5 Bright Ideas for Kitchen Island Lighting

By Pro.com

Of all the spots in your kitchen, the island might get the most attention. It’s a central gathering place as well as work space, so choosing the proper lighting for this spot is a must. You’ll want bright lights that also serve as a beautiful accent, or even focal point, in the room.

(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)
(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)

Here are five suggestions when it comes to picking fixtures.

1. Chandeliers

They’re not just for elegant entryways or dining rooms. Installing a modern or stylish chandelier can add a pop of art and even elegance to your kitchen. If you need a little more light, opt for several miniature ones so the contrast between form and function in your kitchen doesn’t get gaudy.

(Credit: KUPRYNENKO ANDRII/Shutterstock)
(Credit: KUPRYNENKO ANDRII/Shutterstock)

2. Track Lights

Once tacky, now refined, track lighting is a great option for those with low ceilings. You can tuck them against a beam or opt for a more architectural fixture to bring bright and airy light to your space.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

3. Pendants

A great choice for kitchen islands are pendents. You can opt for very simple looking ones, because when featured as a group, that simplicity suddenly becomes very chic. They’re also great if you have an ornate fixture in the same room or nearby because they compliment it rather than compete for attention.

(Credit: MR. INTERIOR/Shutterstock)
(Credit: MR. INTERIOR/Shutterstock)

4. Wide Lights

If you like the light produced from several pendants but not the look, you can install a fixture that is extra wide. Strip lights are very modern, or lights with exposed bulbs can be both rustic or contrast well in a modern kitchen.

(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)
(Credit: pics721/Shutterstock)

5. Top to Bottom Lighting

If your kitchen doesn’t feature a lot of natural light or you simply like a brightly lit workspace, light up your kitchen from top to bottom. Get creative and mix it up with recessed lighting, overhead fixtures and floor lights.

(Credit: yampi/Shutterstock)
(Credit: yampi/Shutterstock)
 
 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

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