Kitchen Lighting Buying Guide

A great kitchen lighting plan turns the room into a bright, safe workspace and a welcoming social hub. The secret here is layered lighting. Blend ambient (general), task and accent lights so every moment: chopping veg, weeknight homework, Zoom calling (roughly one-in-four UK home-workers now log in from the breakfast bar!) or rooting around for a midnight snack happens in perfect light. Use this kitchen lighting guide as your go-to for choosing kitchen lighting like a pro; we’re talking practical tips, on trend ideas and everything else you need in one handy kitchen lighting buying guide.

 

Quick Jump Navigation

 

For First Time Kitchen Lighting Buyers

• Core Kitchen Lighting Types
• Kitchen Lighting Styles
• Choosing by Kitchen Type
• How to Choose the Right Kitchen Lighting
• Practical Considerations
• Brightness & Colour Temperature Guidance
  
  

For Savvy Kitchen Lighting Shoppers

• Safety Requirements & Regulations
• Kitchen Lighting Price Bands 
• Top Kitchen Lighting Brands
• FAQs & Final Thoughts

 

For First Time Kitchen Lighting Buyers

 

A successful scheme layers three kinds of light:

Layer	Purpose	Typical Fittings	Key Benefit
Ambient	Overall background brightness	Downlights, flush panels	Comfortable, even illumination
Task	Focused light where you work	Under-cabinet bars, spotlights, pendants	Safer chopping & cooking
Accent / Decorative	Mood & feature highlighting	Plinth LEDs, cabinet strips, statement pendants	Adds drama & zones open plan areas

Use separate switches or smart scenes so you can boost task light for food prep then dim to cosy mode for dinner.

Start early by deciding all your kitchen light points at the first-fix stage, before plastering and installing cabinets. A well thought out lighting scheme in your kitchen should include layers: at least one ambient lighting circuit, task lighting where you actually work, and accent lighting to create mood. Be sure to budget realistically. Many pros suggest lighting costs should match or even exceed your flooring allowance. And don’t think of dimmers and lighting zones as a luxury, they’re the secret to switching effortlessly from bright, functional “cook mode” to a warm, inviting “dine mode” in seconds.

Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Kitchen Type

• Family Kitchens – High-lumen downlights plus robust, wipe-clean under-cabinet strips and dimmable pendants. Fit plinth LEDs as night lights.
• Open-Plan / Kitchen-Diners – Grid of downlights for the whole zone; pendants or chandelier to visually demarcate the dining area; separate circuits.
• Small or Galley Kitchens – Recessed cans in a single row down the centreline, bright under-cabinet LEDs both sides, pale surfaces to bounce light. Avoid bulky pendants unless ceilings are high.
• Islands & Breakfast Bars – Two-or-three pendant rule: keep ends 15 cm in from counter edge; ensure combined output 1 500–3 000 lm.
• Pantry/Larder & Utility – Motion-sensor LED strips in shelving, bright surface bulkhead or flush panel for general light.
• Vintage / Cottage Kitchens – Warm-white (2 700–3 000K) filament-style LEDs in brass or glass pendants, wall sconces for character, but still hide neutral-white task strips under cabinets.

 

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Lighting

 

Decision	Rule of Thumb
Layering	Always plan ambient + task + accent; never rely on one “big” fitting.
Colour Temperature	Cool-white 4 000–5 000 K for prep zones; warm-white 2 700–3 000 K for dining; neutral 3 000–4 000 K if you want one tone only.
Brightness (Lumens)	~3 000–4 000 lm per 10 m² for ambient; 900–1 100 lm per main prep run; 800–1 000 lm over hob; 1 500–3 000 lm over island/table.
Pendant Height	Bottom of shade ≈ 75–90 cm above worktop, 70 cm above table. Add ~7 cm height for every extra 30 cm of ceiling beyond 2.4 m.
Downlight Spacing	Ceiling-height ÷ 2 = centre-to-centre. E.g. 2.4 m high → lights every 1.2 m.
Driver / Transformer Access	Hide LED drivers above wall units, in a tall larder or service void – never bury them unserviceably.
Circuits & Dimmers	Minimum three: (1) ceiling ambient, (2) task/under-cabinet, (3) accent/pendants. Put each on dimmers or smart controls.

Practical Considerations When Choosing Kitchen Lighting

 

• First-Fix Planning – confirm exact cabinet layout, beam positions, extractor hood, ceiling void depth before marking light points.
  
  
• Wiring Routes – run flat twin-&-earth horizontally above wall units; drop “fish-tail” tails for under-cabinet strips.
  
  
• Retrofitting – swapping like-for-like pendants is easy; adding recessed spots means cutting holes & possibly over-boarding plaster.
  
  
• Smart Systems – Wi-Fi or Zigbee bulbs let you set “Cooking”, “Coffee” or “Party” scenes; ensure good router coverage.
  
  
• Heat & Grease – keep fancy shades 60 cm from hob; use IP44+ sealed fittings directly above sinks or boilers.
  
  
• IP Ratings – IP20 is fine for dry ceilings; upgrade to IP44 for splash/vapour zones; IP65 strips stand up to steam under extractors.
• Cleaning – choose wipeable glass or powder-coat over intricate crystal if you fry often; LEDs run cool so they collect less baked-on grease.
  

 

Brightness, Efficiency & Colour (The Numbers)

 

Zone / Task	Suggested CCT (K)	Target Brightness
Entire floor area	3 000–4 000 K	3 000–4 000 lm / 10 m²
Worktops (prep)	4 000–5 000 K	900–1 100 lm on surface
Hob / Cooker	4 000–5 000 K	800–1 000 lm centred
Island / Table	2 500–3 500 K	1 500–3 000 lm total
Plinth / Toe-Kick	2 500–4 000 K	~800 lm per metre strip
Inside Cabinets	2 700–3 500 K	100–200 lm each
Drawers	3 000–4 000 K	50–100 lm each

• LED vs Halogen: a 6 W LED ≈ 50 W halogen but with 15× life and 80 – 90 % energy saving.
• CRI ≥ 90 for true food colours.
• Beam Angle: 60° floods for ambient; 36° spots for art backsplashes.
• Over-light & dim down: easier than opening ceilings later.

Size, Spacing & Placement Guidance For Kitchen Lights

 

• Island pendants: leave ≥ 15 cm from counter edge, 60 cm between shades or use odd numbers for symmetry.
• Downlights: never in straight “military” rows; offset to cabinet fronts so beams wash worktop.
• Under-cab strips: mount at carcase front lip, diode face towards splashback for even bounce.
• Tracks & bars: ideal in loft conversions with joist obstructions – one feed, many adjustable heads.
• Wall sconces: top of shade ≈ 165-170 cm AFFL; avoid collision with cupboard doors.
• Flush panels: centre small galley ceiling or place one at each end to pull eye-line through.

 

For Savvy Kitchen Lighting Shoppers

 

For savvy kitchen lighting shoppers, it’s worth getting into the technical details. Always compare lumens, not watts, to understand brightness levels accurately. If you're installing downlights, make sure they’re fire-rated to meet Part B compliance. To avoid mismatched lighting effects, buy LEDs with the same colour temperature across your circuits. For content creators or anyone who films in the kitchen, look for flicker-free drivers (≥ 25 kHz PWM) to avoid visible flicker on camera. Choose fittings with copper-free reflectors and sealed diodes to reduce the risk of steam-blackening over time. And finally, if you’re going smart, stick to one bulb ecosystem — jumping between brands can quickly lead to app overload.

 

Safety Requirements & Regulations (UK)

 

Rule	What It Means
BS 7671 (18th Ed)	All new circuits/kitchen re-wires must meet current wiring regs.
Part P	A competent, self-certifying electrician must install hard-wired fittings.
RCD Protection	Kitchen lighting circuits require 30 mA RCD.
Zones & IP	Keep IP44+ within 60 cm of sink/hob; otherwise IP20+ acceptable.
Fire Barriers	Recessed spots in ceilings below habitable rooms need fire-hoods or FR cans.

Kitchen Lighting Price Bands

 

Whether you're upgrading a rental, designing a family kitchen, or adding the final flourish to a luxury renovation, there's a kitchen lighting option for every budget and style. Here’s what to expect at each price tier:

 

Entry Level Kitchen Lighting

• Price Range: £0 – £100
• Features: Fire-rated IP65 downlights, flush LED ceiling lights, simple pendant fittings, and under-cabinet strips in chrome, brass, black, or satin finishes. Includes budget spotlights, batten fittings, and affordable smart lighting.
• Ideal For: Rental refreshes, compact kitchens, student homes, and low-cost makeovers.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting, Forum, Searchlight, Sensio.

 

Mid Range Kitchen Lighting

• Price Range: £100 – £200
• Features: Statement pendants, 3–6 light spot bars, brushed brass and smoked glass finishes, and IP-rated bathroom-grade options suitable for open-plan kitchens. Expect improved build quality, unique shapes, and designer wall lighting.
• Ideal For: Everyday family kitchens, stylish upgrades, and well-lit dining zones.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting, Industville, Crosswater, HIB.

 

Premium Kitchen Lighting

• Price Range: £200 – £300
• Features: High-spec crystal flush lights, oversized pendants, designer feature fittings with dimmable or colour-change LEDs, and multi-bulb bar lights. Includes Crosswater’s Tranquil range and sculptural ceiling centrepieces.
• Ideal For: Open-plan kitchens, design-conscious homes, and standout islands.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting, Crosswater, Industville.

 

Upper Premium Kitchen Lighting

• Price Range: £300 – £400
• Features: 60 cm+ LED pendant chandeliers in chrome or gold, ideal for kitchen-diners with high ceilings or central island lighting. Often includes remote-control features, warm/cool tone selection, and enhanced sparkle effects.
• Ideal For: Kitchen-dining spaces that double as entertaining zones.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting.

 

Luxury Kitchen Lighting

• Price Range: £500 – £600
• Features: Large-scale 80 cm sparkle pendants with high-lumen LED output, metallic finishes, and premium acrylic diffusers. Finance options typically available.
• Ideal For: Modern luxury kitchens, statement lighting over long islands.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting.

 

Luxury Kitchen Lighting

• Price Range: £800 – £900
• Features: 100 cm crushed crystal LED pendant lights, remote-control dimming, colour temperature shifts, and elite fittings from Revive and Sensio.
• Ideal For: High-end kitchen-dining extensions, grand kitchen spaces.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting, Sensio.

 

Flagship Lighting Pieces

• Price Range: £1,100 – £1,200
• Features: 120 cm LED pendant chandeliers with tiered crystal or sparkle detail, premium chrome or gold finishes, and integrated dimmable drivers.
• Ideal For: Grand kitchens, commercial-grade show kitchens, and interior wow factor.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting.

 

Custom & Showcase Lighting

• Price Range: £2,000+
• Features: 150 cm+ LED pendants built for maximum visual impact, with high-output sparkle arrays, remote functions, and precision-engineered finishes. Often used in showrooms, restaurants, or bespoke homes.
• Ideal For: Penthouses, design studios, and luxury kitchen centrepieces.
• Popular Brands: Revive Lighting.

 Pricing & Finance: Prices correct as of June 2025 and subject to change. Check live listings for availability. 0% finance available on qualifying baskets over £250 (subject to approval). Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £499.

 

Top Kitchen Lighting Brands 

 

We only recommend kitchen lighting ranges from trusted, high quality names. Here are the standout brands to know:

• Crosswater: Design-led statement pieces to match the brand’s taps and sinks. Think matt black or satin brass pendants, IP-rated downlights and co-ordinating under-cabinet bars for a seamless, premium look.
• Forum Lighting Solutions: Trade-favourite for rock solid core fittings: fire rated downlights, colour selectable GU10s and budget savvy LED panels that slot straight into retrofit ceilings.
• Industville: Hand-spun metal shades in copper, pewter and brass with vintage Edison styling. Perfect for industrial, loft or farmhouse kitchens that need authentic character with modern LED tech.
• Revive Lighting: On-trend pendants and linear bars in mixed metals or smoked glass, all smart bulb ready. Ideal when you want Instagram worthy centrepieces without the designer price tag.
• Searchlight Lighting: One of the UK’s longest standing lighting houses, offering everything from minimalist tracks to IP44 chrome flush lights, plus a vast range of decorative glass options for islands and diners.
  
  

Brands disclaimer: Availability can vary. Check live product pages or contact customer service before finalising your purchase.

 

Frequently Asked Kitchen Lighting Questions 

 

How bright should kitchen lighting be?

For overall/ambient light, target ≈ 3 500 lumens per 10 m² of floor area. Then layer brighter task lights over worktops, the island and the hob to kill shadows where you chop and cook.

 

Warm white or cool white bulbs for a kitchen?

Use cool-white 4 000 – 5 000K for prep because it keeps colours true, and warm white 2 700 – 3 000K for relaxed dining. As a one bulb compromise: a neutral 3 000 – 3 500K LED or tunable smart bulb you can shift from cool to warm.

 

Do kitchen ceiling lights need an IP rating?

Away from splashes, IP20 fittings are fine. Go IP44 or higher within 60 cm of the sink, hob or extractor to resist steam and water. (See our full IP zone guide for more.)

 

LED vs halogen in kitchens?

Choose LED every time: about 80 – 90% energy savings, far lower heat (safer near food and hands) and 15000 – 30, 000-hour lifespans, so fewer bulb changes and lower bills.

 

How high should kitchen pendants hang?

Keep the bottom rim 75 – 90 cm above a worktop for clear sight lines. Over a dining table, ≈ 70 cm is ideal; add ~3 cm for every extra 30 cm of ceiling height above 2.4 m.

 

How many downlights does my kitchen need?

A quick rule: ceiling height ÷ 2 ≈ centre-to-centre spacing. A 2.4 m ceiling = lights every ~1.2 m; count grid points to get your total.

 

What CRI should I pick for kitchen LEDs?

Aim for CRI ≥ 90 so raw meat, veg and décor colours stay true under both task and ambient light.

 

See Your Kitchen in the Best Light, Every Day

 

Follow the rules above: plan early, layer light, size and space fittings correctly, respect UK regs and your kitchen will work brilliantly and feel incredible, from 6am espresso shots to 11pm cocoa. Happy lighting!