These 11 small kitchen lighting ideas will brighten even the most compact of spaces

Lighting is one of the most important elements when it comes to designing a home, but it’s especially important in a compact kitchen, where space is at a premium. Thankfully, with the right lighting, you can make even the tiniest kitchen feel larger, brighter, and more functional.

In small rooms, every inch counts, so you need to think carefully about how you incorporate light fixtures without crowding the space. The key is to layer different types of fixtures to create a sense of balance that won't leave the room from feeling cluttered or confined.

These 11 small kitchen lighting ideas will help you make the most of your space, with advice from top lighting designers and practical tips on everything from LED downlights to show-stopping pendants.

Small kitchen lighting ideas

According to Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder, Dowsing & Reynolds, "Before starting to select your lighting, it’s really important to understand how you’ll use the kitchen, how you want to feel in the space, and consider the design choices you can make to reflect your personal style. In smaller kitchens, this is especially important as you’ll want to make the most of the space you have."

"In the planning process, it’s important to mark out your ‘task areas’ where you cook, chop veggies — all those types of tasks," Ally continues. "Wall lights work perfectly in these areas, especially in small kitchens as they’re compact and there is no risk of them getting in the way.

"Opt for an adjustable design to tailor the position and angles to suit your specific space. Pair these with under cabinet lighting and your task areas will be lit to perfection."

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds

With over two decades of experience in advertising and leading marketing teams, Ally has developed a keen expertise that extends beyond core brand strategy and business leadership. Her deep passion for lighting design has made her a respected voice in the industry. Regularly featured in leading home and interior magazines, Ally has shared her insights on stage at major home shows and even appeared on national television.

1. Use LED downlights to expand the sense of space

"The best kitchen lighting for a compact space will make the room feel larger," explains Sally Storey, creative director at John Cullen Lighting. "One of the ways to achieve this is by lighting vertical surfaces, either with a linear LED strip or discreet recessed downlights, like our Polespring 40 to wash down the front of the cupboards."

LEDs come in a variety of colour temperatures, allowing you to choose a warm, inviting glow or a crisp, bright light depending on the atmosphere you want to create. You can use them in tight spaces, under cabinets, or even along kickboards to give a subtle, reflective light that makes the room feel more open. The best LED bulbs are also energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Sally Storey

Sally, the founder and creative director of John Cullen Lighting, is recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in lighting. Her expertise takes her across the globe, where she designs bespoke lighting schemes for both individual and corporate clients. In 2021, Sally was honored with the prestigious LIT Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to the field of lighting. 

2. Light up the underside of your cabinetry

"Always remember to light underneath the kitchen wall cabinets to provide good task light," reminds Sally Storey. "In a small kitchen, if one side has cabinets and one side shelves, lighting the shelves will add another layer of light.

"If any cupboards are glazed, do light them from within as both these elements add depth creating a greater feeling of space."

If your cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling, an LED strip light – like these flexible strip lights from Amazon – can be used to light objects on top of the cabinets and make the room feel bigger by reflecting the light off the ceiling.

3. Brighten cabinets with internal lighting

Adding lighting inside your cabinets is a practical way to brighten up a small kitchen without cluttering the space in the process. Use small puck lights inside glass-front cabinets or open shelving to highlight your kitchenware and make the room feel spacious.

For closed cabinetry, consider installing a motion sensor light – like these magnetic, rechargeable sensor lights from Amazon – that automatically turns on whenever you open the door. This will make it easier to find what you need, especially in shadowy, hard-to-reach spots.

4. Add character in a small kitchen with compact wall lights

"If you have an empty wall and want to add some task lighting, a quirky wall light always adds character," recommends Sally Storey from John Cullen Lighting. Wall lights work well in areas where ceiling fixtures may not be practical, as they can still provide ample light for tasks like food prep or washing up.

Wall sconces are an underused gem in rooms with low ceilings. Try mounting them above your worktops or near open shelving to illuminate spaces that could do with a little more light. They’re also a great way to showcase your style, with options ranging from sleek, modern fixtures to more traditional designs.

5. Make a statement with an oversized ceiling light

An oversized statement ceiling light like the one shown above can transform a small kitchen by drawing the eye upward and creating the illusion of height and space.

"If you decide you want to include a statement light, my advice would be to choose one that’s actually slightly bigger than you think the space can handle," suggests Ally Dowsing-Reynolds. "It makes it look more intentional, whereas if the light is that bit too small, it can take away from the impact you’re trying to make. The ideal place for this type of lighting would be over a central island or dining table."

"In kitchens where ceiling height is an issue, try opting for a semi-flush chandelier like the Frosted Semi-Flush Bubble Chandelier pictured above. This looks amazing over dining tables in smaller kitchens, and the shorter cables and compact design make it suitable for homes with lower ceilings."

6. Or opt for a chandelier with a small footprint

Think chandeliers are only for lighting grand dining rooms? Think again. Even small kitchens can benefit from a compact chandelier with a modern or minimalist design. The key is to choose one with a slim profile, like a glass or metal frame, so it doesn’t overwhelm the room.

Chandeliers with a small footprint can add an elegant touch to your kitchen scheme, drawing the eye up and giving the space a little extra flair. Whether over an island or centred in the room, these light fixtures can serve as both a functional light source and a stylish focal point, perfect for kitchens short on space but big on character.

7. Bring flexibility with a countertop light

"One type of lighting that a lot of people overlook in a kitchen is a lamp," explains Ally Dowsing-Reynolds. "Lamps are a great option for smaller kitchens as there are so many designs out there, and you can choose one that slots into your space perfectly.

"If you’ve decided to go for a more minimal lighting scheme to save space in your kitchen, a lamp can really help cosy it up and create a more relaxed atmosphere in the evening."

One of the main benefits to using worktop lights is how flexible they are, as they can easily be repositioned and moved as needed, and they can help to create layered lighting when paired with wall sconces or pendant lights.

Sue Jones, Co-Founder of OKA, explains: "A portable table lamp is perfect for a smaller space as you can switch up whether it’s giving the spotlight to a beautiful spread displayed on the worktop or taking pride of place in the centre of your dining table. If you have a sideboard or dresser in your kitchen, I love the idea of decorating it with a bold lamp with a coloured lampshade, it's a simple way to add a pop of colour and create a welcoming ambience."

Sue Jones

Sue Jones, along with her friends Annabel Astor and Lucinda Waterhouse, founded OKA in 1999, a British brand known for its distinctive furniture and lighting. Sue’s global travels have shaped her unique style, which continues to influence every aspect of the brand, reflecting her passion for timeless, eclectic design.

When opting to use a lamp in a kitchen, there are a few important health and safety considerations to keep in mind. First, always ensure the light is placed away from water sources, such as the sink or taps, to avoid any risk of electrical accidents.

You should also keep the cord neatly tucked away to prevent it from becoming a trip hazard or being accidentally knocked into food preparation areas.

Placement is key — avoid putting the light directly on the worktop where it may clutter the space or obstruct workflow. Instead, position it on a side worktop or a shelf for softer ambient lighting that doesn’t interfere with daily tasks.

8. Maximise a compact kitchen with recessed spotlights

According to Alex Woods, kitchen expert at Victorian Plumbing, “Spotlights are a staple in lighting design and offer significant benefits for smaller kitchens. Their versatility makes them an ideal choice for highlighting key areas and enhancing the overall ambience of the space."

"LED spotlights, in particular, are perfect for smaller kitchens, as their long lifespan allows them to be installed in high or hard-to-reach places without frequent maintenance. This makes them both convenient and stylish, offering a cost-effective solution for brightening your kitchen."

Alex Woods

Alex is a marketing manager at Victorian Plumbing with a special interest in kitchen design. Victorian Plumbing is a major online bathroom and kitchen retailer based in Merseyside, UK.

The difference between spotlights vs downlights is that recessed spotlights sit flush with the ceiling, so they do not take up any visual space, making them ideal for kitchens with lower ceilings or tight layouts. The best part? You can position this type of lighting exactly where you need the most light — whether that’s over the sink, the stove, or your countertops.

9. Hang a singular pendant light over your kitchen island

A singular glass pendant light is an excellent choice for small kitchens. The transparency of these unobtrusive light fixtures allows light to travel freely through the space, preventing the room from feeling enclosed or crowded.

In the example above by Naked Kitchens, a glass, teardrop-shaped pendant adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise bold and colourful kitchen scheme. The beauty of these glass lights is that they don’t compete with other design elements, making them a versatile choice that works well in even the smallest of spaces.

10. Create a focal point with clustered pendant lights

"If you have a kitchen island or breakfast bar, singular pendant lights suspended in multiples are a great choice — their streamlined design will keep smaller spaces feeling open, airy and uncluttered," says Ally Dowsing-Reynolds. "With linear pendants, opt for odd multiples (3, 5 etc.) so your eye always has a central light to focus on."

If you opt for a tiered pendant light, always ensure the lowest bulb is hung at a comfortable height, typically around 30-36 inches above the island, to avoid obstructing sight lines while maintaining adequate task lighting. Tiered pendants are ideal in small kitchens as they distribute light across a larger area without the need for multiple fixtures.

11. Layer your lighting for versatility

“If you have a small kitchen, it’s important to incorporate layered lighting as you’ll find it makes your kitchen a much more versatile space suitable for cooking but also for a cosy informal kitchen supper," explains Sue Jones, Co-Founder of OKA.

"For a more design-focused approach to overhead lighting, I’d suggest choosing a statement pendant lamp or two to hang centrally in the kitchen or over a kitchen island which will provide the main light. To create a warm, glowy ambience for the evening, you know the drill, it’s time to turn off the big lights and, turn on the table lamps."

Alex Woods, from Victorian Plumbing, agrees: “Layering is a key concept in interior design. By layering LED lights – such as strip lighting, under-cupboard lighting, and wall lighting – you can create a dynamic atmosphere that complements your ceiling lights. This technique can make your kitchen feel more open and airy, whether you're aiming for a vibrant, lively space or a calm, tranquil mood.

"For the best results, place different lighting features on separate circuits, allowing you to tailor the lighting to enhance the spaciousness and ambience of your kitchen."

"As with any kitchen big or small, having multiple light sources will give you a wider range of uses for the kitchen at all hours of the day," concludes Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, Co-Founder of Dowsing & Reynolds.

"If your kitchen is quite small and you’re struggling to fit multiple layers of light in, I’d suggest putting your lights on a dimmer switch. With these types of switches you can adjust the ambience without installing more lighting."