1. Home
  2. Design Ideas

How To: Lighting Solutions for Small Kitchens

The kitchen is a place where you need an even layer of functional and aesthetic lighting that combines the best of both aspects. This becomes even more essential in the small kitchen where lighting can make or break the overall look of the space. In the tiny kitchen every inch of space matters. Saving space is possible using smart shelves, wall-mounted cabinets and other modular, custom additions that give the kitchen a whole new look. But how do you bring visual space to the small kitchen? Lighting the modest kitchen beautifully is the perfect way to drive out dullness and a sense of confinement.

Multiple-light-sources-illuminate-this-eccentric-kitchen-with-stunning-use-of-til
Multiple light sources illuminate this eccentric kitchen with stunning use of tile [From: Zieba Builders]

There are plenty of ways in which you can move forward as you reimagine lighting in your small kitchen. It all starts with a blend of natural ventilation and artificial lights that not only make the room brighter, but also connect it with the world outside. Then you have a choice between chandelier, pendants, recessed lights and even sconce as you search for the perfect way to brighten that small kitchen. This is a look at 30 such gorgeous kitchens along with the best ideas which transform it completely –

Finding the Right pendant

If there is one lighting fixture that is a staple in the modern kitchen, then its undoubtedly the smart, contemporary pendant. The idea of three gorgeous pendants hanging above the kitchen counter is one that has been replicated in kitchens across the globe with plenty of success. But in the small kitchen, you normally do not have space for more than a pendant or two at the most. This means finding the right pendant is even more essential. Let the style and theme of the small kitchen dictate your pendant choice.

Casual-use-of-Edison-bulbs-above-the-kitchen-counter-lights-up-this-space
Casual use of Edison bulbs above the kitchen counter lights up this space
Chic-pendants-coupled-with-recessed-lights-in-the-small-kitchen
Chic pendants coupled with recessed lights in the small kitchen
Dashing-pendant-light-for-small-white-kitchen
Dashing pendant light for small white kitchen
Modern-industrial-kitchen-in-black-white-and-gray
Modern industrial kitchen in black, white and gray
Posh-contemporary-kitchen-in-gray-with-twin-pendants-above-the-counter
Posh contemporary kitchen in gray with twin pendants above the counter [From: Vertebrae Architecture]
Small-modern-industrial-kitchen-with-brick-wall-backdrop-and-smart-pendants
Small modern industrial kitchen with brick wall backdrop and smart pendants

You would want to buy a pendant that is slim, easy on the eyes and blends into the backdrop whenever possible. This not only gives the kitchen a more spacious appeal, but also provides just the right amount of task lighting. Combining the pendant with recessed lights is the way forward and sometimes you can even place it next to the skylight or window for an even bigger impact. It is best to stay away from really large or oversized industrial pendants in here as they can create a cluttered look.

Trio-of-copper-pendants-along-with-the-window-lights-up-the-modets-kitchen
Trio of copper pendants along with the window lights up the modest kitchen
Use-of-single-pendant-and-window-for-the-small-kitchen-in-white
Use of single pendant and window for the small kitchen in white
Backdrop-pendant-and-natural-light-come-together-to-shape-this-lovely-kitchen
Backdrop, pendant and natural light come together to shape this lovely kitchen [From: Wrensted Interiors]
Beautiful-pendants-blend-into-the-gray-backdrop-of-the-kitchen
Beautiful pendants blend into the gray backdrop of the kitchen [From: MADesign Studio Limited]

Usher in Ample Natural Light

Whenever we talk about lighting the kitchen, most of our readers immediately start thinking about recessed lights and pendants. The idea of a window bringing a flood of natural light into the small kitchen feel like an afterthought. Yet, this is the biggest ace up your sleeve! A beautiful window that fills the small kitchen with light drastically reduces your dependence on artificial lighting during daytime. Even at night, the kitchen feels much bigger as it is connected with the scenery outside visually. This makes for a more pleasant and energy-efficient kitchen that is easy on the planet as well.

Finding-new-ways-to-give-the-small-kitchen-a-brighter-look
Finding new ways to give the small kitchen a brighter look
Large-window-brings-all-the-necessary-light-into-this-Mediterranean-style-kitchen
Large window brings all the necessary light into this Mediterranean style kitchen [From: Alena skovorodnikova]
Lighting-from-the-window-illumnates-the-small-kitchen
Lighting from the window illuminates the small kitchen
Skylight-and-windows-bring-brightness-to-the-tiny-kitchen
Skylight and windows bring brightness to the tiny kitchen
Skylight-gives-this-kitchen-a-whole-new-dynamic
Skylight gives this kitchen a whole new dynamic [From: Stephanie Prince Interior Design]
Tiny-white-and-wood-kitchen-with-a-small-window-that-brings-in-ample-light
Tiny white and wood kitchen with a small window that brings in ample light [From: Create Projects]
Use-of-multiple-windows-to-light-up-the-small-industrial-kitchen-with-ample-woo
Use of multiple windows to light up the small industrial kitchen with ample woo
Windows-offer-a-simple-and-easy-way-to-give-the-small-kitchen-a-more-spacious-look
Windows offer a simple and easy way to give the small kitchen a more spacious look [From: Kristen Rivoli Interior Design]
Corner-windows-coupled-with-pendants-for-the-traditional-kitchen-with-limited-space
Corner windows coupled with pendants for the traditional kitchen with limited space
Ergonomic-small-kitchen-of-the-small-Paris-home
Ergonomic small kitchen of the small Paris home [From: Mon Concept Habitation]

Creating More Visual Space

Illuminating a room is much more than just adding a primary and secondary source of light. Distribution of light in the small kitchen is as important as the source of light itself. If you have a couple of brilliant pendants along with poorly placed recessed lights that lead to dark corners, then the entire kitchen would feel just dreary and outdated. It is important to eliminate shadows as much as possible. Giving the small kitchen a monochromatic backdrop in white or other light hues also helps spread the light efficiently. Mirrored backsplashes and counters put the final gleaming touches son these fab kitchens where limited space is not an issue at all.

Gold-mirrored-backsplash-coupled-with-chandelier-in-the-tiny-white-modern-kitchen
Gold mirrored backsplash coupled with chandelier in the tiny white modern kitchen
Innovative-use-of-black-lighting-fixtures-for-the-small-white-kitchen
Innovative use of black lighting fixtures for the small white kitchen
Innovative-use-of-sconce-lights-in-the-tiny-white-kitchen
Innovative use of sconce lights in the tiny white kitchen [From: Stephan Bidoux Studio]
Tiny-kitchen-in-white-and-blue-with-ample-natural-light-that-illuminates-it
Tiny kitchen in white and blue with ample natural light that illuminates it
Track-lighting-is-used-to-illuminate-the-kitchen-along-with-the-living-space-next-to-it
Track lighting is used to illuminate the kitchen along with the living space next to it
White-monochromatic-backdrop-gives-this-kitchen-a-light-and-lovely-visual-appeal
White monochromatic backdrop gives this kitchen a light and lovely visual appeal
An even layer of recessed lighting is perfect for the small kitchen
An even layer of recessed lighting is perfect for the small kitchen
Brilliant-use-of-LED-lights-illuminates-the-kitchen-counter-in-the-tiny-kitchen
Brilliant use of LED lights illuminates the kitchen counter in the tiny kitchen
Clever-track-lighting-for-the-narrow-apartment-kitchen
Clever track lighting for the narrow apartment kitchen

Sherry Nothingam

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

You might also like