11 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 various designs, they will go with any existing or planned kitchen theme. Wall sconces are great for rental homes where upgrading the entire kitchen lighting system is not practical. 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. It highlights specific areas of your kitchen, such as your countertops or sink area. Track lighting is also great for illuminating specific spaces, such as a breakfast nook or accent wall. Versatile and flexible, it is 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 with other types of light fixtures to provide the look of natural light in a space. Recessed lighting can highlight specific areas of your kitchen or 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 be 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 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 quickly. If you have open shelving, your cabinet lights can help set the mood in your kitchen while showcasing your prized pieces.
Related article: The secret to great cabinet lighting
5. Don’t forget your accents
Accent lighting is a great way to add interest to your kitchen. It can highlight specific architectural features or workspaces. To personalise your space, focus on your travel collection of China, coffee mugs, teapots, or wall art.
6. 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. These types of lights often 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. 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. Dimmers are your functional friend
Wall lights are an essential part of any home as an important source of directional lighting. Their strength 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.
10. Incorporating smart lighting for control and customisation
Smart lighting has revolutionised the way we think about illumination. With smart wall lights, you can easily control the lighting through your smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Create preset moods for different activities—bright lights for cooking and dimmer, warmer tones for relaxing after dinner. These lights can also be scheduled to turn on or off at specific times, making them convenient and energy-efficient.
Related article: The advantages and disadvantages of smart lighting
11. Wall-mounted pendant lights for an industrial touch
For kitchens with an industrial vibe, wall-mounted pendant lights can be an excellent choice. These lights can boldly appear above your countertops or kitchen island, providing both task and accent lighting. Available in various shapes, finishes, and sizes, pendant lights can be hung in a linear arrangement or pairs for symmetry. They are especially ideal for modern kitchens looking to combine form and function.
Related article: 11 pendant lighting ideas to inspire a refresh
Kitchen wall lighting ideas to inspire your refresh
These kitchen wall lighting ideas are just the beginning of what’s possible when illuminating your kitchen space. Whether you're looking to enhance functionality, add character, or create a more inviting atmosphere, there's a wide range of wall lighting options to suit your needs. While task lighting helps with food prep, accent lighting showcases the features of your kitchen space. Nevertheless, kitchen wall lights will brighten up your space, making it more usable and enjoyable for all.
This article was updated on 22nd, November 2024