These brilliant lighting ideas for small kitchens will transform the way you illuminate your space

A modern kitchen with a white marble island featuring waterfall edges. Three dark brown barstools with curved backs and black metal footrests are lined up along the island. Above, two circular chandeliers with small crystal-like details hang.
(Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)

A small kitchen can still make a big impact – if it’s lit the right way. Get your kitchen lighting wrong and it can leave compact spaces feeling dim and cramped, but a well-planned scheme has the power to transform your kitchen into a more inviting place to cook, dine, and gather.

With limited space and often fewer windows, getting the balance right in a small kitchen can be a challenge. The key? Layered lighting that enhances functionality, highlights design features, and makes the room feel bigger.

Hesdshot of Luke Thomas from John Cullen Lighting
Luke Thomas

Luke has been in the lighting industry since 2008 and leads the UK design team at John Cullen Lighting. He collaborates with top designers, architects, and clients, working on projects ranging from new-build mansions and hotel renovations to historic Scottish castles.

Headshot of the founder of Spark & Bell
Emer Gillespie

Emer Gillespie is the Founder and Lead Designer at Spark & Bell Lighting, a company specialising in handmade, customised lighting.

Headshot of Molly Albin, photographer and stylist for Festive Lights
Molly Albin

Molly is a photographer and stylist for Festive Lights Ltd, the UK's leading online lighting retailer for home, garden, security and seasonal lighting.

image of deVOL's creative director helen parker
Helen Parker

Helen Parker is the Creative Director at deVOL Kitchens, known for her impeccable eye for design, trend forecasting, and timeless kitchen aesthetics that blend craftsmanship, functionality, and character.

Headshot of Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder, Dowsing & Reynolds
Ally Dowsing-Reynolds

As co-founder of Dowsing & Reynolds, Ally has over 20 years of experience in design and interiors. She has helped shape trends in luxury bathroom fittings, and has designed a range of statement bathroom taps and accessories.

Headshot of Helen White the founder of houseof
Helen White

Helen White is the founder of houseof and an experienced lighting expert with a background in buying, trend analysis, and interior design.

Gabriella Dyson
Interiors journalist and contributing editor

Gabriella is an interiors journalist and has a wealth of experience creating interiors and renovation content. She was Homebuilding & Renovating's former Assistant Editor as well as the former Head of Solved at sister brand Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content addressing key renovation, DIY and interior questions. 

She’s spent the past decade crafting copy for interiors publications, award-winning architects, and leading UK homeware brands. She also served as the Content Manager for the ethical homeware brand Nkuku.

Gabriella is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design. She has a particular passion for historic buildings and listed properties, and she is currently in the process of renovating a Grade II-listed Victorian coach house in the West Country.