Sure, it's fun to play with the lighting in your kitchen and place a table lamp on an island or clip a wall sconce onto a shelf, but for practicality, you just can't go wrong with kitchen ceiling lights. They'll help illuminate your entire culinary space, so you'll actually be able to see the veggies you're chopping and the food you're prepping. Plus, ceiling fixtures draw the eyes upward often complementing your kitchen's overall design.
You have a wide variety of lighting styles to choose from, including pendants, flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, chandeliers, track lighting, recessed lighting, and more. We guarantee there's a light fixture available for every imaginable aesthetic — whether it's sleek and cool for modern kitchens, natural and carefree for boho spaces, or dripping with retro charm for midcentury designs.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Really, the sky's the limit when it comes to kitchen ceiling lighting, and we're here to get your head out of the clouds and help guide you through the decision-making process. Scroll on to learn more about the options available, plus we even threw in a few shopping suggestions.
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #1: Pendants
Pendants are the kitchen ceiling light choice du jour. They add both ambient and task lighting, plus they can reinforce the overall design aesthetic of your space. For example, in this kitchen designed by Aymee and Molly of Light & Dwell, the cone-shaped fixtures paired with black cabinets promote a modern-meets-industrial look in an otherwise transitional space.
Get the Look: Rejuvenation Conical Drum Pendant, $529
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #2: Flush Mount
Flush mounts are a compact way to incorporate kitchen ceiling lighting into small spaces, especially those that struggle with a low ceiling height. They're straightforward, unfussy, and won't overwhelm your design. But don't let the petite size fool you — the right fixture can make a lasting impact. And this all-white cook space belonging to Jillian Guyette of Better Happier is picture-perfect proof that a small light can pack quite a chic punch.
Get the Look: CB2 Bell White Flush Mount Light, $59.95
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #3: Semi-Flush Mount
Similar to flush mounts, semi-flush mount fixtures are ideal for small kitchens. Shea of Studio McGee installed a classic design in this culinary space, and it acts as a subtle yet elegant finishing touch juxtaposed with dark-green cabinets and patterned cement floor tile.
Get the Look: Chapman & Myers Edwardian Open Bottom Flush Mount, $509
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #4: Chandelier
If you're looking to make a statement, a chandelier is your go-to. You can opt for something traditional dripping in crystals and femininity, like Rhiannon of Rhiannon Lawson Home chose for her farmhouse kitchen. Or you can select a modern version with sleek metal finishes and geometric detailing.
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #5: Track Lighting
We know what you're thinking ... kitchen track lighting is so '80s! But don't be too quick to judge, the retro fixture can actually be cool, and very on-trend. In fact, when it comes to the kitchen, it might be the most sensible lighting option of all — its simple and uncomplicated design will provide plenty of illumination where you need it most. In this black-and-white cook space belonging to Gina from Style Curator, the sleek, black track system over the island provides ample direct lighting on the worktop so guests won't miss a moment of her culinary genius.
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #6: Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting, also known as can lights, is another tried-and-true choice for kitchen ceiling lighting. It's been around forever and can be found in most kitchens. They're ideal for providing general ambient lighting to fully illuminate an entire space, something that will only further brighten this airy, all-white kitchen belonging to Sarah of Room for Tuesday.
Kitchen Ceiling Light Idea #7: Unexpectedly Unique
Then there are those times when you feel like throwing caution to the wind and pushing the creative envelope with unexpected kitchen ceiling lighting. For a very modern, and even industrial look that stands out follow the lead of this kitchen that showcases four cage pendants wrapped around an iron bar mounted to the ceiling. You can rest assured that your culinary space will stand out from the crowd, while giving you all the light you need.
Where to Buy Kitchen Ceiling Lights:
Kitchen ceiling lighting is an expansive realm, but luckily, we know the best places to find the most stylish fixtures on the market. Here are four of our faves.