1. Pendant Lighting for Small Kitchens

Smaller kitchens definitely have their fair share of design challenges, from the lack of storage to minimal floor space. However, with some illuminating lighting ideas for small kitchens, you can transform even the smallest galley kitchen into the gourmet haven you’ve always dreamed of.

2. Kitchen Lighting Ideas with No Island & More

The average home size that a lot of Americans are after isn’t as big as it used to be. With more homebuyers looking for warmer, more intimate spaces, we’re all getting bolder and more creative with unique kitchen lighting ideas for small kitchens. Classic designs like a pendant chandelier over an island are beautiful, but for kitchen lighting ideas for no island, you may want to consider more creative strategies. 

Here are some easy tips for lighting up even the smallest of kitchens:

• Under-cabinet lighting
• Overhead pendant lights
• Flush-mount lights
• Wall sconces
• Recessed lighting
• Maximize your natural light

3. Versatile Lighting for Compact Spaces

Pendant lights are some of the most modern and versatile lights you can use in a kitchen, even as lighting ideas for small kitchens with no island. At Color Cord Company, we feature pendant lights that range from chic, minimal single pendant fixtures, popular Duo and Trio fixtures, along with options for designing your own pendant light with up to 17 pendants.

If you need pendant lighting for small kitchens, we generally recommend proportionally shorter pendant light fixtures with one to three pendants, slim cages, and smaller shades. This creates a crisp, minimal focal point that’ll play up the vertical negative space of your kitchen no matter its size.

4. Flush-Mount Lights

Flush mount lights are attractive, stylish accents that can reduce glare or shadow when placed strategically. For flush-mount kitchen lighting ideas for small kitchens, consider placing a row of flush-mount lights above the sink. This will create a soft, warm light in areas that typically get left in the dark, especially if your kitchen has a closed floor plan.

Like our pendant fixtures, our flush mount lights come in a range of sizes and port configurations. For areas that are particularly dim-lit 24/7, consider two or three ports. Or, for a more minimal look, go with a single port.

5. Wall Sconces

Similar to flush-mount lights, wall sconces can save you valuable countertop space while illuminating your kitchen’s most dimly-lit areas. They’re also some pretty stylish choices if you’re looking for fixtures hardwired or plugged into a wall.

6. Maximize Your Natural Lighting

Ambient, natural light is ideally the best way to illuminate your kitchen during the day. But if you’re dealing with a small or cramped space, capturing this natural light can be a bit tricky, especially if you don’t have a ton of options for renovating or doing substantial construction work to alter your kitchen’s windows. The easiest way to do this is to use only lightweight, white, or off-white curtains that reflect ambient light while keeping out glare. Or better yet, don’t use curtains at all for a clean, minimal look to let in as much light as possible.

Kitchen Lighting Ideas for Small Kitchens & Rooms of All Shapes & Sizes

Color Cord Company is an industry leader in creative interior lighting. We’re here to help professionals and creative homeowners and renters find the inspiration they need to reinvent their homes one room at a time.

With a whole library of video tutorials and inspiring blog posts, we also have everything you need to get your next project started. Shop our signature cloth-covered electrical cord, with over 75 colors along with easy-to-install light fixtures, lamp parts, and light bulbs.

Still have some questions about illuminating a small space? Explore the rest of our tutorials today.