10 kitchen wall lighting ideas for a quick refresh
The modern kitchen is the heart of the home and its lighting deserves as much care and attention as you would any other room in the house. This includes all the different options for wall lighting, vital for lighting depth, clarity and coverage in a task-orientated space that needs it all. Wall lights are also a quick way to refresh the kitchen without the need for a full renovation, instantly giving it a brighter and cleaner feel.
1. The classic wall sconce
Wall sconces are a great option for kitchen wall lighting because of the added directional light they give to countertops and cabinets. They add a touch of style to your space in a classic way that people are familiar with. Available in a wide variety of designs, they will go with any existing or planned kitchen theme.
Wall sconces are great for rental homes where it's not practical to upgrade the entire kitchen lighting system. Installation is easy and they can also be switched out for updated fixtures if the property already has them installed.
2. Track lighting for flexible living
Track lighting is a versatile option for kitchen wall lighting. They are used to highlight specific areas of your kitchen like your countertops or sink area. Track lighting is also great for illuminating specific spaces like a breakfast nook or accent wall that might be located in your kitchen. Versatile and flexible, they are a great kitchen lighting idea.
Related article: What are track lights and how should I use them?
3. A subtle approach with recessed wall lighting
Recessed lighting is a more subtle option for kitchen wall lighting. It’s often used in conjunction with other types of light fixtures to provide the look of natural light in a space. Recessed lighting can be used to highlight specific areas of your kitchen or to provide general lighting for the entire space. It's a good option for high ceilings or small spaces along your wall where bold lighting may make too much of a distraction.
4. Practical cabinet lights never go amiss
Cabinet lights are an excellent option for kitchen wall lighting because they provide task-specific lighting. These types of lights are often used to illuminate the inside of cabinets or shelves. This is a great way to see what you have stored in your cabinets and to find things easily. If you have open shelving then your cabinet lights can really help to set the mood in your kitchen while showcasing your prized pieces.
Related article: The secret to great cabinet lighting
5. Opportunities with under-cabinet lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is an underutilised form of lighting and one that presents great opportunities in the modern kitchen. It not only brightens up the space but also makes it easier to see what you’re doing when cooking or baking. These lights often come with dimmers and different colour settings so you can create different moods in your kitchen depending on the vibe you’re after. They're also great for providing lighting in your kitchen at night without having to leave large lights on.
6. Don’t forget your accents
Accent lighting is a great way to add interest to your kitchen. It can be used to highlight specific architectural features or workspaces in your kitchen. Focus them on your travel collection of China, coffee mugs, teapots or wall art to personalise your space.
7. Take advantage of innovative LED strip lights
LED strip lights are a versatile and cost-effective option for kitchen wall lighting. They can be used to provide general ambient lighting, accent lighting, or task light. LED strip lights are often used to illuminate countertops, cabinets, or shelves. Try fun LED neon lights that can be connected to smart devices as a great tech-savvy solution.
Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide
7. Take advantage of innovative LED strip lights
LED strip lights are a versatile and cost-effective option for kitchen wall lighting. They can be used to provide general ambient lighting, accent lighting, or task light. LED strip lights are often used to illuminate countertops, cabinets, or shelves. Try fun LED neon lights that can be connected to smart devices as a great tech-savvy solution.
Related article: LED lights - the definitive guide
8. Irresistibly stylish gooseneck wall lights
Gooseneck wall lights are a great option for providing task lighting in your kitchen. They are also incredibly stylish, becoming a decorative feature in their own right. Often used in pairs or as a series, they are traditionally used to illuminate countertops, cabinets, or shelves.
9. Swing arm wall lights that adjust at your whim
Another great form of task lighting can be provided by swing arm wall lamps. They are also often used to illuminate countertops but are adjustable, so you can move them to whatever specific area you need them at the time. Swing arm wall lamps are also a great option for small kitchens because they take up minimal space on the wall.
Related article: Effective ways to use interior wall lights
10. Dimmers are your functional friend
Wall lights are an essential part of any home as an important source of directional lighting, there strength of which can also be customised using lighting dimmers. These handy switches give you control over your own lighting needs whether that be for food preparation, cooking, baking or even socialising. They adapt to your needs which is the exact ideal when it comes to lighting and is something everyone should seriously consider.
Kitchen wall lighting ideas to inspire your refresh
These kitchen wall lighting ideas are just the beginning of what’s possible when it comes to illuminating your kitchen space. Some might be perfect for your current kitchen while others may inspire ideas for projects to come. Either way, they’ll brighten up your space, making it more usable and enjoyable for all.