5 Kitchen Lighting Mistakes to Avoid
Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in kitchen design. Get it wrong, and your space can feel dim, unsafe, or unfinished. Here are five mistakes to steer clear of when planning your kitchen lighting.
1. Relying on Just One Light Source
A single ceiling fixture won’t cut it. Without layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting, your kitchen can feel flat and impractical.
2. Skipping Pendant Lights Over the Island
Islands are multi-use zones for prepping, dining, and gathering. Ignoring this area means missing a chance to add warmth and focus with pendants.
3. Forgetting About Beam Spread
Not all lights cast the same reach. Overly narrow beams create dark corners, while a wide beam angle distributes light evenly across the room.
4. Overlooking Task Lighting
Chopping, cooking, and handling hot pans in poor light is a safety hazard. Bright, focused light is essential for countertops, stoves, and sinks.
5. Not Using Dimmers or Multiple Switches
Your kitchen needs flexibility. Keep it bright for meal prep, then dim for dining or entertaining. Separate switches let you adapt the mood with ease.