26 Island Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Kitchen (2024)

Room Design

Kitchen Design

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  Try This Small Space Hack

  

  In a small kitchen, opt for see-through pendant lights that don't take up much visual space. They're just as functional yet will allow a room to appear more open and less crowded.

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• 02 of 26

  Add Some Industrial Flair

  

  If you crave an industrial farmhouse look in the kitchen, select fixtures like these, which pair beautifully with the exposed beams and woven bar stool seating.

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• 03 of 26

  Mix Black and White

  

  Three black pendants in a row pop in this mostly white kitchen. Generally, most kitchen fixtures are black, white, or metallic—these hues will stand the test of time and are quite versatile.

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  Make It Sculptural

  

  Make a statement in the kitchen with a sculptural chandelier like this one. This light fixture essentially doubles as art and complements this modern space perfectly.

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  Go Minimal

  

  See Also

  Kitchen Island Lighting Guide - Perfect Pendant PlacementTry These Kitchen Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your SpaceWhy You Most Definitely Need a Pendant Light in Your KitchenKitchen Lighting Ideas

  These barely there pendants are perfect for a minimalist. If you like to keep your kitchen as simple looking as possible, you'll certainly want to look into a lighting solution like this one.

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• 06 of 26

  Build Off of Existing Colors

  

  Many people will opt to hang one or more pendant lights above the island. When choosing yours, look at the other colors and textures present in your kitchen already. These white pendant lights nicely play off the marble backsplash and white walls.

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• 07 of 26

  Draw the Eye Upward

  

  For an abstract choice, opt for a sculptural fixture like this one. It draws the eye upward in the space without distracting from the kitchen's beautiful blue cabinetry and marble backsplash.

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  Make It Nice and Glam

  

  If you crave a touch of glamour in the kitchen, consider hanging a sparkly chandelier above the island. This type of crystal beauty doesn't just have to be for the dining room or bedroom.

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  Try an Artsy Addition

  

  If you're feeling artistic, try a unique-looking fixture like this one, which is comprised of many different globe lights. They look like piece of art thanks to their layering and various sizes.

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  Look to the Side

  

  In lieu of hanging a light fixture above the island, consider placing one off to the side, as seen here. A small sconce will fit nicely on a thin wall while still providing ample light.

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  Stick to the Classics

  

  There's nothing wrong with a classic approach. Here, two beautiful bronze and white pendants look elegant in this transitional kitchen. The gold metal pops against the dark wooden cabinets and drawers.

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  Play to Your Kitchen's Wood Tones

  

  Play off of soft wooden tones in the kitchen by selecting a neutral light fixture like this one. The piece ties the space together perfectly and the playful design adds character to the kitchen.

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• 13 of 26

  See Also

  55 Kitchen Lighting Ideas to Brighten Up Your Life

  Embrace Your Kitchen's Tall Ceilings

  

  This chandelier features dangling lights that almost resemble icicles. If you're looking to take advantage of a kitchen with particularly tall ceilings, as is the case here, a fixture like this one is an excellent choice since it elegantly hangs.

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  Keep Lighting Cohesive in a Loud Space

  

  The small fixture above this island plays off the larger globe fixture present above the dining table in this eat-in kitchen. Given that the room already contains a mix of patterns and colors, keeping things cohesive in the lighting department ensures that the space doesn't appear too chaotic.

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  Bring Some Farmhouse Charm Into Your Space

  

  A simple, farmhouse chandelier is a great pick for this contemporary kitchen. The black base plays to the black used on the nearby door and stands out in a sea of softer tones.

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  Say Yes to Something Sleek

  

  Not one for tons of details? This chrome rod-style light matches the stainless steel appliances in this kitchen so everything looks cohesive.

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  Try This Hidden Approach

  

  Track lighting placed high up above this island is somewhat hidden and contributes to the loft-like feel of this open kitchen. It may be discreet but provides ample ambient lighting when needed.

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  Bring on the Beads

  

  Beautiful beaded chandeliers aren't just for the bedroom. If you crave a bit of charm in the kitchen, a fixture like this one is a wonderful pick that's full of personality.

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  Pay Close Attention to Scale

  

  A large modern lighting fixture commands attention in this spacious kitchen. Be mindful of scale when choosing a fixture; closely consider width and height so that the lighting choice you select isn't too overpowering for your cooking space.

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  Try This Approach in a Small Kitchen

  

  A simple pendant light accompanies a pair of brass sconces in this small but mighty kitchen. Its design complements the small space with its minimal shape.

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  Try a Trio

  

  Three pendant lights in a row brighten up this already light-filled kitchen, which features floor-to-ceiling windows.

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  Take the Entire Room Into Account

  

  If you're going to also hang a light fixture above a nearby dining table, you will want to make sure that both fixtures in the room complement each other and do not compete for attention. It's best to pair a statement fixture with a more subdued style, as seen here.

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  Make It Playful

  

  Full of color, this open kitchen and living room hybrid space embraces the fun. A sculptural fixture fits right into this cheerful environment with its pretty glassware.

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  Stay Symmetrical

  

  If your kitchen contains two islands, opt for uniform fixtures above each. These industrial white pendants play to the walls in this space.

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  Install This Popular Fixture Style

  

  Another farmhouse-style fixture shines in this kitchen with its geometric shape. Fixtures of this style look great in the entryway or hallway if you're looking to add something unique.

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• 26 of 26

  Don't Pass on Brass

  

  Brass is an incredibly versatile material that looks outstanding in all kinds of kitchens. If you're ever in doubt about which finish to choose, note that you can rarely go wrong with a bit of gold.