Skip to main content

These are the most beautiful kitchen lighting ideas we’ve ever seen on Instagram

Kitchen lighting is one of the trickiest things to style. Whether you’re struggling to position a clunky piece above an island or have trouble placing your under-cabinet lighting in just the right spot, kitchen lighting presents a challenge for nearly every household.

However, skipping over your kitchen lighting can leave your design feeling lackluster or unfinished. Often, kitchens can appear dull or empty without proper, decorative lighting. So today, we’re bringing you some of the most creative kitchen lighting ideas to inspire you to amp up the look of your space.

Globe lights

Design studio @lodesigns shares an eclectic take on the mid-century-inspired globe light. Globe lights are a fun choice of statement lighting for kitchens because they add a rounded form to a space dominated by straight lines and sharp corners. Transparent globes with gold details are especially popular in modern kitchens where they add a warm yet sophisticated look above a center island, as seen in @lodesigns’ post. What we love most is that the center of the globe light consists of a small chandelier. Three tiny prongs face upwards with rounded light bulbs to create a look that’s eccentric and fresh, making for the perfect kitchen statement piece.

Wicker pendant lights

When choosing the design of your kitchen ceiling lights, we recommend first thinking about your design aesthetic. Do you prefer minimalist, modern spaces, or busy and bold boho designs? Taking stock of your likes and dislikes will narrow down what ceiling lights will look best in your space.

As an example, @oo.angiee on Instagram shares their take on lighting in a modern boho kitchen, where they place wicker pendant lights above the island for a neutral, yet eye-catching, statement piece. They pair beautifully with the wicker floor mat, bamboo countertops, and other wooden and wicker elements throughout the space.

Don’t think that these natural materials only work with a boho design. Wicker pendant lights can be a great addition to Scandi, Japandi, beach-inspired, and even modern design styles. The wicker is soft and inviting, bringing some earthiness to the design that makes it feel perfectly cozy.

Quirky chandelier

These days, mid-century modern elements are abundant, particularly in modern and contemporary spaces. To bring a mid-century accent to your space, opt for a quirky chandelier like this one from @buildwithferguson on Instagram. This statement light is grand, comprised of asymmetrical metal fixtures with several globe lights, and adds more dimension to the space. This odd shape provides an organic feel to the space while maintaining a modern and fresh take on the classic grand chandelier-inspired.

Finish it off with bold colors like electric blues and bright oranges to match the big personality of the light fixture.

Wall-mounted lighting

For some homeowners, massive pendant lights or grand chandeliers can be too clunky for the kitchen. Small spaces, low ceilings, and more simplistic or minimal designs can look too crowded with bold statement pieces. Instead, we recommend wall-mounted lighting for homeowners looking to add unique lighting to their space.

Instagram users @mcgregorhomes and @kelseyleighdesignco are a design duo who shared a snap of their kitchen, which boasts gorgeous gold wall-mounted light fixtures. These pieces are simple, luxe, and perfectly suited for any size space. If you’re struggling to add creative lighting to a tiny kitchen, we recommend trying out wall sconces like these to add personality without overwhelming your design. While these gold sconces lend themselves to modern and more luxe design styles, traditional, vintage, rustic, and other styles can still benefit from a simple lighting fixture or two.

Layering your lighting

If you’re ever in need of lighting inspiration, you can always count on @candiceolson to give some solid tips. This well-known HGTV designer shared her take on layering lighting via Instagram. In her post, she encourages homeowners to use multiple sources of lighting to create a layered look.

For example, you can add under-cabinet lighting as well as wall-mounted fixtures. Or, use a statement piece above the island but maintain the simple recessed lighting overhead. To spruce up your space, consider adding another light fixture to achieve this dynamic look.

Kitchen lighting is a challenge for many households, but creating a welcoming atmosphere through your light fixtures is a highly rewarding experience for any designer. To make your home bright, welcoming, and unforgettable, opt for bold statement pieces and wall sconces for a more sophisticated look, or incorporate multiple lighting sources for a unique, layered effect. With these tips, you can create a kitchen design that is polished and exciting.

Editors' Recommendations

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
10 stunning rustic Christmas decor ideas that actually feel fresh and modern
Copper, plaid, natural elements, and more: Check out these rustic Christmas decor ideas
Farmhouse-styled Christmas tree with pillows and chairs as decor

When it comes to decking the halls of your home this Christmas, the best way to achieve a rustic look while still remaining modern can be puzzling. For rustic Christmas decor ideas that are still fresh, there are a few approaches. From worn wood frames to natural elements, you can adorn your space with wintery pieces that are sure to wow your family and friends while still giving off that warm holiday vibe.

Of course, just because you're using plaid, natural elements, and wall signs, doesn't mean your decorating scheme has to feel like everyone else's. It's all about how you incorporate these elements into your existing decor. If you've been looking for some inspiration with your Christmas decorations this year, keep reading. We’ve collected 10 unique ideas that will appeal to your cozy country style in a fresh and modern way.

Read more
4 clever Christmas tree decorating ideas that will wow your friends and family
Your guests will be impressed with your unique Christmas tree
Christmas tree in living room surrounded by presents

If you want to shake things up with your Christmas tree decorations this year, then we’ve got just the list for you! Decorating the Christmas tree is one of the things we look forward to the most during the holidays. It’s a chance to show off your personality and blend tradition with items passed down through generations. So, if you’re struggling to come up with the perfect way to wow your friends and family this year, check out our top four Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Add your holiday cards to your Christmas tree
Each year, families receive holiday cards by the dozens. This tradition has transcended the digital age and proven to be a nostalgic and heartwarming experience for many. If you have a few holiday cards sitting around on your table or mantel, why not put them to use as part of your tree decoration?
Place them on your tree
One simple way you can use holiday cards on your Christmas tree is by nestling them between the branches. Scatter them around the tree alongside ornaments and garland to create a beautiful and cohesive look. This option is excellent for those who are running short on time but still want to add something special to their tree. And just think, when your family and friends come around for a holiday get-together, they’ll be overjoyed that you put their cards on display.
Turn them into ornaments
If you'd prefer something smaller — or are looking for a way to repurpose the beautiful cards you got last year, you can always turn them into ornaments. Pick up some flat wood discs from your local craft store, some glitter, glue, and twine. Cut the card a bit smaller than the disc, glue it, and trim the edge with glitter. Once you glue a loop of twine to the back, it'll be ready for your tree.
Create garland
Alternatively, you could create a fun garland out of your holiday cards. If you want to get crafty (and have plenty of cards and a little time on your hands), gather up the necessary supplies to create a holiday card garland.

Read more
This is the art you should invest in for your home, according to designers
Consider this artwork for your home on designer advice
Living area with abstract art hanging over the couch

The artwork you choose to display in your home is an enormously personal choice and one that will absolutely affect your home's design aesthetic. You don't want to just throw a few wooden boards with cliche words up on the wall and call it a farmhouse chic design, right? Instead, your artwork should express who you are and the environment you want to live in. When choosing decorative artwork for your walls, there's no wrong answer, as long as the pieces speak to you.

That doesn't mean there aren't trends and design cycles when it comes to artwork for a home. Just like everything else, art is cyclical. If you’re looking for some decorating inspiration, read on to discover what artwork interior designers are choosing to adorn rooms with.

Read more