Install Kitchen Lighting Fixtures
Great kitchen lighting combines three layers: ambient (general), task (work areas), and accent (decorative). The right combination transforms how your kitchen looks, feels, and functions. Here's how to plan and install each layer for optimal results.
Quick Summary
4-8 hours
$300-$2,000
Medium-Hard
Often yes
The Three Layers of Kitchen Lighting
General/Overhead Lighting
The base layer that illuminates the entire space. Usually recessed cans, flush mounts, or a central fixture. Should provide even, comfortable light throughout the kitchen without harsh shadows.
Work Area Lighting
Bright, focused light where you prep food, cook, and clean. Essential for safety and preventing eye strain. Under-cabinet lights are the workhorse of task lighting - they illuminate counters without shadows from overhead.
Decorative/Accent Lighting
Creates visual interest, highlights features, and adds personality. Pendant lights over an island serve both task and accent purposes. In-cabinet lighting showcases glass-front cabinets. Toe-kick lighting adds drama.
Kitchen Lighting Fixtures
Recessed Lighting (Can Lights)
The backbone of modern kitchen lighting. Clean look that doesn't compete with other design elements. Available in various sizes (4", 5", 6") and trim styles.
Placement Guidelines:
- • Space 4-6 feet apart for even coverage
- • 24-36 inches from wall for cabinet wash
- • One light per 25 sq ft for ambient
- • Directly above sink and stove
Types:
- • Baffle: Ridged interior, reduces glare
- • Reflector: Smooth, brighter output
- • Gimbal: Adjustable angle for aiming
- • Retrofit LED: For existing housings
Pendant Lights
Perfect over islands and peninsulas. They provide task lighting while serving as decorative focal points. Choose style that complements your kitchen design.
Hanging Guidelines:
- • 30-36 inches above countertop
- • 60-66 inches from floor
- • 6 inches in from island edges
- • 24-30 inches apart (for multiple)
Sizing:
- • Mini pendants: 6-10" wide
- • Medium pendants: 12-18" wide
- • Odd number looks best (1 or 3)
- • Total width = 1/2 to 2/3 island length
Under-Cabinet Lighting
The most important task lighting in your kitchen. Eliminates shadows on countertops caused by overhead lights. LED strips or puck lights are most common options.
LED Strips (Recommended):
- • Even, continuous light
- • Lower profile, less visible
- • Easier to install
- • Mount toward front of cabinet
Puck Lights:
- • Concentrated pools of light
- • More dramatic look
- • Space 8-12 inches apart
- • Can create hot spots
Electrical Safety Warning
Always turn off power at the breaker before working on any electrical fixtures.Use a voltage tester to verify power is off - don't rely solely on the breaker label.
If you're not comfortable with electrical work, or if your project requires new circuits or running wire through walls/ceilings, hire a licensed electrician. Most jurisdictions require permits for new electrical work.
Installation Guide
Plan Your Lighting Layout
Before installing anything, plan where each fixture will go. Consider work zones, traffic patterns, and how light will interact with surfaces. Create separate circuits or zones for different lighting types.
Pro Tip: Put recessed lights, pendants, and under-cabinet lights on separate switches with dimmers. This gives you full control over ambiance at different times of day.
Install Recessed Lights
If wiring is already run during rough-in, installation is straightforward. For new construction housings, insert into hole, extend mounting clips, and connect wiring. For remodel housings, fish wire from switch, connect at housing.
Recessed Light Installation:
- 1. Turn off power, verify with voltage tester
- 2. Mark locations using template
- 3. Cut holes with hole saw (match housing size)
- 4. Fish wire from switch to first light, daisy chain to others
- 5. Connect wires at each housing (black to black, white to white, ground)
- 6. Secure housing in ceiling, install trim
Hang Pendant Fixtures
Pendants attach to a ceiling electrical box. Install mounting bracket, connect wires, attach canopy to bracket, then hang pendant at desired height. Adjust chain or cord length as needed.
Important: Ceiling boxes must be rated to support fixture weight. Standard boxes hold 50 lbs, heavy fixtures need fan-rated boxes. Check your pendant's weight before installation.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
LED strips are easiest - peel backing and stick in place. Position lights toward front of cabinet (behind face frame) to reduce visibility and shadow on backsplash. Connect to transformer, route wiring through cabinet backs.
Under-Cabinet Options:
- • Hardwired: Cleanest look, professional install recommended
- • Plug-in: DIY-friendly, may need to hide cord
- • Battery: Easiest, but requires battery changes
Install Dimmer Switches
Replace standard switches with dimmers for each lighting zone. Ensure dimmer is LED-compatible (labeled "LED" or "CFL/LED"). Standard dimmers can cause LED flickering or buzzing.
Recommendation: Consider smart dimmers for voice control and scheduling. Lutron Caseta and Leviton Decora are popular, reliable options.
Test and Adjust
Restore power and test every fixture and dimmer. Adjust pendant heights if needed - have someone stand at island to check sight lines. Aim gimbal recessed lights to highlight specific areas. Verify under-cabinet lights eliminate shadows.
Final check: Test at night to see how lighting actually performs. Make adjustments while everything is accessible.
Choosing Color Temperature
| Temperature | Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K | Warm white (yellowish) | Cozy, traditional kitchens |
| 3000K | Soft white | Most kitchens (recommended) |
| 3500K | Neutral white | Contemporary kitchens |
| 4000K | Cool white | Task areas, modern style |
| 5000K+ | Daylight (bluish) | Too harsh for most kitchens |
Key: Keep all lighting in your kitchen within 300K of each other for cohesive look. Mixing 2700K and 4000K creates jarring effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recessed lights do I need in a kitchen?
Generally one 6-inch recessed light per 25 square feet, spaced 4-6 feet apart. A 150 sq ft kitchen needs 4-6 recessed lights. Place lights 24-36 inches from walls to wash cabinets with light. Supplement with task lighting under cabinets.
How high should pendant lights hang over a kitchen island?
30-36 inches above the countertop, or 60-66 inches from the floor. Use 2-3 pendants spaced 24-30 inches apart, centered over the island. Allow 6 inches clearance from island edges. Higher ceilings can accommodate slightly higher pendants.
What color temperature is best for kitchen lighting?
2700K-3000K (warm white) is most popular, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. 3500K-4000K (neutral/cool white) provides clearer task lighting. Avoid 5000K+ in kitchens as it looks harsh. Consider tunable fixtures for flexibility.
Do I need an electrician to install kitchen lights?
Replacing existing fixtures is DIY-friendly. Adding new circuits, running new wiring, or installing recessed lights often requires an electrician for safety and code compliance. Most jurisdictions require permits for new electrical work.