s task lighting power plus the calm mood it creates
Flushmount
If low ceiling height is an issue for your small kitchen, flushmount lighting can be a perfect way to keep a small space looking polished without compromising on introducing a bit of shine and style with a light fixture.
Mounted directly to the ceiling, these fixtures can keep the kitchen visually open, yet still add a bit of design focus in a smaller space. This streamlined 17-inch wide brushed steel light fixture has an etched white glass cover.
Close-to-Ceiling
If you have the height available, you may want to consider flushmount’s first cousin, semi-flushmount. Both kinds are called ‘close to ceiling’ lights in the design world.
This sharp looking Possini Euro Design semi-flushmount ceiling light fixture has a brushed nickel finish and can use two LED light bulbs.
Pendants
Stylish pendant lighting is another option. You can make a series of pendants work in a small kitchen if you go with a delicate look like these Lite Source Schale Mini Pendants.
They have a natural iridescence from the shell mosaic shades. If you are truly limited on space, a small sized pendant over the sink might give just enough texture and shine in a space.
Chandelier
Yes, an eye-catching chandelier can work in a small kitchen. It may be the most challenging category to incorporate, but with a keen eye on selecting a fixture that is scaled to the space, has sleek style and smart placement, you can enjoy a chandelier like this retro-chic Jonathan Adler Havana chandelier.
Recessed lighting
Even though it’s not my go-to light fixture, traditional recessed lighting still works in a small kitchen or other small spaces. It provides a smooth ceiling profile, and can light any space efficiently.
And honestly, it’s your kitchen. So if you accept the size, could not care less about making it look larger, and want to play with scale and add whimsy into your small space, go ahead. There’s a light for every taste.
I think this fanciful Florence Pink Glass light fixture at 33 ½ inches tall proves that.
I’d love to know what you think about these small kitchen lighting ideas. Share them in the comments below. –T
PS There are lots of other kitchen ideas in the Shop by Room section of this site. Check them out for some more design and lighting ideas!