Ever walked into your tiny kitchen and felt like you were cooking in a cave? Bad lighting can make even the simplest task feel like a chore! Small kitchens often get the short end of the stick when it comes to light. We cram them with appliances and cabinets, leaving little room for windows or bright fixtures. This means you might be stuck chopping veggies in the shadows or squinting at a recipe.
Choosing the right kitchen lighting for a small space can be tricky. You need light that’s both functional and stylish. You don’t want to make your kitchen feel even smaller with bulky lights. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options, from pendant lights to recessed lights and everything in between. Finding the perfect balance is key to creating a bright and inviting cooking space.
This blog post is your guide to conquering kitchen lighting in a small kitchen! You’ll learn how to choose the best light fixtures. We’ll cover different lighting types and how to use them to make your kitchen look bigger and brighter. Get ready to transform your cramped cooking space into a happy and well-lit haven. Let’s get started and brighten up your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Kitchen Lighting For Small Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kitchen Lighting For Small Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
Brighten up your kitchen and other spaces with these versatile Under Cabinet Lights! This 3-pack of magnetic, rechargeable lights offers a convenient and stylish lighting solution. They feature a motion sensor, adjustable brightness, and easy installation, making them perfect for cabinets, closets, pantries, and more. These lights are designed to provide excellent illumination wherever you need it.
What We Like:
- Bright and adjustable. You can choose from 3 brightness levels and stepless dimming.
- Motion sensor works well. It turns on automatically in the dark when it senses movement.
- Rechargeable and long-lasting. They charge quickly with a Type-C cable and last for weeks in sensor mode.
- Easy to install. The lights have magnets and adhesive plates for simple mounting.
- Versatile and stylish. They look great and can be used in many different places.
What Could Be Improved:
- The auto-function does not work while charging.
- The sensor may not work well in bright areas.
These under cabinet lights are a great addition to any home. They are a simple and effective way to add light to dark areas.
2. WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting kit
Rating: 9.4/10
The WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting kit is a fantastic way to brighten up your home. This kit has six LED strip lights. You can use them in your kitchen cabinets, on shelves, or behind your TV. It comes with a remote control to adjust the brightness and set a timer. The lights provide warm white light, making your space feel cozy and inviting. The kit includes everything you need for a quick and easy setup.
What We Like:
- Easy to install. You don’t need tools!
- The lights are very bright, with a total of 1500 lumens.
- You can control the lights with a remote.
- The remote has a timer function.
- The kit includes pre-cut strips, so you can customize your lighting.
- The adhesive tape is strong. You can stick the lights to many surfaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- None reported.
This WOBANE LED lighting kit is a great purchase. It is easy to use and makes a big difference in your home. You can easily upgrade your space with these lights!
3. CANEOE Modern Pendant Light Kitchen Island Lighting 6000K Chrome LED Pendant Light Fixtures Over Island Adjustable Height Pendant Lighting for Kitchen Island Dining Room Bedroom Pendant Lamp
Rating: 8.7/10
The CANEOE Modern Pendant Light is a stylish way to brighten your home. This chrome LED pendant light is perfect for your kitchen island, dining room, or bedroom. It has a cool, modern look with a unique spiral design. You can adjust the height to fit your ceiling perfectly. This light uses LED technology, which saves energy and lasts a long time.
What We Like:
- The spiral design looks modern and cool.
- You can change the height of the light.
- It saves you money because it uses LED lights.
- It looks great in many rooms, like the kitchen and dining room.
- The company offers good customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- We have no cons for this product.
This CANEOE pendant light is a great choice for anyone who wants a modern and energy-efficient light fixture. It is a stylish and practical way to update your home lighting.
4. Licperron Industrial 3-Light Adjustable Kitchen Hanging Ceiling Light with Metal Cage
Rating: 9.1/10
The Licperron Industrial 3-Light Adjustable Kitchen Hanging Ceiling Light is a stylish way to light up your home! This black farmhouse pendant light adds a cool look to any room. It features a metal cage design and is perfect for your kitchen island, dining room, or hallway. The light uses three bulbs and is easy to install. You can change the length of the light to fit your space.
What We Like:
- Adjustable length! You can make the light hang as high or low as you want.
- The black finish and metal cage give it a cool, modern farmhouse style.
- It works with many types of light bulbs, like LED or Edison bulbs.
- It is good for many rooms, like the kitchen, dining room, or hallway.
- The light is easy to put up with all the parts you need included.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bulbs are not included. You need to buy them separately.
This Licperron hanging light is a great addition to any home. It is a stylish and functional lighting choice that is easy to install and adjust to fit your needs.
5. MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of fumbling for light switches? The MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights offer a modern solution for your lighting needs. These sleek LED lights are designed for easy installation and use. They provide bright, natural white light perfect for kitchens, offices, and more. With hand-wave activation and adjustable brightness, these lights make your life easier.
What We Like:
- Hand Wave Activation: Turning the lights on and off is simple. Just wave your hand!
- Adjustable Brightness: You can choose how bright the lights are.
- Memory Function: The lights remember your favorite brightness.
- Versatile Use: These lights work in many places, like kitchens and closets.
- Stylish Design: The lights are thin and look great.
What Could Be Improved:
- Handwave sensor range: The sensor only works within 1-3 inches.
The MYPLUS under cabinet lights are a convenient and stylish lighting option. They are easy to use and add a touch of modern convenience to any space. If you want a simple lighting upgrade, this is a great choice.
Brighten Up Your Tiny Kitchen: A Buying Guide for Small Spaces
You want a bright kitchen! You have a small kitchen. That’s okay! You can still have great kitchen lighting. This guide helps you choose the best lights.
Key Features to Look For
You need to find lights that work well in your kitchen. Here are some things to think about:
- Brightness (Lumens): This tells you how bright a light is. You should look for lights with enough lumens. More lumens mean brighter light.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This affects the light’s color. Warm white (around 2700K) is cozy. Cool white (around 4000K) is bright and modern.
- Type of Light: There are different types of lights. You can find recessed lights, pendant lights, under-cabinet lights, and more. Choose the ones that fit your space.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for LED lights. They use less energy and last a long time.
- Dimmability: Dimmable lights let you change the brightness. This is useful for different tasks.
Important Materials
The materials used in lights matter. They affect how long the lights last and how they look:
- Metal: Metal fixtures are strong. They can be made of steel or aluminum.
- Glass: Glass is often used for shades. It lets the light shine through.
- Plastic: Plastic is a cheaper option. It can be used for the light housing.
- Finishes: The finish is important. It affects the look of the light. Popular finishes include chrome, brushed nickel, and matte black.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
You want good quality lights. Here’s what to consider:
- Brand Reputation: Buy lights from well-known brands. These brands often make better products.
- Warranty: A warranty protects you. It covers problems with the lights.
- Construction: Look at how the light is made. Good construction means it will last longer.
- Certifications: Check for safety certifications. These show the light meets safety standards.
- Price: The price can tell you something. More expensive lights are often better quality. However, you can find great lights at a lower cost, too.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your kitchen. This helps you choose the right lights.
- Task Lighting: Use task lighting above your counters. This helps you see when you are cooking. Under-cabinet lights are great for this.
- Ambient Lighting: Ambient lighting is general lighting. It lights the whole kitchen. Recessed lights or a ceiling fixture are good choices.
- Accent Lighting: Accent lighting adds style. Use it to highlight features. Consider pendant lights over an island.
- Small Kitchens: Small kitchens need good lighting. You need to make the space feel bigger and brighter. Layer different types of lights to achieve this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions people often ask about kitchen lighting:
Q: How many lights do I need?
A: It depends on your kitchen size. You should aim for a good balance of task, ambient, and accent lighting. Start with the brightest lights, then add more as needed.
Q: What is the best color temperature for a kitchen?
A: Cool white (4000K) is a good choice for kitchens. It’s bright and helps you see well. Warm white (2700K) is cozy and inviting.
Q: Are LED lights a good choice?
A: Yes! LED lights are energy-efficient and last a long time. They are a great choice for your kitchen.
Q: How do I install under-cabinet lights?
A: Under-cabinet lights are easy to install. You can often stick them on or screw them in. You can always hire an electrician to install them for you.
Q: What is the best type of light for a small kitchen?
A: Recessed lights and pendant lights are good choices. They don’t take up much space and still give good light.
Q: Can I install lights myself?
A: Some lights are easy to install. Others require electrical work. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, hire a professional.
Q: How do I choose the right size pendant lights?
A: Measure your space. Then, choose pendant lights that are the right size for your kitchen island or table. Don’t choose pendant lights that are too large or too small.
Q: What if I don’t have a lot of ceiling space?
A: You can use track lighting or flush-mount lights. These lights fit close to the ceiling.
Q: How can I make my kitchen look bigger with lighting?
A: Use bright lights. Add light to dark corners. Use mirrors to reflect the light. These things make the kitchen feel bigger.
Q: Where can I buy kitchen lights?
A: You can buy kitchen lights at home improvement stores. You can also buy them online. Read reviews before you buy.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.