Are you in the process of building a new kitchen or upgrading an existing one? Knowing which light fixture to select for the kitchen island can be confusing. The variety of lighting options in the market can also make decision-making overwhelming. Apart from adding a flair of charm and luxury to the space, your island lighting should be functional. These light fixtures are primarily designed for task lighting. As such, they should provide ample light to support activities like cooking and eating.
In this guide, you’ll discover effective lighting options for your kitchen island.
Essential Measurements for Your Kitchen Island Lighting
While your kitchen may require several light fixtures for optimal lighting, the lights above your kitchen island tend to stand out from the rest. But how do you identify the right lighting for your space? The key to proper kitchen island lighting selection is measurement. Here’s what you should consider:
Size of Kitchen Island
Understandably, the lights you place above your kitchen island shouldn’t be larger than its total surface area. The reason is that it’ll cause a misbalance in illumination for the overall place. Not to mention the unsightly look it’ll form. You don’t want your island kitchen lighting to appear as an afterthought, right? Measuring the length and width of your kitchen island helps homeowners determine the right sizing for their light fixture installation. It can also help you decide the lighting style you want to adopt for the area.
Distance Between the Ceiling and an Average Person’s Height
If you decide to install hanging lights above your kitchen island, you need to ensure that there will be no obstruction. To determine the vertical clearance, homeowners should calculate the distance between the ceiling and the island’s countertop. Ideally, your lights should hang between 30 and 36 inches above your island’s surface.
The Different Lighting Options for Your Kitchen Island
There are three primary designs best suited for lighting up your kitchen island. Homeowners can select any light fixture designs from the options listed below:
Chandeliers
If you’re looking to make a statement, then these are the perfect choice for you. These light fixtures introduce an elegant and luxurious vibe to any space. The kitchen island is the central hub of your kitchen. And, a chandelier helps shine the perfect spotlight on it. With plenty of styles to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect design for your kitchen island.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights have become a popular choice for most homeowners in recent times thanks to their heightened visual appeal. They’re also easy to blend with most interior designs. Unlike chandeliers, they feature singular lights which allows you to use multiple of them in an area. You can add up to four pendant lights or even more depending on the size of your kitchen island.
Here’s a guide on the ideal pendant or chandelier sizing for your kitchen island:
|
Length of Kitchen Island |
Pendant Diameter (Inches) |
|
Around 6 feet |
12 |
|
Around 7 feet |
16 |
|
Around 9 feet |
20 |
|
Around 10 feet |
24 |
|
Around12 feet |
30 |
Homeowners installing multiple pendant lights can follow the steps below to determine how far they should space the light fixtures:
- Calculate the length of your island in inches.
- Measure the diameter of your preferred pendant size. Multiply the value by the number of pendants you want to install.
- Subtract the product of step 2 from the value obtained in step 1.
- To enhance accuracy, account for an additional theoretical pendant. For example, if you wish to install three pendants, add one to make four.
- Divide the value obtained from step 3 by the number of pendants in step 4.
- The resulting value represents how far you should space your pendant lights.
Pro Tip!
Always stick to the rule of three when hanging multiple pendant lights. This design guide enforces that you should hang light fixtures in odd numbers as they tend to be more visually appealing. It works!
Ceiling Fan With a Light
This lighting style is great for modern kitchens. The additional cooling factor is essential, especially for homeowners who love hosting. It helps create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone around. The sleek blade design is perfect for contemporary spaces.
Track Lights
Are you going for a minimalist vibe in your kitchen? Then, this lighting option is ideal for you. The subtle nature of this lighting provides an intimate ambiance that your guests are bound to love. These light fixtures are also adjustable making them easy to use for highlighting specific focal points in your kitchen. Homeowners who prefer modern kitchenettes will love this lighting option.
Tips for Optimal Illumination for Your Kitchen Island
Apply Symmetry
This is especially for homeowners with large kitchen spaces as they’re likely to have two or more kitchen islands. Ensure you affix similar light fixture designs above both surfaces to ensure uniformity.
Pay Attention to Other Light Fixtures in the Room
Lighting experts will always advocate for layered lighting in a space. But, you should be careful not to clash the designs. The light fixtures you choose should complement each other and make the overall space more warm and inviting. For easy combinations, it’s best to pair statement light fixtures with more subdued designs.
Use Wall Lights
This is especially ideal for homeowners with small kitchens. A stylish pair of wall sconces can help brighten up and complement the interior design of the space. You can also experiment with a single light fixture on the thin side of the kitchen island. Knowing which lights to use can make even smaller spaces look mighty.
Transform Your Kitchen Island From Drab to Fab With Stylish Lighting
The kitchen is the soul of a home. It’s a space where you and your loved ones make memories and strengthen connections sharing delicious meals, glasses of wine, or cups of tea. To make it welcoming and inviting for your guests, the lighting should be right. And, the guidelines highlighted in this article will help make your kitchen island the perfect centerpiece for your cooking area. Ultimately, the light design you select for your kitchen should offer the perfect mix of functionality and aesthetics.
For those looking to enhance their kitchen's ambiance further, Seus Lighting offers a diverse range of lighting solutions that blend seamlessly with any kitchen decor. From subtle under-cabinet lighting to statement-making island fixtures, explore Seus Lighting's kitchen lighting solutions to find the perfect blend of practicality and design flair that will transform your kitchen into a truly heartwarming space.