20 Kitchen Light Ideas For Small Kitchens To Enhance Your Natural Lighting

This post shows you the best kitchen light ideas for small kitchens to try today!

When I first moved into New York, my apartment had a small kitchen with two small windows.

The windows provided natural lighting, but it was not enough.

Unfortunately, when I installed additional lights, I realized that it had become overly bright.

It was then that I realized that creating a perfect ambiance in a small kitchen can be a challenge, especially when it comes to complementingthe natural lighting.

I engaged several lighting and interior designers who offered numerous kitchen light ideas.

If your kitchen is small, dim, and feels gloomy, these ideas can help you make it feel spacious, brighter, and more welcoming.

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A series of pendant lights for shadowed workspace

The pendant light along the workspace will go a long way to light the workspace.

They will offer you targeted illumination, for crucial spaces such as the kitchen island and sink area that might be shadowed.

So, if you have tons of natural light, use these pendant lights to enhance lighting in shadowed spaces.

Targeted lighting

You can use targeted lighting to light areas that receive less natural light.

Pendant lights with long cables to bring them closer to areas that need extra lighting are an excellent solution.

If you only need a few lights, place them over busy work spaces.

Lights in a central area

A single medium-sized pendant light can be enough especially if your kitchen is really small.

Place it in a central area where it spreads light to all the corners of your kitchen.

Ensure it hangs slightly above the top level of the cabinets to ensure lighting in all areas.

Permanent and Movable lights

Sometimes, permanent lights may not always provide lighting for every corner of the kitchen,however, well you place them.

In addition to targeted pendant light, you can use a movable light such as a glass-housed candle.

Place it on the worktop where you are currently working.

Multiple lights in several areas

If you like a bright kitchen, have multiple lights strategically placed in shadowed and busy areas.

Place several pendant lights above the breakfast counter to light the floor and the counter.

Also, have long under-cabinet lighting to reduce shadows and keep worktops bright.

Ceiling, under-cabinet, and pendant lighting

Your kitchen may be located in an area where it receives minimal natural light.

Therefore, you need several kinds of artificial lights.

Use pendant lights for your breakfast counter, protruding ceiling lights for your floor, and under-cabinet lights for your worktops.

Demarcated lighting

To have the best result in lighting a small, kitchen, demarcate your kitchen into several areas with separate lighting for each.

For instance, choose multiple globe pendant lights, for your kitchen island, under-cabinet lights for worktops, and lights inside cabinets and other storage areas.

Such is crucial if you have a limited source of natural light.

Placing the light away from the source of natural light

When placing light in the kitchen, ensure they complement the natural lighting by placing them in areas where natural lighting barely reaches.

You can place a mid-sized pendant light at the center of a kitchen section that is dark.

Asses the area and have the right size of the light for maximum lighting.

Lighting shadowed but crucial areas

Natural lighting is often dim under the cabinets due to shadows.

Use snake lights under the cabinets and ensure they get into hidden corners under the cabinets.

Also, place a bright hanging light above the worktop where you do most kitchen work.

Single overhead ceiling light

If your kitchen is painted white, you have the advantage of the surface reflecting light.

The white surface reflects light throughout the kitchen and hence you will only need a little addition for natural lighting.

Place a single overhead light at the center of the kitchen.

Focused illumination

Ensure every part of the kitchen is well-lit, by using pendant lights that focus on areas where natural light does not reach.

If you have a kitchen Island or breakfast counter that creates a shadow in the kitchen, focus the light on such.

Also, have small ceiling lights that increase the quantity of reflected light.

Pendant lights to eliminate shadows

To eliminate dark areas created by shadows of a kitchen island, place pendant light against the source of natural light and above the island.

Ensure the lights are hanging close to the surface of the island to light the surface and the floor.

It is important to consider the number and brightness of the lights depending on the area.

Targeted lighting using tracking lights

Use tracking lights for a better focus on dark areas.

Tracking lights ensures that each lighting unit targets a specific area not reached by natural light.

Place the tracking lights on the side of the kitchen that is far from the natural light source.

A mid-sized chandelier and under-cabinet lighting

A mid-sized chandelier will provide a significant amount of light in your kitchen.

Place it strategically in areas that are obstructed from natural light.

Also, useunder-cabinet lighting for worktops and sink areas.

Embedded square lights

A great alternative to snake lights under-cabinet lighting is embedded square lights.

They remove shadows created by cabinets for a brighter worktop.

Use dim pendant lights above the kitchen island especially if your kitchen has a skylight.

Wide circular lamp to increase brightness

If you have a ton of natural light that reaches every part of your kitchen, install a wide circular ceiling lamp.

Such will increase brightness, especially on cloudy days.

Ensure that it is placed in the center of the kitchen.

Minimal warm lighting and undercabinet lighting

If your kitchen has considerable quantities of natural light, you can use a single industrial-design pendant light with a bulb filament that emits a warm glow.

Place it in the middle of the kitchen or close to worktops.

Also, installundercabinet lighting to improve lighting in working areas.

Tracking and pendant lights

For a kitchen with a small source of natural light, use multiple types of lighting.

Tracking lights focus on specific dark or shadowed areas.

Pendant lights will increase the general brightness of the entire kitchen.

Bright drum shade light

If the natural light is not bright enough, increase the brightness with a big drum shade light.

Although it does not focus on specific areas, it sheds light on the kitchen.

Ensure that it is centrally placed.

Pendant lights and ceiling lights

You can enhance natural lighting by increasing brightness using small ceiling lights.

Use focused basket woven pendant lights for your kitchen island.

Increase the number of ceiling lights if you want a brighter atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I maximize natural light in a small kitchen?

To make the most of natural light in a small kitchen, start by using light, airy window treatments like sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily pulled back.

Position mirrors strategically to reflect light around the room, and choose reflective surfaces for countertops and backsplashes to amplify the brightness.

Additionally, consider using light-colored paint and finishes to keep the space feeling open and vibrant.

2. What types of light fixtures work best for small kitchens?

For small kitchens, opt for fixtures that provide ample illumination without overwhelming the space.

Consider pendant lights with sleek designs that offer both style and functionality.

Recessed lighting is another great option as it provides a clean look while distributing light evenly.

Under-cabinet lighting can also enhance both task lighting and the overall brightness of the kitchen.

3. Can I use a skylight in a small kitchen to improve natural lighting?

Absolutely! Skylights are an excellent way to introduce more natural light into a small kitchen.

They can brighten up the space without taking up valuable wall or counter space.

Make sure to choose a skylight with a high-quality, energy-efficient design to minimize heat loss and maintain comfort.

Adding a light-filtering shade can help you control the amount of light and privacy.

4. How can I incorporate LED lighting to complement natural light?

LED lighting is a fantastic complement to natural light as it offers bright, energy-efficient illumination.

Install LED strip lights under cabinets to brighten up work areas or use LED recessed lights to provide even illumination throughout the kitchen.

Opt for LED bulbs with a color temperature that matches natural light, typically in the range of 4000K to 5000K, for a seamless look.

5. What are some budget-friendly ways to enhance natural light in a small kitchen?

If you’re looking to enhance natural light on a budget, start with simple updates like painting your kitchen walls and ceilings with light, reflective colors.

Adding a glass or acrylic backsplash can also help reflect light around the space.

Consider swapping out heavy, dark curtains for light, airy options, and use inexpensive mirrors to bounce light around the room.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Kitchen” board.