Good lighting is key in any kitchen, but it can be a bit tricky if you have lower ceilings. However, it’s absolutely doable! In this post, I’ll share 12 clever kitchen lighting ideas for low ceilings that will brighten up your space beautifully.
What is considered a low ceiling?
A low ceiling in a kitchen is typically considered to be 8 feet (2.44 meters) or lower. In modern homes, ceilings are usually around 9 feet (2.74 meters) or higher.
So, if your ceiling is below 8 feet, it’s generally considered low.
Good news – there are plenty of ways to brighten up your kitchen with low ceilings!
In this post, I’ll share 11 awesome lighting ideas that can really enhance your space.
The Lighting Types
I think it’s important to know about the different types of lighting so you’ll understand what I’m talking about with the various lighting options.
There are four main types: ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting. Let’s break them down:
- Ambient Lighting: This is the general lighting that brightens up the entire kitchen. Think of overhead lights, natural light from windows, and even chandeliers.
- Task Lighting: This type of lighting is brighter and focused on specific tasks. In the kitchen, it’s important for seeing clearly while chopping veggies or cooking at the stove.
- Accent Lighting: You can use accent lighting to highlight specific features in the room, like plants, artwork, or architectural details, for example.
- Decorative Lighting: This is all about style! You use decorative lights to make a statement and enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen (or any room).
The first two – ambient and task lighting – are the most important for practical reasons.
But adding accent and decorative lighting can really make your kitchen look even better and provide the best lighting overall.
11 Kitchen Lighting Ideas for Low Ceilings
1. Recessed Lighting
The first great lighting option for kitchens with low ceilings is recessed lighting. It’s also known as can lights because they literally look like little cans built into the ceiling.
The great thing about them is that they spread the light evenly across the kitchen, which avoids shadows.
Plus, they don’t take up any space, so you have plenty of headroom, whether you want to light the whole kitchen or just certain areas.
All while giving your kitchen a clean and modern look.
2. Pendant Lighting
A great way to add some visual interest to your kitchen and create a focal point is with pendant lights. They’re perfect for a decorative touch and also give you good task lighting.
Just make sure to place them where you don’t walk under them, like over the sink, kitchen island, or a peninsula if you have a smaller kitchen.
However, if you place them incorrectly, they can make your kitchen feel cramped. So, opt for smaller fixtures, maybe even with glass for a lighter feel and the illusion of more space.
Make sure to leave 30 to 36 inches between your countertop and the bottom of the fixture to ensure you have enough space to work without the lights getting in your way.
3. Flush Mount Ceiling Lights
Flush mount ceiling lights are an excellent choice for kitchens with low ceilings.
They not only look pretty but also serve a practical purpose without taking up overhead space. These lights are mounted directly onto the surface of the ceiling and have a very low profile.
You can place them strategically to illuminate specific areas in your kitchen or use them as ambient lighting to evenly brighten up the entire space. This makes your kitchen feel bright and welcoming.
What’s also great about flush mount lights is their variety of designs, from sleek metal finishes to elegant glass options.
So, no matter what style your kitchen is, you’ll find lights that fit perfectly.
4. Track Lighting
Track lighting is another good choice for kitchens with low ceilings. Just like the name suggests, it lets you move the light fixtures along a track.
This makes it really convenient to place the light exactly where you want it. Whether you need task lighting over the island or sink, or just overall ambient light without feeling like it’s taking over the room.
And the best part? Track lights come in all sorts of finishes and styles, so you can easily find ones that fit your kitchen’s style perfectly.
So, whether you prefer something sleek and modern or more classic, there’s a track light to match your aesthetic.
5. Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting is like having the perfect assistant in your low-ceilinged kitchen.
You mount these lights right under your upper cabinets, so they shine light exactly where you need it for prep work, without casting annoying shadows. It creates a cozy vibe and makes your kitchen feel warm and inviting.
Another cool idea is to use cabinet lights above your cabinets if your cabinets don’t reach the ceiling. This trick not only adds more light but also makes a small kitchen seem more spacious.
6. Inside the Cabinet Lighting
Lighting your cabinets isn’t just about functionality. It’s also a great way to add stylish accent lighting and make your kitchen feel cozier.
Attaching cabinet lighting from the top allows the light to shine through beautifully.
Not only does this highlight the contents of the cabinets, but it also creates the illusion of a higher ceiling, which makes your kitchen look more spacious and open.
Alternatively, you can mount the lights vertically on the inside of the cabinet on either side. This method works well regardless if you have wooden or clear glass shelves.
Whether you go for LED strip lights or puck lights, both are great choices to consider.
7. Backlit Shelving
Backlit open shelving is a wonderful way to create an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. You can do this by installing LED strip lights behind your open shelves.
This not only lights up your dishes and other items beautifully but also adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
8. Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are a popular choice if you need extra task or ambient lighting in your kitchen.
Personally, I’m a fan because they bring a classy vibe without taking up much space.
You can move around easily without feeling cramped. And they shine light exactly where you need it most.
They’re ideal for brightening up darker corners or for practical things like lighting up the sink area, which is what a lot of people use them for.
Plus, wall lights come in so many different styles that you’ll find one that matches your kitchen’s aesthetic.
9. Chandeliers
When you think of chandeliers, you might imagine them in rooms with high ceilings. But they can work just as well in kitchens with low ceilings.
A statement chandelier adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room. Plus, it will become a focal point that enhances the feel of the entire space.
Chandeliers also provide excellent ambient lighting that brightens up your kitchen evenly.
When choosing a chandelier for a kitchen with a low ceiling, size is key. Go for a low-profile, compact design that doesn’t hang too low so that you can move around freely without any problems.
10. Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans might not be the first thing you think of for the kitchen, but ceiling fans with lights are actually a great choice.
They kill two birds with one stone. Keeping your kitchen cool and ventilated while also providing a light source to brighten up the space.
The only potential downside might be the installation costs, but it’s an investment that can pay off in the long run.
Just make sure to choose a design that complements your kitchen’s look, so it blends in seamlessly without disrupting the aesthetic.
11. Table Lamps
If you haven’t considered table lamps for your kitchen yet, you might want to think again. Table lamps can be an amazing addition, especially when ceiling lights just won’t work.
They instantly add warmth to your kitchen, which is perfect for evenings or a late-night snack without any harsh, blinding light.
A great spot to place them is on the countertop. This way, you create a cozy vibe while also having task lighting for specific activities.
12. Floor Lamps
Just like table lamps, floor lamps might not be the first thing you think of for lighting up your kitchen.
But they can actually be a great option, especially if you don’t want to deal with hiring an electrician to install new fixtures.
Floor lamps can add a stunning touch and bring personality to your kitchen decor.
They’re perfect for lighting up specific corners without taking up any overhead space, so you can move around freely.
Plus, they come in so many styles that you can find one that fits your aesthetic perfectly.
Now that we have covered all the kitchen lighting ideas for low ceilings (let me know which one you like most and will try) there are some things to keep in mind to sum it all up.
- Scale – When you have a kitchen with low ceilings, your best bet is low-profile lighting fixtures that sit close to the ceiling. Large hanging fixtures can make your ceiling feel even lower and get in your way.
- Proportions – Make sure the fixtures you choose match the scale of your kitchen. If they’re too big, they can overwhelm your space, and if they’re too small, they won’t provide enough light.
- Focus – It’s important to have light exactly where you need it, like over the countertop, kitchen sink, or kitchen island. This makes your kitchen more functional.
- Layer – To get the best lighting, use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This gives you balanced illumination, making your kitchen well-lit and inviting.
- Decide – Sometimes, we just want it all, but that’s not always the best approach. Especially with a kitchen that has low ceilings. So, instead of trying to have multiple hanging fixtures like pendant lights and a chandelier, pick one or the other to avoid a cramped feeling.
Which kitchen lighting ideas for low ceilings are you excited to try in your kitchen?
