Photo: @assalveshome
Beautiful, yes, but that’s not enough. When choosing a kitchen chandelier, there are some details we need to pay attention to: size, material, and also where we’ll place it. And above all, we need to remember that in most cases, a single light source won’t be enough, and we’ll need to pair the classic pendant with other, equally important lights.
1. How many light points should you plan for in a kitchen?
There are small kitchens that feel suspended in time, as well as huge open-plan kitchens that become the heart of the home. So, it’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, because it depends on the size of the room, whether there’s a table or an island, and many other factors... However, there are a few key points to keep in mind because lighting it incorrectly is easier than you think.
The chandelier and all other light sources, such as spotlights or table lamps, should be positioned to illuminate all the key areas of the kitchen: the sink, food prep area, cooktop, and breakfast or dining table. Each of these should have a dedicated light source. Think about how important it is to see clearly while reading a recipe, chopping vegetables, or checking on your cooking while preparing a romantic dinner or decorating a birthday cake.
2. How/where should you place the chandelier in the kitchen?
Considering that the chandelier will be the kitchen’s main light source, the ideal spot to place it is above the table or island, making them even more of a focal point in the room.
Imagine a family dinner with a table full of food and children’s laughter, or a standing aperitif with friends gathered around a designer island, glasses clinking.
In these cases (and in any others you can think of), you can consider solutions with broad, diffused light—comfortable for your eyes, relaxing, and perfect for socializing.
Photo: @athomeonthegrove
3. And how do you light up kitchen cabinets?
The most classic solution is technical under-cabinet lighting, already present in many kitchens.
But if the model you’ve chosen doesn’t have this type of built-in lighting or you want something more unique, you could opt for spotlights, customizable to match your home’s style.
However, be careful where you install them: you need to avoid creating shadow areas and reflections on objects. For this reason, it’s best to position the light sources centered over the work surface, projecting the beam of light perpendicularly and centrally onto the countertop.
Photo: @seasidevictorianhome
4. What is the right light intensity for the kitchen?
The perfect amount of light is what best illuminates the area you need: too little will strain your eyes, but too much will be uncomfortable. The choice depends on the type of kitchen you have, its colors, and the room’s ambient lighting. The most important thing is to have light in the right spots, without overdoing it: 4-5 Watts focused where you need them can be better than 20 Watts spread out.
Don’t forget that many kitchen lamps and chandeliers allow you to adjust the brightness as you like: by dimming the light, you can always achieve the perfect level of brightness.
Because you might find yourself cooking up delicious meals at noon on the brightest summer days, but also reheating leftovers in the middle of the night (and maybe in those cases you’ll need even more to see things… in the right light!).
Photo: Alessandra / Studio Mimoa Milano
5. Is there an ideal temperature for the light of kitchen chandeliers?
In general, warm light bulbs cause less eye strain because they produce fewer UV rays compared to cooler light bulbs.
And especially while we’re cooking, the lights should be as neutral as possible to avoid altering the color of the dishes. Ideally, you want light sources between 2700 and 3500 Kelvin.
Photo: @ale_spadina
6. Which materials are best for kitchen chandeliers? And what should be avoided?
Creativity in the kitchen knows no bounds. And no, we're not talking about dishes with exquisite pairings and elaborate gourmet preparations, but about interior design styles and light design.
If you’re thinking about which chandelier to put in your kitchen, keep in mind that some materials tend to absorb grease and odors—common when preparing and cooking food—while others are easier to clean.
So yes to lampshades in metal or painted materials, and be extra careful if you choose materials that are harder to clean, like fabrics.
Photo: @halfpaintedhouse
7. What changes with open floor plans?
If the rooms are close together, it’s better to use the same pendants, or coordinated lamps and chandeliers.
Not coordinating the type of lighting could make the room’s style chaotic and inconsistent—just like with the rest of the furniture and decor.
Photo: Milanese design studio Moodular
8. What’s the most common mistake people make when choosing kitchen lighting and chandeliers?
One of the most common mistakes when choosing kitchen lighting is underestimating the number of light sources.
People often think a powerful light bulb is enough to properly illuminate the work surface, but it’s actually better to have multiple light sources. We’ve also come across a DIY kitchen chandelier installed… too close to the cabinets, so they couldn’t open anymore! So, yes to stylish choices, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to ask a professional.
Here are some ideas for the perfect kitchen ceiling canopy for…
...a modern kitchen Clean, simple lines, neutral colors. Here are some ideas for lighting with a minimal style.
...a shabby chic kitchen
All pastel shades, or white and beige, with soft, gentle lines.
...a Nordic and Scandinavian kitchen
Clean, minimal lines, simple and highly functional design. The color? White, or beige.
...a colorful kitchen
Love color and pop accents in your lamps too? Here are some themed ideas.
...an ethnic and boho chic kitchen
Hippie and ‘70s vibes, references to nature and exotic lands.
...an industrial kitchen Iron, raw finishes, exposed bricks for a bold style.
...a classic, traditional kitchen
Solid wood and ceramic handles, framed doors in warm colors.
