10 Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas for a Stylish Glow

The kitchen island is the centerpiece of any great kitchen.

The kitchen island affords one ample space to create and savor the joys of cooking, as well as entertain and enjoy the company of guests.

Such a luxury deserves equally beautiful lighting, and today’s leading lovers of cuisine and interior design alike have created the best in kitchen lighting, which naturally includes the kitchen island.

Elegant kitchen with luxurious gold pendant lighting above a dark island, complemented by white cabinetry, marble backsplash, and modern appliances

A well-lit kitchen island ensures safety and clarity while prepping and cooking. It also allows the chef to show off his talents while keeping his companion equally engaged. Island lighting can lend ambiance to nighttime dinner parties, as well as a cheerful openness during morning feasts.

While dome fixtures evoke a vintage main street diner, recessed LED lights are ideal for islands with accompanying overhangs for pots and pans. A well-placed industrial bulb casts a chic factory air, while the nouveau light fixture is available in all artistic renditions. Great kitchen lighting gives you a chance to turn your kitchen into a personal gallery.

Charming kitchen with glass pendant lights above a white island, overlooking a garden through large windows with natural ligh

It’s no secret that lighting can transform a space entirely, either lifting it from dismal regularity or elevating it to unimaginable new heights. The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home, where memories are made over mouthwatering cuisine.

Such a sacred place deserves to be cast in the best possible light. To spark your creativity, we’ve come up with the best kitchen lighting ideas. You’ll soon be able to create something equally special in your home. Let’s get started!

1. Pendant Lights

Stylish kitchen with large black vintage-inspired pendant lights above a white marble island, complemented by sleek wooden bar stools and dark cabinetry

Pendant lighting is the most common way to light up a kitchen island. These look fantastic and hang from the ceiling just over your island. They can be in many different styles of light fixture but usually have a lamp that focuses the light down below.

Contemporary kitchen with metallic chrome small pendant lights hanging above a minimalist white island, complemented by sleek cabinetry and modern furnishings

Charming kitchen with rustic wood accents, featuring industrial-style pendant lights above a white island, complemented by woven bar stools and exposed wooden beams

Depending on the size of your kitchen, you’ll probably need more than just one pedant light as you’ll want enough light to cover your whole area. For the most versatile and elegant of kitchen lighting ideas, you can’t go wrong with pendant lights.

Elegant kitchen with large polished pendant lights hanging above a white island, complemented by soft gray stools and modern design elements

Vintage black metal pendant lights hanging under a wooden ceiling above a kitchen island with stools, creating a rustic and warm atmosphere

Charming kitchen with rustic silver metal pendant lights hanging above a gray island, complemented by white cabinetry, a herringbone backsplash, and exposed wooden beams

2. Task Lighting

Modern kitchen featuring star-shaped pendant lights above a stylish island with marble countertop and gray cabinetry

Task lighting is where you have lights directed over one specific area so you can do that task in the correct kitchen lighting. A pendant light can come into this category but some of them don’t have enough power to act fully as a task light.

Charming kitchen with industrial-style large pendant lights above a white marble island, accented with blue cabinetry and wooden bar stools

If you wanted a mix of kitchen lights, then having a task light can be a great addition. As well as over your kitchen island, you could put it over a dining table, over a kitchen cabinet, or a preparation area. These lights allow you to focus on the task at hand.

A contemporary kitchen featuring dark cabinets, sleek pendant lights above the island, and wooden stools for a stylish yet functional space

Bright kitchen featuring large white pendant lights above a marble island, with wooden stools and exposed wooden beams

Elegant kitchen with a gold and grey large pendant lamp above a marble island, complemented by soft lighting and a spacious window

3. Flush Mount Lighting

Striking star chandelier above the kitchen island, accompanied by large pendant lights, creating a modern and dramatic effect

A flush mount light fixture is where you have a light fixture attached very close to the ceiling. You also have a semi flush mount which will hang a little lower. These are some of the best kitchen lighting ideas if you have a low ceiling that isn’t suitable for pendant lights but can also be a great way to compliment your pendant lights with brighter spotlights.

This kitchen features a stunning black and white design with elegant square metal chandeliers above a spacious island, offering a sophisticated atmosphere

The other alternative to a flush mount is recessed lighting but flush mounts are great for those who still want something unique in their kitchen. Another variation is to have pendant lights that don’t hand very far from the ceiling.

Stylish kitchen featuring large white dome pendant lights above a minimalist island with wooden bar stools and a warm wood ceiling

Modern kitchen with gold-framed pendant chandeliers above a white and black marble island, complemented by sleek cabinetry and a stylish range hood

4. Recessed Lighting

Modern kitchen featuring round polished nickel chandeliers above the island, complemented by a sleek gray color scheme and contemporary design elements

If you have a low ceiling or just don’t want your lights to be the main feature then a recessed light can be a great idea. This is where you have a ceiling light built into your existing structure so that it doesn’t protrude at all.

Elegant kitchen featuring gold chandeliers above a spacious white marble island with modern gold-accented stools and sleek cabinetry

Stunning kitchen with a geometric gold pendant light above a white and navy island, complemented by sleek white cabinetry and dark wood flooring

This type of recessed fixture is ideal for bright LED blubs that can illuminate your kitchen. One of the best kitchen lighting ideas is to combine your recessed lighting with another light fixture such as a pendant light which can give your kitchen added versatility.

Two elegant black lantern-style chandeliers hang over a gray and white kitchen island, creating a refined and stylish atmosphere

Modern kitchen with sleek orb pendant lights hanging above a white marble island, complemented by dark wood cabinetry and minimalist decor

Modern kitchen with sleek white cabinetry and small pendant lights hanging above a pristine white island, featuring dark wood flooring

5. Accent Lighting

Luxurious kitchen with brass pendant lights above a marble island, gray bar stools, and elegant design elements

Accent lighting is similar to task lighting in that they focus on one particular spot. The difference is that accent lighting is more for aesthetic reasons rather than anything practical. They are often used as a wall light but can be used for a kitchen island too.

Elegant kitchen with pendant lighting above a marble island, complemented by wooden bar stools, modern appliances, and sleek white cabinetry

Accent lights are great for setting a mood. If you had a dimmer switch then you can essentially turn your pendant task lights into accent lights by just turning them down a little. If you have an open plan area, this can be great for transforming your kitchen into a beautiful area once the cooking is done.

Two wicker ceiling lamps hang above a kitchen island, with a marble countertop, white cabinetry, and natural light coming through large windows

Stylish kitchen with silver and white pendant lights above a white marble island, complemented by modern wooden bar stools and minimalist decor

6. Cabinet Lighting

Modern kitchen with a statement chandelier above a marble island, sleek gray cabinetry, and stylish lighting

When working out your complete lighting solution, you need to think about how each light will complement the other. If you’re looking for great kitchen lighting ideas then a great effect is to have an ambient kitchen island light along with under cabinet lighting.

Modern kitchen with sleek black mini pendant lights above a white marble island, complemented by clean cabinetry and a minimalist design

Undercabinet lighting can also double up as task lighting too as it shines a light on your workspace. For many people though, a cabinet light will be there for its aesthetic beauty rather than having much practical use.

Modern kitchen with large black pendant lights above an island, wood accents, and stylish dining area with large windows

7. Chandelier

Elegant kitchen with crystal chandeliers above a black and white marble island, complemented by sleek gold-accented bar stools

Nothing says beauty and opulence quite like having a chandelier. This is a lighting fixture that can become the main focus of the room and get a lot of attention. There are many different types of chandelier so you can work out which one is best for you.

Modern kitchen featuring elegant gold pendant lights above a sleek black and white marble island with high-end appliances

One of the obvious factors about a chandelier is that you need to have enough clearance to make it possible as your light fixture will hang down quite fae from the ceiling. There is no doubt that a chandelier can put the finishing touch on a beautiful kitchen.

Elegant kitchen featuring round brass chandeliers with tube LEDs above a white marble island, complemented by sleek white cabinetry and minimalist decor.

8. Edison Bulb

Contemporary kitchen featuring large black square chandeliers above a marble island, with stylish leather bar stools

One thing you might not have considered is the type of bulb that you wanted to use, they’re all the same, right? Well, that’s not true and the Edison bulb can be a brilliant addition. This is a classic type of bulb which has an industrial look.

Elegant kitchen with black lantern-style pendant lights above a white marble island, complemented by metal bar stools and light cabinetry

Bright kitchen featuring large metal and glass pendant lights above a white island, complemented by dark wood floors and sleek cabinetry

A perfect way to complement your Edison bulb is with a cage light which is a more mechanical-looking pendant light. If you love the more industrial look then the cage light and Edison bulb can be an amazing combination. You can also opt for a cage light but with a traditional bulb, which also looks fantastic.

This kitchen features stunning island lighting, with glass pendant lights that complement the rustic wooden beams and spacious layout

Three geometric chandeliers illuminate a sleek gray kitchen island, creating an elegant and airy modern space

Modern kitchen with black and white cabinetry, marble countertops, small black pendant lights, and stylish wooden stools

9. Track Lighting

Contemporary kitchen with a sleek marble island, white bar stools, and unique glass and metal pendant lighting

If you have a longer space to cover then one of the best lighting ideas is to have track lights. These are essentially one light fixture that has a line of light bulbs. These come in many styles and can be a creative way of getting enough light.

Modern kitchen featuring a long LED strip light above a white island, complemented by colorful yellow bar stools and sleek cabinetry

They can also be called string lights and are a more modern type of chandelier. Along with this, you get the coverage of multiple pendant lights but encased in just one fixture. If you’re looking for creative kitchen lighting ideas, this is a great solution.

Sleek white kitchen with modern track lighting above the island, creating a bright, functional, and minimalist space

Stylish kitchen featuring a gold contemporary light fixture above a marble island, with wood cabinetry and modern bar stools

Elegant kitchen with glass crystal ball pendant lights above a marble island, exposed wooden beams, and modern stainless steel appliances

10. Ambient Lighting

A sleek modern kitchen with crystal glass ball lights hanging above the island, providing a contemporary feel while offering stunning views of the city at night

Ambient lighting is any type of lighting that is meant to set a mood. Ambient light isn’t usually great for completing tasks such as cooking but instead is great for when you are hosting guests and want a warmer level of illumination.

Modern kitchen with glass ball pendant lights hanging above a marble island, featuring stainless steel appliances and a bright, airy design

A great ambient light can work from dimmer switches that will change the color temperature of the space. This can add immense beauty to your kitchen island and make it a great social space for either family or friends.

Modern kitchen with sleek glass pendant lights above a marble island, creating a sophisticated look with natural lighting

Charming kitchen with gold pendant fixtures above a blue island, complemented by white bar stools and a beautiful floral arrangement

FAQs

How many lights should be on a kitchen island?

When it comes to overhead lighting, there are no set rules on how many light bulbs that you need. The right number of lights will depend on the length of your kitchen island. As a general rule, three pendant lights can look aesthetically pleasing but if it’s particularly big, then four or more may be needed.

How do you light a kitchen island?

As we’ve seen here, there are many different ways to light your kitchen island. You may choose recessed spotlights in your ceiling, pendant kitchen light fixtures, or perhaps you’ll want to make your kitchen design stand out with a beautiful chandelier. As long as you have light shining directly down onto your kitchen island, you can do whatever you want.

How big should your light be over island?

This will depend on what you’re using your kitchen island for. Some like to use it as a cooking and preparation area but for others, they will use it as a place to dine and socialize. If it’s the former, then you’ll want to have a pendant light that is bright enough for your tasks. If it’s the latter, then you can focus on the type of ambient lighting you’d have in a breakfast nook.

How do you choose pendant lights over an island?

Pendant lights can come in all shapes and sizes. You want to choose one that fits in with the design of your kitchen while also giving you enough kitchen island lighting. If you have high ceilings and a large kitchen island, then it’s best to go for a bigger light fixture. If you’re worried about enough light, then you always have the option of installing brighter bulbs.

Should pendant lights be centered over a kitchen island?

With pendant lights, you want them to be symmetrical and an equal distance apart. If you have an odd number of lights, then the middle light should be centered directly over the middle of your island. Each light beside it should then be an equal distance from every other light. This adds some beautiful symmetry and gives it the best visual effect.