How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, where cooking, entertaining, and family moments come together. But the right lighting does more than brighten a room, it transforms how your kitchen feels and functions.
Whether you’re renovating or refreshing your space, this guide breaks down how to choose the perfect lighting setup, from ambient to task and accent lighting, plus where to place LED strips for that professional finish.
- Understand the Three Layers of Kitchen Lighting
Before choosing fixtures, it’s important to understand the three main types of lighting every well-designed kitchen needs:
Ambient Lighting (General Light)
This is your kitchen’s main light source, illuminating the space evenly.
Best options include:
- Downlights or recessed spotlights
- Large pendant lights (especially over islands)
Tip: Aim for a warm-to-natural colour temperature (around 2700–4000K) to balance brightness with comfort.
Task Lighting (Focused Work Light)
Task lighting provides bright, concentrated light where you need it most, for preparing food, reading recipes, or cleaning.
Best options include:
- Under-cabinet LED strips or spotlights: Ideal for illuminating worktops without casting shadows.
- Pendant lights over islands: Perfect for adding both style and practicality.
Placement tip: Install under-cabinet lighting toward the front edge of cabinets to ensure the light spreads evenly across the countertop.
Accent Lighting (Mood or Decorative Light)
Accent lighting adds depth and dimension, helping you highlight design features or create atmosphere in the evening.
Best options include:
- Plinth lights or LED strips: Subtle glow along the base of your units creates a floating effect.
- Above-cabinet LED strips: Perfect for indirect ceiling glow, adding warmth and height to the room.
- Glass cabinet lighting: Showcase your favourite crockery or glassware.
Need Professional Advice?
Sycamore’s range of 24V LED lighting solutions is designed to make it easy to create a perfectly lit kitchen. Explore options for under-cabinet, plinth, and accent lighting — all engineered for efficiency, simplicity, and stunning results. Click here to view the range