Kitchen island lighting ideas need to be tackled in much the same way as your overall kitchen lighting and have a key part to play in a successful layered scheme. But, in some cases, you may need to add wow factor as well as a workable solution.
Whether you choose to place the emphasis on style or substance tends to come down to the main purpose of your kitchen island. Those using the space for more practical reasons such as food prep or cooking may opt for something more functional, whereas a space that's dedicated to eating or entertaining may call for something a little more fantastic.
That said, it's also possible to combine the two when you know how, which is where we come in. We've rounded up a selection of different designs to help inspire your own kitchen island lighting ideas for the heart of your home.
1. Match your island lights to your kitchen design
If your kitchen ideas are more contemporary in style and, as demonstrated in this kitchen island lighting idea, feature two main materials, then matching your pendant materials to your design is a clever way of creating cohesion.
In this instance, the white and light wood of the kitchen and worktops are perfectly mirrored in the wooden and white glass pendants that hang in a row of three above the kitchen island.
Providing a practical solution for the hob in the kitchen island, they also match the three stools positioned on the other side for dining.
2. Use concealed kitchen island lighting for an intimate feel
Although overall kitchen lighting often focuses on ceilings or walls, it's a good idea to not forget underneath surfaces too say the experts.
"Don't forget to think about introducing drama and atmosphere with low-level lighting," says Luke Thomas, design director at John Cullen Lighting. "This also adds softness and mood in the winter afternoon and evenings.
"In the kitchen shown, we added light by recessing contour LED strips under the breakfast bar," he explains, adding that in order to achieve this look, "pre-planning and liaising with the kitchen designer in advance is required to achieve a seamless integration such as this."
Luke Thomas has been in the lighting industry since 2008 and heads up the UK design team. Working collaboratively with top designers, architects, contractors and clients, Luke has been involved in a wide range of projects offering design-led solutions which improve our experience of spaces. He has been involved in a wide range of schemes from new build Wentworth mansions to hotel renovations through to Scottish Castles.
3. Opt for opulence with a chandelier over the island
While a successful kitchen island lighting scheme needs to always take a practical approach, it doesn't mean you can't inject a layer of luxe to your design.
In this striking high-ceilinged kitchen, that has pink colour-drenched walls and ceiling, an ornate ceiling rose with a dramatic metal and glass tiered chandelier sits above the kitchen island.
For maximum effect and to avoid the space being too bright at night, make sure you install dimmer switches or smart lighting when you have a feature light such as this, says Luke Thomas.
"By separating circuits and incorporating dimming flexibility, the atmosphere can be effortlessly transformed, shifting from vibrant task lighting to a soft, ambient glow that sets the perfect backdrop for entertaining elsewhere in the space."
Shop chandeliers for your new kitchen island
A stunning chandelier with laser-cut crystals creating beautiful refracted light above your kitchen island
A four-light, 34-inch gold rectangle rippled glass-effect chandelier perfect for a luxury kitchen space
This adjustable Art Deco-style chandelier can be hung at a height to suit your kitchen ceiling
4. Keep it clear cut with simple glass pendants
Opting for a series of simple pendant lights above your kitchen island is a great way of avoiding one of the most common kitchen lighting mistakes, says James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting.
'One of the most frequent mistakes in lighting design is failing to provide adequate task lighting, which can result in poorly lit workspaces that make food preparation difficult and even hazardous. Many homeowners also rely too heavily on recessed ceiling lights, which, when used alone, can create harsh shadows and fail to provide sufficient illumination in key areas, such as an island," he explains.
In this kitchen, three simple glass pendants provide task lighting for kitchen prep on the island unit, but also ambient lighting at night when the space is used for eating. But, when using glass shades, make sure you consider your lighting temperature too, warns James.
"Another mistake that can impact the overall design is using mismatched colour temperatures, where a combination of warm and cool lighting can make the kitchen feel disjointed."
James is perfectly placed to offer expert guidance on all aspects of home lighting. From dazzling crystal chandeliers and statement wall lights to designer lamps and elegant drop pendants, James and his knowledgeable team are always on hand to help customers find the perfect lighting for their individual project.
5. Use more than multiples of three
Three is often considered the magic number when it comes to hanging pendants above a kitchen island, but if you're going to be using a small light fitting in a large kitchen, you might need to break the rules.
This large kitchen island, incorporating prep space, a hob and seating, along with the large floor to ceiling cabinets work together to create a fairly imposing design. And while it could have been tempting to add a large light to match, the designers instead have hung five matching small lights along the length of the island.
Alone, or in perhaps a multiple of three, the lights would have seemed too small. But as a set of five, they more than adequately hold their own.
6. Complete an intricate ceiling with a splash of gold
Kitchen extension ideas are a great way of adding extra cooking and entertaining space to your home, and in this home a geometrically framed glass ceiling adds a huge talking point too.
But, even though the glass roof brings in oodles of natural light, it's important not remember you can't reply on this all day or all year round. If you've opted to include a kitchen island in your kitchen layout ideas, then you still need to add sufficient lighting.
In this instance, a splash of gold is a great way of ensuring the light isn't overshadowed by the geometric framing, and also adds the option for a soft glow at nightfall.
7. Use subtle spotlights over an island unit instead of pendants
Prefer to let your lighting take a back seat in your kitchen? That's perfectly acceptable too when it comes to choosing your kitchen island lighting ideas and can in fact help to make a kitchen seem larger when there's no pendant lighting to distract your eye.
In this kitchen, discreet white LED spotlights are strategically recessed around the kitchen to ensure sufficient lighting is in place in key locations, including the kitchen island.
If this idea is for you, but you like the thought of still being able to create a cosier feel during evenings or darker months, why not consider adding rechargeable portable lighting, such as this Lillee Rechargeable Lamp Base from Pooky , which can be customised with a shade and moved around to suit.
8. Take a linear approach to lighting to match your layout
Linear lines tend to be an integral part of most kitchen design. Whether you're designing a freestanding kitchen idea or a galley kitchen idea it's rare not to have at least one long wall with cabinets as part of your design.
And, when it comes to kitchen island shapes, there's no doubt a rectangular form is one of the most popular choices. So, instead of trying to create contrast with your kitchen island lighting, consider matching shapes instead.
This long rectangular light works perfectly in this kitchen design, matching the length of the island, the narrow kitchen shelving and also draws attention to the subtle brass trim on the island base unit.
9. Add contrast with metal sculptural lights
Although it would be easy to take the route of using a simple kitchen lighting idea in this modern kitchen with its simple wooden wall panelling and combination of soft sage and white cabinetry, instead a touch of drama helps turn this ordinary space into something more spectacular.
It's a common lighting trend that experts are seeing more of too, says James Kendall. "Metallic lighting designs are gaining popularity, with brass, copper and matte black finishes bringing a timeless elegance to kitchens," he says.
"Metal fixtures add depth and contrast, particularly when incorporated into pendant and wall lights. Tying into this trend, there is a growing preference for lighting designs crafted from a mix of materials. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to combinations such as brass and glass or matte black and wood, as these create a unique and characterful aesthetic."
10. Use a three-armed pendant for practicality
If, like this clean and bright kitchen with its waterfall worktop, seating and socialising is less of a requirement in your new space, your kitchen island lighting idea should also follow suit.
Here, a three-armed black and LED pendant is carefully positioned so that it lights the kitchen island sink, the hob on the work surface behind and provides additional general lighting to the room.
A similarly designed wall light matches the scheme, but on the whole, both lights are subtle enough to let the contemporary kitchen design take centre stage.
11. Use different size lights over a small kitchen island
Dropped pendants are undoubtedly one of the best kitchen island lighting ideas, but there is nothing to say that rows of pendant lights have to be the same size. In fact, varying their size and shape creates visual interest.
And, in this kitchen, featuring a small kitchen island idea, decreasing the size of two of the pendants ensures the lighting doesn't feel too top-heavy or overpowering.
For a similar effect, try these Soprano Pendant Lights from Pooky that come in two sizes.
12. Combine a central pendant light with downlights
In this kitchen, a large central pendant has been hung directly over the island, with a range of recessed downlights providing general light elsewhere in the room. However, you can't reply on one or the other, says Luke Thomas.
"Decorative pendants add visual focus and draw attention to the area. These can be replaced as your style evolves and do not have to be high output. However, most pendants will not provide the ideal task light over the island," says Luke, "so it is always best to pair your pendants with a low glare recessed downlights.
"This will help ensure glare is kept to a minimal whilst providing sufficient task light in a discreet manner. This will also be ideal if you are not using pendants and want to achieve a cleaner look."
13. Maximise natural lighting over a kitchen island
Don't forget to look at where natural light enters your kitchen, as this is just as important as artificial light.
A roof lantern positioned above a kitchen island not only makes a stunning feature but it also works on a practical level, ensuring the space is pleasure to spend time at and making everyday tasks easier.
In this kitchen from Inglis Hall, a series of downlights and two pendant lights also feature above the kitchen island, to ensure sufficient task lighting at all times of the day.
14. Mirror your kitchen island and dining table lights
Successful open-plan kitchen-diners pull together the space in a number of different ways. From running the same kitchen flooring throughout to the use of colours and materials, matching kitchen lighting is another trick most kitchen designers will use.
By using matching glass light fittings above the kitchen island and the dining table in this kitchen, the space feels pleasingly 'pulled together' and balanced.
This London Industrial Three Light Ceiling Diner Light from Dunelm offers a similar style and comes in cream or black.
15. Zone your kitchen island with LED lighting
Although open-plan spaces remain a popular design choice, in an area which combines cooking, dining and living, creating zones is a clever way of adding a more broken-plan feel.
"Thoughtfully layered lighting not only defines this focal point but also creates distinct zones within the room," says Luke Thomas, and in this kitchen, LED lighting is used in exactly this way, helping to clearly define kitchen from dining without having the barrier of a wall.
Recessing the strip lighting at both levels also creates an unusual effect too. "Plinth or toe-kick lighting can introduce a modern and stylish touch by giving cabinetry a floating effect," explains James Kendall.
James Kendall's final tips for your kitchen island lighting? Don't leave it too late to choose what you want.
"Lighting placement in your kitchen should be considered from the very beginning of a project, ideally during the planning stage. This ensures that essential elements such as wiring, the types of switches and power sources are positioned correctly before the installation of cabinetry and appliances.
"When lighting is planned in advance, it becomes an integral part of the kitchen’s functionality and design, rather than an afterthought," he explains, and has additional benefits when it comes to budgeting for your kitchen costs, "as a well-thought-out lighting plan allows for balanced illumination throughout the space, reducing the risk of costly modifications later in the project."
