Lighting is one of the most transformative elements of kitchen design. It shapes not only how your space looks but also how it feels and functions.
We believe to achieve a well-lit kitchen, layering different types of lighting is the key—each serving a distinct purpose.
This guide will walk you through how to curate lighting for your kitchen that seamlessly transitions between cooking, dining, and entertaining.
1. Layering Light: Combine Multiple Sources for Maximum Impact
A successful kitchen lighting plan uses a combination of lighting types to suit various purposes.
Pendant Lights & Wall Lights: Statement and Function
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Use pendants over islands or dining tables to create focal points and define eating areas.
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Add ambiance by wiring pendants or wall lights to switch separately—perfect for cozy evenings or intimate meals.
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Select lighting fixtures that complement your kitchen style, such as, clear glass pendants for a modern look, or metal pendants for a more rustic charm. A good example for this can be seen in our Chepstow Project.
Downlights: Ambient & Accent Lighting
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Downlights provide an even illumination throughout the space, especially when arranged in a grid pattern, making the kitchen brighter and more functional.
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You can break the grid, and position downlights close to stone walls and cabinetry to highlight textures and design features. For example, in our Devauden Project where the downlights wash down the cabinetry.
LED Strips: Subtle Luxury and Task Illumination
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Perfect for under shelves and wall cabinets to illuminate the work surfaces.
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Consider installing LED strips inside display cabinets like out bifold butler’s pantry under the shelves to highlight your workspace and draw attention to the striking display units like our Cardiff Project have done in their oak veneer infold unit.
Natural Light: Maximise and Balance
Plan your kitchen around the aspect it faces, is your kitchen facing north, east, south or west-facing. Knowing this will allow you to plan the layout to optimize the natural light throughout the day like in our Caldicot Project.
Avoid dark corners by positioning tall cabinetry away from windows or on the opposite/back wall.
Choose complementary colours for your space—warmer tones for north-facing kitchens and cooler tones for south-facing kitchens.
Maximise natural light within your budget and scope, such as by adding larger windows or Velux skylights where possible
2. Colour Temperature: Set the Right Mood
Light colour temperature plays a significant role in defining your kitchen’s atmosphere. Here's what to consider:
Understand Your Options:
Warm white (2000K–3000K) offers a cozy, yellowish glow.
Cool white (5500K–6500K) creates a bright, crisp, bluish light.
We recommend a natural warm light (around 4000K) for a balanced brightness that feels warm yet energizing.
Natural Light at different times:
South-facing kitchens receive the brightest warm light.
North-facing kitchens tend to get consistent cool light.
East-facing kitchens see cooler bright morning light.
West-facing kitchens enjoy golden afternoon light.
3. Smart Dimmers and Controls: Flexibility for Every Mood
Smart controls allow you to adapt your lighting to suit the time of day or your activities in your kitchen space. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Use dimmers to soften lighting in the evening for a relaxing vibe.
Switch pendant lights, spotlights, and LED strips independently for versatile mood-setting options.
Treat your kitchen like a theatre stage to zone and create focal points. For example after preparing dinner, turn off task lighting and switch on the pendants lights over the dining table to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere for enjoying your meal.
By layering lighting, choosing the right colour temperatures, and incorporating smart controls, you can create a kitchen that’s not just functional but also a joy to cook, dine, and entertain in. Whether you’re showcasing your design details or setting the mood for a family meal, your kitchen lighting can help you to enjoy that space even more.
