How many recessed lights do I need?

It depends on the room and other fixtures. We lay them out to balance light and avoid glare.

What bulb color should I choose?

Many kitchens use warm to neutral white. We test samples.

Do I need under-cabinet lights?

They are one of the most useful upgrades for task lighting.

How high should pendants hang?

High enough to keep sight lines open and low enough to light the surface. We set it on site.

Kitchen Lighting Plan | How to Light a Kitchen

Four layers

Ambient lighting fills the room, task lighting illuminates work areas, accent lighting highlights features and decorative lighting adds style. A kitchen with only one layer feels flat or harsh. Using all four creates comfort and depth.

Plan each layer on its own switch or dimmer, so you can shape the light for cooking, cleaning or relaxing.

Ambient lighting

Recessed cans, flush mounts or track fixtures provide the general light. Space them to light the room evenly and avoid shadows on work areas. Too many cans can feel like a hospital.

Bounce light from a light ceiling and light walls also helps.

Task lighting

Under-cabinet lights, pendants over the island and a fixture over the sink bring light where you chop and read. They solve the shadow problem that ceiling lights create.

Choose bulbs with good color quality so food looks right.

Accent and decorative lighting

Light inside glass cabinets, above cabinets or in toe kicks adds depth and a night glow. Pendants and chandeliers give the room personality. They can be the jewelry of the kitchen.

Keep proportions in mind. Large pendants over an island should not block sight lines.

Bulb color and quality

Warm white feels cozy, neutral white feels crisp and cool white can feel clinical. Many people choose a warm to neutral white in kitchens. Keep the color consistent throughout the room.

Look for good color rendering so tomatoes look like tomatoes. Dimmable LEDs offer flexibility.

Placement and spacing

Place recessed lights so they shine on counters, not on your head. Space pendants evenly and hang them at a height that does not block views. Align lights with cabinets and islands.

Walk through the plan with a sketch before the ceiling is opened.

Controls and wiring

Dimmers, smart switches and scene controls make lighting flexible. Place switches where they make sense at each entrance. Plan the wiring before drywall goes up so it stays tidy.

Good lighting is invisible. You just notice that the kitchen feels right.