Your guide to layering lighting in the kitchen – from soft glows to statement pieces.

When designing a kitchen, lighting is often one of the last things to be finalised, but it deserves a starring role from the very beginning. Good lighting doesn’t just help you see what you’re doing (although that’s very important). It sets the tone of the room, highlights your design features, and helps the space work beautifully from morning coffee to evening glass of wine.

In this guide, we’re breaking down how to layer light effectively in your kitchen. From bold pendants to under-cabinet LEDs and smart dimmable controls, here’s everything you need to know to get your lighting spot on.

What Do We Mean by ‘Layered Lighting’?

In a well-designed kitchen, lighting shouldn’t come from just one source. Layered lighting means using a mix of different types of lighting, each serving a specific purpose, to create a warm, balanced, and practical atmosphere.

There are typically three types of lighting to consider:

• Ambient Lighting – The general light that illuminates the whole room (i.e. ceiling lights).
• Task Lighting – Focused light for doing specific things, like cooking or reading recipes (e.g. under-cabinet strips or directional spotlights).
• Accent Lighting – Decorative or mood lighting that adds depth and atmosphere (such as pendant lights or wall sconces).

Getting the balance between these three types is what makes a kitchen feel considered, comfortable, and cohesive.

1. Ambient Lighting – Your Base Layer

This is your starting point — the main lights that illuminate the whole space.

Ceiling spotlights are a common choice, especially in modern kitchens, because they spread light evenly across the room. If you’re going for a clean, minimal aesthetic, recessed downlights keep the ceiling clutter-free while still providing good overall light.

For something a little more characterful, consider flush or semi-flush ceiling fittings, especially in smaller kitchens with lower ceilings. These can bring a touch of style to your ‘everyday’ lighting without overwhelming the space.

Top tip: Add a dimmer switch to your ambient lighting where possible. It gives you the flexibility to shift the atmosphere from bright and functional to soft and relaxed in the evenings.

2. Task Lighting – For When You Really Need to See

Good task lighting is essential in the kitchen. It’s all about making sure your key work areas, like your hob, sink, and prep space, are properly lit, without casting shadows.

Under-cabinet lighting is the hero here. Slim LED strips or spotlights fitted beneath your wall units shine light directly onto the worktop below, which is exactly where you need it when chopping veg or checking on the pasta.

One of the best things about under-cabinet lighting? You can use it without turning on your main lights, which is especially lovely in the evening. It creates a gentle glow that’s practical but atmospheric, perfect for those end-of-day cups of tea or late-night fridge visits.

Some lighting systems also allow you to adjust the temperature of the light (from cool white to warm yellow). This means you can tailor it to your mood or the time of day. Warmer tones feel cosy and calm, while cooler tones feel bright and alert.

3. Accent Lighting – The Personality Piece

Once the practical lighting is sorted, it’s time to bring in personality with accent lighting.

Pendant lights are a classic choice above kitchen islands or breakfast bars. They help to visually anchor the space and provide both style and focus. Whether you opt for industrial-style shades, clear glass globes, or sculptural forms, pendants are your chance to make a statement.

Hanging them in odd numbers, usually three for larger islands or two for more compact layouts, helps keep the balance right.

But pendants aren’t the only way to add character. Consider:

• Wall lights either side of a sink or open shelving unit
• Plinth lighting at floor level for a subtle, modern touch
• Lighting inside glazed cabinets to softly illuminate glassware or favourite pieces
• Above-cabinet uplighting to wash your ceiling with a soft glow

Used thoughtfully, accent lighting adds drama and warmth to your kitchen story—and helps tie together your overall design.

4. Smart Control and Dimmability

Modern kitchens are working harder than ever before. They need to be practical during the day and soothing by night. That’s where dimmable lighting and smart lighting control systems come into their own.

Being able to adjust brightness, and even the colour temperature, lets you shift the feel of the room depending on the time of day or what you’re doing. Preparing dinner on a dark winter afternoon? You might want a cooler, brighter light. Unwinding with a glass of wine after dinner? Switch to warm, low-level glow.

There are lots of ways to achieve this, with either simple dimmer switches or app-based smart systems.

5. Feature Spots: Sinks, Shelving & More

Once your main lighting plan is in place, it’s worth identifying specific features you might want to highlight.

For instance:

• A double wall light either side of a Belfast sink gives a lovely symmetry and softness.
• Lighting within open shelving makes even a practical spot feel styled.
• LED strips behind floating shelves or under countertops can create an almost invisible glow that lifts the entire space.

And if you’ve chosen beautiful materials — like a veined quartz splashback or fluted wood panelling — don’t let them sit in the shadows. A well-placed light can turn them into a design focal point.

6. Final Thoughts: Planning It In Early

Lighting is one of the things people often leave until last, but it really does pay to plan it early in your kitchen design journey.

You’ll need to make decisions about:

• Where you want your lighting circuits to go
• Whether you want your pendant drops centred over an island
• If your under-cabinet lighting should be mains or low voltage
• Whether you want any of your lighting on separate switches

A Well-Lit Kitchen Tells a Better Story

Whether you’re chilling at the breakfast bar or chatting over dinner with friends, the right lighting transforms the feel of your kitchen. It helps you work efficiently, relax deeply, and feel more at home.

So give it the attention it deserves, layer it thoughtfully, and enjoy how it enhances your kitchen — day and night.

A blog by Mizzie, our kitchen designer.