Kitchen lighting: How to illuminate the heart of the home

Kitchen lighting is often overlooked or reduced to a single central ceiling light, but the kitchen is a space that requires a carefully planned lighting system. It is the place where food is prepared, family gathers, and where aesthetics meet functionality. Poor lighting can create shadows where precision is key, such as on worktops – while a well-planned lighting arrangement allows for safer, more comfortable,e and efficient work.

How to arrange lighting for maximum efficiency?

The kitchen requires a multi-layered approach. Basic lighting, most often in the form of a ceiling lamp, serves for general visibility, but it is not enough. Therefore, additional directional lighting under the upper elements is recommended – ideally, LED strips – that illuminate the work surfaces without casting shadows. If there is a kitchen island or dining area, pendant lamps are often placed there, which also adds ambient value to the space. Better lighting manufacturers offer models with the ability to regulate the intensity and color of the light, which further increases the flexibility of the kitchen space.

Practical suggestions for lighting different areas in the kitchen

If the sink is against the wall, place a spotlight or a small wall lamp at an angle to illuminate the sink without glare. Under the upper cabinets, discreet LED strips with warm white light (2700–3000 K) are recommended, and for the space above the island, grouped pendant lamps or linear lights with diffusers work well. If there is an open shelf in the kitchen, it can be emphasized with accent lighting that also adds an aesthetic dimension. Each light should have its role – functional or decorative – and a combination of multiple sources creates a space that is both warm and professionally lit.