Kitchen Sink Lighting Ideas for Stylish Functionality
Enhance your kitchen with stylish sink lighting ideas. Learn about different types of lighting options and how to hang them for a functional and appealing kitchen space.
Lighting is an important aspect of your kitchen design. If you are hoping to make some simple changes in your kitchen, without an entire kitchen remodel, updating lighting is a great place to start.
This quick guide will give you information on sink lighting ideas that can really change the look and feel of your kitchen. Keep reading to learn more.
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What Kind of Light Goes Over The Kitchen Sink?
The kitchen sink light is a special feature in a kitchen. This light is different from other types of lighting in the kitchen and in the rest of the home. The kitchen sink light is often smaller than regular lighting and is usually not as bright.
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There are plenty of varieties of kitchen sink lights to choose from. Many people choose a single, recessed light for this part of the kitchen, but you can get creative and add different kinds of lights if you want.
How Do You Hang A Light Over A Kitchen Sink?
Installing your kitchen sink lighting will rely heavily upon the type of lighting you choose. If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, you should probably consult with a professional to assist. Installing lighting is also tricky because you are dealing with electricity.
If you do not already have a lighting fixture above your sink, you will first need to consult with an electrician to install this. You cannot install sink lighting without access to a lighting fixture above the sink.
Once the fixture is in place, you will then need to follow the instructions on the lighting fixtures you have purchased. If you are uncomfortable doing this, you should hire a professional. Many home improvement stores will also provide installation for an additional charge.
Can You Put A Pendant Light Above A Kitchen Sink?
There are lots of creative ways to add lighting above a sink. Traditionally, pendant lights were used in other parts of the kitchen, but today, more and more people are adding a pendant light above their sinks.
This adds a distinctive and lovely touch to what is normally considered a less than exciting part of the house.
What Are Modern Lighting Ideas For Kitchen?
You can get creative when it comes to kitchen sink lighting. Here are a few fun ideas you might want to consider.
Lanterns
Illuminate your space with our PAKOKULA 4-Light Black Farmhouse Chandelier. Perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and entryways.
Lantern-style lights give your kitchen a stylish detail. If you have chosen a farmhouse design in your kitchen, a rustic lantern above the sink can be a great addition.
Industrial
Illuminate your kitchen with the RUZINIU Farmhouse Chandelier. This industrial pendant lighting fixture features 5 lights for a modern touch.
Another great option might be industrial-inspired lighting options. If you have a modern feel to your kitchen and home, industrial-styled lighting can make the perfect addition above the sink.
Antique
Add a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen or bedroom with our exquisite pendant light fixture. Unique, elegant design to elevate your space.
You can also bring your personality to your kitchen by using antique lighting. Antique lighting can be rewired and repurposed to be used in your modern home.
Retro
Illuminate your space with SEABLE Industrial Pendant Lights. Adjustable and stylish, perfect for kitchen islands and bars. UL Listed for safety.
Like antique lighting, retro lighting from past decades is another fun way to spruce up your kitchen and show some style.
Recessed
Illuminate your space with Amico's 12-Pack Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights. Choose from 3 light colors and enjoy high brightness with energy-efficient dimmable LEDs.
Recessed lighting is a common type of lighting used above the sink. This traditional option still works great and is often a choice for homeowners who want a no-nonsense lighting option for the kitchen.
How Can I Improve The Lighting In My Kitchen?
In addition to adding sink lighting, there are other ways to improve the lighting of your kitchen as well. Let’s look at a few of these options.
Ditch the curtains
For many decades we were taught that every window must be covered with blinds and curtains. This is simply not the case.
If you want to improve the natural lighting in your kitchen, you can simply ditch the curtains. Leaving windows uncovered allows for more light and simplifies the space.
If you feel that you simply must have something on the window, why not opt for light window treatments that drape around the window rather than heavy curtains that block out the light?
Bigger windows
If you have the time and money to change things up in the kitchen, you could consider installing bigger windows.
Many older homes did not provide big windows or optimize natural light. Adding bigger, modern windows is a great way to update your home and increase its value.
Lighten up
You can pull off an illusion of more light by simply lighting up the colors in your kitchen. Dark cabinets and walls will give the impression of darkness.
If you update with lighter colors, you can create the illusion of more light without expensive changes to your windows.
Other Lighting Considerations
There are many benefits to updating the lighting in your kitchen. Let’s look at a few of these benefits.
Increase home value
Outdated lighting can really bring down your home’s value and resale appeal. If you are planning to sell your home, you should start by updating the lighting. Updated lighting will make a good impression when showing the home to potential buyers.
Increase safety
Some outdated lighting is actually unsafe. If you live in an older home, you should definitely consider updating your lighting. Talk with a professional electrician to evaluate the safety of your current lighting and find out if updating would be a smart move.
Inexpensive Update
If you are getting sick of your kitchen, you might be tempted to plan an entire kitchen renovation. Kitchen renovations can be expensive and time-consuming.
However, there are many easy changes you can make that would really change your kitchen. One of the easiest ways to refresh your kitchen without a renovation is to update the lighting.
Another easy way to refresh is to pain. Painting a room a different color is usually just the change you need.
Lighting first
If you are planning a renovation or a new construction build, it is important to remember that lighting should be planned first. This is because the electrical for the lighting needs to be run before the sheetrock is installed.
You can save yourself a lot of time and trouble if you plan your lighting first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lighting is best for over kitchen sink?
The best lighting for the kitchen sink is pendant lighting. Pendant lighting offers a wide range of sizes and styles, such as modern, industrial, transitional, and farmhouse designs. Customers appreciate the versatility that pendant lighting provides, making it an ideal choice for your breakfast nook, kitchen island, or over-the-sink.
What is the trend in kitchen lighting?
The trend in kitchen lighting includes the installation of pendant lighting over islands or peninsulas, which is highly praised. Not only does the light over the island serve a functional purpose, but it also adds beauty to the kitchen. Even individuals who prefer recessed lights throughout the kitchen can incorporate some color and style by opting for pendant lights over the island. Another popular choice is to use smaller pendant lights over the counter.
Should you put a pendant light over kitchen sink?
You should consider putting a pendant light over the kitchen sink if it is hung at the appropriate height. A single large pendant light can effectively illuminate the sink area. However, if you have enough space on the wall above the sink, you can opt for two pendant lights. It is important to ensure a minimum gap of 25 inches between two adjacent cabinets on the wall.
What can replace fluorescent lights in kitchen?
A variety of options can replace fluorescent lights in the kitchen without the need for extensive renovations. Upgrades such as track lighting, undercabinet lighting, recessed lighting, dimmers, and improved bulbs offer effective alternatives at a reasonable cost. These alternatives can be installed without disrupting the existing kitchen setup.
How wide should vanity light be over sink?
The width of the vanity light over the sink should not exceed the width of your vanity or cabinet. It is recommended to choose a vanity bar light that is approximately 75 percent of the total width of your mirror.
Where do you put a light above a sink?
The light above a sink should be placed 30 to 40 inches above the counter when installing fixtures. It is important to consider the size of your kitchen sink, as this rule applies regardless of its dimensions.
Can you put a light above a sink?
Yes, if the light fixture is moisture-rated, it will protect the internal electrical components from moisture and prevent electrical hazards, allowing you to safely place a light fixture above your kitchen sink.
Should lights over vanity point up or down?
Lights over the vanity can be mounted either pointing up or down. It is important to consider the desired lighting effect when choosing the direction. If ambient lighting is preferred, the fixture should be mounted with the lights pointing up. On the other hand, if task lighting is desired, the lights should be pointed down.
What are lights over bathroom sink called?
The lights over a bathroom sink are commonly referred to as vanity lighting. These lights come in different sizes, such as bar lights with two, three, four or more lamps, and sconces with varying lengths, heights, and depths. If you have a small bathroom, it is recommended to choose a single wall sconce and install it directly above the vanity mirror.
How many lights should be above a vanity?
The appropriate number of lights above a vanity depends on the specific setup and design. Placing two sconces, one on each side of the mirror, is an effective method to eliminate shadows and provide balanced lighting. In the case of double vanities with two mirrors, it is recommended to use a total of three lights, with one positioned in between the mirrors. If wall mounting is not feasible, hanging pendant lights can be used as an alternative to sconces.
How bright should the light over the sink be?
The light over the sink should be as bright as 55 lumens per square foot, which can be determined by measuring the total square footage of the kitchen sink area and multiplying it by the recommended lumen value for kitchen sinks.
How many lights above the kitchen sink?
The number of lights above the kitchen sink can vary, but one option worth considering is having two sconce lights for maintaining symmetry, while another option is exploring the possibility of having three sconce lights.
How do I choose a light over my sink?
The light over the sink should be chosen carefully to ensure it provides adequate task lighting. It is important to ensure that the light is centered over the sink, as even a slight misalignment can create an unbalanced look. In the case of multiple pendants over a large island, it may be beneficial to add a dimmable can light over the sink to avoid overcrowding the design.
What is the light over the sink called?
The light over the sink is commonly referred to as a sconce. It serves as an option for lighting above the sink, providing direct illumination. This type of lighting can serve both functional and decorative purposes, especially when there are other effective task lighting sources in the vicinity. If your sink is positioned against a wall and depending on the height of your ceiling, you have the choice of using either a pendant or a sconce for this purpose.
Should you put a pendant light over sink?
You should consider hanging a pendant light over the sink, especially if it is a single big pendant light placed at the appropriate height. However, if you prefer to use two pendant lights, make sure there is enough space on the wall above the sink, with a minimum gap of 25 inches between two adjacent cabinets.
Can light be placed over kitchen sink?
A light can be placed over a kitchen sink. It is recommended to keep the lighting at least 60cm away from the water source, so it should not hang directly over the sink. This precaution is advised by Victoria from Rothschild & Bickers.
What is the best lighting for a kitchen?
The best lighting for a kitchen is achieved by using a warm white tone for the main kitchen light, also known as ambient light. This creates a softer glow in the space, which can be enhanced with brighter white task lighting under counters or through lamps.
Where should recessed lights be placed over kitchen sink?
Recessed lights should be placed over the kitchen sink aimed at the countertop edges to illuminate the work areas and avoid casting shadows when people are standing at the counters. It is recommended to position the recessed downlights 12″ apart from each other and 12″ to 18″ away from any cabinets to effectively light up the counter areas.
What is the thing on top of the sink called?
The thing on top of the sink is called an escutcheon. It is a metal piece that covers the holes connecting to the pipes and faucet handles. Additionally, the spray hose is responsible for connecting the water supply to the faucet as a whole.
