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Good lighting can help liven up a space, and what better place to add aesthetic lighting than your kitchen. The kitchen is where most memories are made. It’s where you cook meals for your loved ones, bake with them, and have endless conversations. So it makes total sense to add the best lighting in your kitchen. There are many different types of light fixtures that you can choose from.

The best thing about these light fixtures is that they are versatile and can be added to any room in your house. If you’re looking to add more lighting to your home, keep reading. In this guide, we have rounded up some of the top-rated kitchen light fixtures and also discussed decor tips.

Kitchen Light Fixtures: Buying Guide

The great thing about good lighting is that it can help make a room look bigger. Most lighting fixtures work well and look amazing, and can add that extra bit of decor to your house. If you have an aesthetically pleasing lighting fixture, you can keep the rest of the decor minimalistic.

This guide has helpful information to help you find the best kitchen lighting fixture for your house.

Types of Lighting Fixtures

There are many different lighting fixtures that you can choose from. It all comes down to your preference. Here are just some of the types of lighting fixtures that you can choose from.

Chandelier

A chandelier is a type of lighting fixture that has multiple lightbulbs and other elements, such as sconces. Chandeliers tend to be on the bigger side and are seen as a sign of elegance. These lighting fixtures are attached to the ceiling and often sway lightly with the wind.

Most chandeliers will have a “drop“ effect due to all the glass and decor that’s hanging downwards. However, if you’re looking for a kitchen lighting fixture, a chandelier isn’t the best option since it takes up a lot of space on the ceiling. This type of lighting fixture fits better in hallways or large dining rooms.

Pendant Lighting

If you want a hanging light but don’t want something as big as a chandelier, a pendant light fixture is a great option. These types of fixtures are available in different designs and are usually very pleasing to look at. This light is also perfect for the kitchen since you can hang it over the island.

Most pendant light fixtures will have adjustable cords so that you can adjust the height according to your liking. These lights mostly hang from cords or cables and are very minimalistic in design.

Under-cabinet lighting

This is a type of lighting fixture that’s used in modern-style houses since it looks elegant while still being minimalist. These lights are attached underneath cabinets to help brighten up your kitchen. They give direct light so that you can cook with ease.

The best thing about these lights is that you can also attach color-changing bulbs so that you can change the mood when you’re entertaining guests. If you’re looking for something more fresh and aesthetic, this is a good pick.

Recessed lighting

This is another great lighting fixture for people who like to keep it minimal. These lights are built into the ceiling so that you don’t need any extra hanging decorations. They are also compatible with most bulbs and give you bright, direct lighting.

These lights are the best pick for your kitchen since they tend to give off more light.

How Can You Expand Your Kitchen Using Light?

Believe it or not, you can make a room look bigger with lighting. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, all it takes is a few good elements of lighting to help expand it. Firstly, make sure you avoid big lighting fixtures since they can take up a lot of space and make your kitchen look smaller than it is.

The best way to expand a room using light is to spread the light around the room. You can do this by using recessed lighting fixtures on each corner of your ceiling. Another option is to use sconce lighting fixtures on each corner since this will also help spread light.

But if you’re looking for something a bit more modern, you can use a pendant lighting fixture since it will help emphasize the height of your kitchen. Also, make sure you go for a brighter light rather than a dimmer one. This is because a darker light will make the room look smaller compared to white light.

The best thing to do is to use LED light bulbs since they tend to be bright. With these simple changes, you can make your kitchen look larger with just a few light fixtures.

LED Bulb vs. Halogen Bulb: What’s Better?

You may be wondering which light bulb to use when you get a new lighting fixture. Most kitchen lighting fixtures are compatible with different types of bulbs. Halogen bulbs aren’t preferred nowadays since they use up a lot of energy, and the heat makes them more prone to bursting.

LED bulbs, on the other hand, are the better pick since they don’t use any heat at all. Not only do they last much longer than a halogen bulb, but you also conserve energy using them. In fact, LED bulbs consume up to 75% less electricity compared to other bulbs.

Here Are the Best Kitchen Light Fixtures

ZGLAOJT Kitchen Light Fixture

– Best Overall

This is another great kitchen light fixture that not only helps brighten up the room but also looks very aesthetically pleasing. You can find this light fixture has different finishes like gold and chrome and a 6-bulb option. Since this lighting fixture is attached to the ceiling, it provides lighting throughout the whole room.

It is great for livening your kitchen and looks like a modern art piece. It will add a touch of elegance to the most essential room in your house. You can even use this light fixture in other rooms of your house, like your bedroom or sitting area. The base of this lighting fixture has some wiring, and it comes with an instruction book to help you attach it to your ceiling. You’ll surely get a lot of compliments from guests with this gorgeous kitchen light fixture.

Pros

  • Looks like a modern art piece
  • Can be added to any room
  • Available in a 6-bulb version
  • Available in different finishes

Cons

  • The assembly might be difficult

YAVILL Kitchen Light Fixture

– Runner Up

If you’re someone who wants to add a rustic feel to their kitchen so that you can be reminded of the good old days in your mom’s house, this is a great pick. This lamp will bring back memories of baking cookies with your grandma. It’s available in two different designs that you can pick according to your preference.

A great thing about this kitchen light fixture is that it’s made of a durable metal that won’t corrode, even as the years go by. You can use many different types of bulbs with this light fixture, including LED, CFL, and halogen bulbs. Another alluring feature of this cute ceiling light fixture is that you won’t struggle to install it. It comes with an easy set of directions and is quick to install. The inner side of this light fixture is painted rose gold to give you a gorgeous, warm light.

Pros

  • Compatible with many bulbs
  • Made of durable metal
  • Has anti-corrosion coating
  • Matches any kitchen setting

Cons

  • Only available in black

Pynsseu Kitchen Light Fixture

– Honorable Mention

This is yet another kitchen lighting fixture that looks like modern art and can be hung above the island. If you like elegant light pieces and want to add some warm lighting to your house, this is a good pick. It will help create a pleasant ambiance and surely get you a lot of compliments from your guests at your next dinner party.

The best thing about this light fixture is that it’s adjustable and has a detachable chain, so you can hang it at whatever height you want. It also has E26 bulb holders compatible with most bulb types, including LED. These lights are versatile and can be installed in almost any room of your house to give a romantic vibe. The lights feature a rectangular box with a criss-cross pattern made of sturdy metal. Moreover, these hanging lights are easy to install.

Pros

  • Looks aesthetically pleasing
  • Comes with a detachable chain
  • Compatible with most bulb types
  • Blends well with the interior

Cons

  • Doesn’t include lightbulbs

MAXvolador Kitchen Light Fixture

– Also Consider

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If you’re into lighting fixtures that not only brighten the room but also look pretty, this is the perfect lighting fixture for you. This kitchen lighting fixture has three hanging lights attached to a circular base that can be attached to the ceiling. The best thing about these lights is that the height is adjustable.

Whether you want all three lights to hang at a different or the same length, you can adjust them using the rope cords. The maximum length for the rope cords is up to 52.6 inches. Each light has a modern, edgy design and is great for people who like minimalistic lighting. Even if you have a sloped ceiling, you can easily install these lights. These lights include an instruction manual to make them easy for you to install.

Pros

  • Adjustable length
  • Looks aesthetically pleasing
  • Compatible with most bulbs
  • Comes with an instruction manual

Cons

  • Only available in black

Kitchen Light Fixture FAQ

Q: How can I determine what kind of light fixture I need?

A: In order to find out which type of light fixture will work best for your kitchen, it’s best to measure your room. You don’t want a light fixture that’s too big or hangs too low. So to start, make sure you measure the width and the length of your room. A helpful hack is to buy a fixture that has a space of at least 7ft from the bottom of the fixture to the floor.

Q: How do I stay safe when replacing my light fixture?

A: The first thing you need to do before replacing a lightbulb or your light fixture is to check the circuit panel. Make sure that the circuit is off so that you stay safe while changing your fixture. You can even use a circuit tester to ensure that it is turned off.

Q: How can I add more colors to my lighting without constantly changing bulbs?

A: You can find color-changing bulbs that come with a remote so you can change from white to yellow lighting with just a click of a button. Another good option is to get dimmer bulbs so that you can dim the lights during dinner parties.

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Founded in 1973, Old House Journal is the original authority when it comes to old-house restoration, traditional house styles, period kitchens, bath & kitchen restoration, DIY projects, gardens & landscaping, and more-- from Colonial and Victorian through Arts & Crafts and Mid-century Modern homes.

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