Although often overlooked in kitchens, lighting plays an equally important role as any other kitchen component. Light fixtures can dictate how a person functions and feels in a space, and are a key feature in the overall design of a room.

The most common style of kitchen lights are recessed lights or “can lights”. These lights come in a variety of sizes, including three, four, or five inch diameters, and can be easily replicated throughout the ceiling. LED light bulbs provide a recessed look while increasing energy efficiency, while soft white light bulbs help avoid any blue glow.

A fair portion of time spent in the kitchen is dedicated to preparing food. Task lighting is intended to provide direct light for the area or where a person will work. Under cabinet lighting is a great solution to provide some extra light on the kitchen countertops. This is also a simple way to eliminate  shadows created by lighting.

The kitchen island serves a multitude of functions. While it’s certainly a great place to prepare food, it is also the perfect area for people to gather and eat. Pendant lighting is commonly used over the island to give some direct task lighting, while also providing enough light to illuminate the island area. Pendant lighting gives the homeowner a chance to show off his/her style and add some character to the room. One word of caution though, because pendant lights can take over a space, use them sparingly to avoid making the room look too cluttered.