33 Kitchen Light Ideas for Small Kitchens
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Want kitchen lights that light up a small kitchen and look great?
These kitchen light ideas for small kitchens can help you set the perfect mood for your next culinary escapade.
Pendants
Pendant lights have remained a tried-and-true kitchen staple for years. Here are a few top-tier choices based on your design aesthetic:
Art Deco
Art Deco and Art Nouveau are back in a big way in the 2020s. If you’re diving into the glitz and geometric glamor of Art Deco in your home, the SOUTHPO Creative Lighting Pendant Light is a must-buy for your small kitchen.
Bohemian
Maximalists and minimalists alike will love the ENKUODE Vintage Moroccan Pendant, which will bring a global feel to your kitchen but won’t outshine other fixtures.
Coastal
If you’re decorating a coastal-style bungalow, even if you’re miles from the nearest beach, you can’t go wrong with these ELYONA Woven Pendant Lights — available in a three-pack for interior designers on a budget.
Contemporary
The Mxsaoud Modern Black Pendant Light looks gorgeous wherever you hang it. Install a trio above your kitchen island or hang it over your prep area for some much-needed task lighting.
Industrial
Industrial-style fixtures can blend with just about any design aesthetic, and the DLLT Industrial Pendant Light Fixture is no exception. This minimalist silhouette looks great in contemporary, Japandi, modern farmhouse, and transitional spaces.
Japandi
A blending of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian simplicity, Japandi aesthetics rely heavily on natural materials and neutral colors. If that sounds up your alley, you should check out these Arturesthome Wood Pendant Lights.
Mid-century modern
Love or hate them, mid-century modern designs haven’t gone the way of the dodo just yet. They appear to be sticking around for the long haul!
If you’re a mid-century modern enthusiast, you’re sure to appreciate the bulb-like silhouette of the Tomons Pendant Light.
Modern farmhouse
Much like mid-century modern above, the modern farmhouse look doesn’t seem to be disappearing from stores and galleries any time soon. If you’re all in for shiplap and mason jars, this KICHLER Brinley Mini Pendant is perfect for your kitchen.
Traditional
Traditional furniture and fixtures can be difficult to incorporate into minimalist-leaning aesthetics. Not so for this Globe Electric 65842 Lily Pendant Lighting, which will look great in any space.
Transitional
Transitional designs continue to delight homeowners and apartment-dwellers alike. If you’re coping with a small kitchen in your transitional-style home, the youngrender Schoolhouse Pendant Lighting might be the answer to your problems.
Flush mounts and semi-flush mounts
If you’re not a fan of pendant lights, the following are some great close-to-the-ceiling options for you to try:
Art Deco
I adore these Brass Star Light Fixtures, which have that Art Deco sparkle but are still lowkey enough to blend in with the rest of your home décor.
Bohemian
Tiffany-style lighting might not seem very boho, but I think you’ll find that this gorgeous 20″ Wide Vintage Tiffany Ceiling Light will look great alongside the rest of your global décor.
Coastal
I love the look of this 3-Lights Farmhouse Rattan Chandelier. It has those perfect beachy vibes and a chic, contemporary silhouette.
Contemporary
Speaking of contemporary, let’s talk about the Ynzefly 6-Lights Ceiling Light Fixtures. The smoky glass and brass accents give this piece a modern appeal, making it a great alternative to those builder-grade disc lights.
Industrial
This Rustic Industrial Flush Mount Light Fixture is an elegant choice for fans of industrial décor. Pair with some walnut and mixed-metal accents for maximum effect.
Japandi
Quiet chic is the name of the game in Japandi designs, and I think you’ll agree that this DAKASON LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture perfectly represents the effortless style.
Mid-century modern
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of mid-century modern interiors, and I also love the light that multi-bulb overhead fixtures in kitchens provide. This KCO Lighting Industrial Ceiling Light ticks both boxes.
Modern farmhouse
The Depuley 5-Light Industrial Ceiling Light is an excellent choice to bring just the right amount of kitsch to your modern farmhouse kitchen — or would that be kitschen?
Traditional
Wrought iron chandeliers aren’t the only kind of traditional ceiling lighting out there; you’ll find classic flush and semi-flush mounts that also fit this design aesthetic. Don’t let the name of the BUXVRCS Modern Crystal Chandelier fool you — it’s as low profile as you can get without looking out of place in your traditional home.
Transitional
If you’ve ever found yourself confused about what exactly transitional style is, look no further than this VICNIE 12inch Ceiling Light for answers.
The quatrefoil pattern is a perennial favorite, and either of the two finish options — white and brushed nickel — can blend seamlessly with both traditional and contemporary furnishings.
Under-cabinet lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is essential for anyone who doesn’t want to be forced into turning on the overhead light every time they go to the kitchen for a midnight snack. Here are my favorite options:
Tape lights
When it comes to finding under-cabinet lighting options that are easy to DIY and give great results, it’s tough to beat tape lights. The LAFULIT 8 PCS Under Cabinet Lighting Kit has everything you need to install 13’ of under-cabinet lighting.
Motion-sensing LEDs
If you’re in the market for a higher-tech solution to your kitchen-lighting woes, this LED Closet Light might be the product you’re looking for. The rechargeable panels in this kit come with a remote control that lets you adjust the brightness to your liking.
Disc lights
Perhaps the easiest under-cabinet lighting system to install and use, these Starxing Puck Lights with Remote come with adhesive tape the manufacturer promises won’t damage your cabinets’ finish.
Candles and candleholders
If the overhead fixture is the only source of light in your small kitchen, you might find it difficult to have friends over for wine and tapas. After all, who wants to hang out in a harshly lit environment?
So long as you don’t leave them unattended or let them burn for too long, candles are a safe solution to your mood-lighting problems. Here are some fantastic picks based on your favorite home décor styles:
Art Deco
Art Deco is all about geometric patterns, sharp lines, and severe angles — not always the easiest to find at a time when organic shapes are back in style. You’ll find the dramatic silhouettes you love in this Iron Taper Candle Holder.
Bohemian
I’m a big fan of lowkey statement pieces — the small touches that invite conversation without overpowering the room. This set of three Jollifers Coconut Shell Candle Holders perfectly fits the bill for bohemians and anyone else who wants to curate a globetrotting style.
Coastal
It can be easy to overdo some design aesthetics, leaving you with a room that feels like it’s dressed up for Halloween. Coastal dwellers looking for chic kitchen candleholders should forgo the rattan, sisal, and seashells in favor of these understated blue ARIAMOTION Hurricane Candle Holders.
Contemporary
Contemporary décor doesn’t need to be avant-garde, as this OLEEK Metal Candle Holders Set shows. These wrought iron pieces are perfect for setting the mood during your next social gathering, but they’re also just nice to look at, even when they aren’t in use.
Industrial
You don’t have to go over the top with exposed brick and old metal pipe fixtures to embrace industrial décor. Look no further than the yshengood Glass Hurricane Candle Holder Set of 3’s black-coated steel and perfectly orderly right angles for your kitchen lighting needs.
Japandi
With their neutral tone and organic shape, these adorable little Cabilock 2Pcs Ceramic Candlestick Holders are a must-add for any Japandi and/or Nordic home.
Mid-century modern
This mid-century modern Matte Black Candle Holder Centerpiece is the largest and most dramatic candleholder on this list by far. It’s an excellent statement piece to add to your MCM entryway, mantel, or kitchen island.
Modern farmhouse
Milk glass is an integral element of modern farmhouse décor, and fluted designs never go out of style. Check out this Taper Candle Holder Set if you’re looking for a small but notable addition to your kitchen décor.
Traditional
Silver candlesticks are a longstanding staple of traditional-style homes, to the extent that bridal websites still recommend them to new couples compiling their wedding registries.
But, let’s face it — silver candlesticks are expensive. If you want the look without the splurge, you can’t go wrong with this Hosley Set of 2 Silver Finish Taper Candle Holder 8″ High.
Transitional
Fans of transitional stylings have myriad options for candleholders; they can safely choose about anything in this section of the article!.
However, if you’re looking for something that stands out from the rest, consider adding this Blue Clear Glass Candle Holder Set of 3 to your kitchen.
