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Our picks for best modern kitchen lighting (plus helpful tips)

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Looking for modern kitchen island lighting ideas?

An island light is a must-have if you want to add style and brightness to your kitchen. Lighting is functional, but it also sets the tone of your room. Like a great piece of art or wall decor, kitchen island lighting can be the focal point of a room.

Modern kitchen island light fixtures are an excellent choice if you want a minimalistic and functional lighting source. Lighting fixtures vary depending on style, design, function, and material; with these elements in mind, we rounded up the best lighting options for you to consider for your kitchen.

In this article: Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Duran Five-Light Wagon Wheel ChandelierWade Logan Alliber Dimmable LED Geometric Chandelier and Mercury Row Snead Three-Light Kitchen Island Pendant

What to know before you buy modern kitchen island lighting

Style of kitchen island lighting

There is no one-size-fits-all type of modern kitchen island lighting. You have multiple styles to choose from, including the following:

  • Recessed lights are installed directly into the ceiling and cover the entire kitchen to provide ambient lighting throughout the room. Since there are no hanging components, they're a good option for low ceilings.
  • Task lights are more direct and illuminate a specific area, making them suitable for activities you perform at the kitchen island, such as cooking, cleaning, eating, and homework.
  • Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling with a single bulb. It’s one of the most common types of kitchen island lighting and goes far in adding charm to the space.
  • Flush-mount lights are installed directly into the ceiling with no base, while semi-flush mount lights include a short base. Like recessed lights, these are ideal for low ceilings.
  • Chandelier kitchen island lighting distributes light narrowly over the island with a typically statement-making design.

Pendant placement

A pendant light is one of the most popular styles of modern kitchen island lighting. How many pendant lights you need depends on the length and width of your kitchen island.

For smaller islands, 4 to 5 feet long, one large pendant or two medium pendants are optimal. Larger islands can support three medium-sized or two large pendant lights. Consider following the "rule of three," a design principle that says lights are more appealing when arranged in odd numbers.

In terms of pendant length, the bottom rim of the fixture should be 30 to 36 inches from the kitchen island the surface. However, never sacrifice style for preference because the kitchen is the heart of the home, so you want to feel comfortable.

What to look for in quality modern kitchen island lights

LED vs. incandescent bulbs

The two most common options when selecting a light bulb for your kitchen island fixtures include:

  • LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and come in multiple sizes and styles, but they have the same look and feel as the traditional bulb. They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs but can save you money in the long run by lowering your electric bill.
  • Incandescent bulbs are still common and inexpensive. However, they aren’t as energy-efficient and don't last as long.

No matter what type of bulb you purchase, warmer lighting with a soft yellow hue works best in the kitchen, especially if you have wooden cabinets.

Dimmers

Some light fixtures come with dimmers, and some have smart options connected with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and the iPhone so you can control your lighting from anywhere. You can also purchase a dimmer separately, but make sure it's compatible with the fixture and type of bulb.

Light fixture shape

Modern kitchen island lighting fixtures tend to have simple, clean geometric shapes. They lack the elaborate or formal design common in other styles. The shape of the lights will also determine how much they illuminate the island and surrounding area.

How much you can expect to spend on modern kitchen island lighting

Kitchen island lighting can range in price from $50 to $750 based on the size, number of pendants and the design.

Modern kitchen island lighting FAQ

My kitchen lighting has multiple pendants. How do I space them apart?

A. Interior designers recommend that if you have two pendants, you should space them 30 inches apart. If you have more than two pendants, you want them spaced evenly over the entire length of the island.

Can I install a kitchen island light on my own?

A. It is possible, but it depends on your experience and the type of lighting. If unsure, you can always hire an electrician to install the light fixture.

Best modern kitchen island lighting

Mercury Row Signorelli 10 Modern Linear Chandelier

Turn your kitchen island into the focal point of the room with this easy-to-install, oversized modern light fixtureAvailable in four types of metal, this sputnik-style modern chandelier is a nod to midcentury style. This light is adjustable to meet your needs. The arms can be rearranged, the height can vary from 46 to 86 inches and the lights are dimmable. Light bulbs are not included and must be purchased separately. 

Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Duran Five-Light Wagon Wheel Chandelier

This modern farmhouse kitchen island lighting has a unique wagon wheel-shaped design. It's tasteful and eye-catching, featuring sturdy wrought-iron construction and clear glass shades. The height is adjustable between 28 and 67 inches. This light fixture is dimmable and looks great with vintage candelabra-style bulbs, which must be purchased separately. 

Wade Logan Alliber Dimmable LED Geometric Chandelier

This ultramodern chandelier is a statement piece for the kitchen. The bold geometric lighting features circular metal that's been woven together for an abstract aesthetic. Integrated dimmable LED lights provide a bright glow and last for 9,000 hours. The height is adjustable between 10 to 47.24 inches. 

Mercury Row Snead Three-Light Kitchen Island Pendant

This orb-like kitchen island pendant lighting exudes midcentury-modern style. The three-light fixture comes with frosted or clear glass shades and the metal components are available in a matte black, chrome or brass finish. This light fixture is compatible with dimmer switches and height adjustable from 14 to 87 inches. Light bulbs must be purchased separately. 

Yisdesign Modern Wooden Linear Pendant Lighting

Simplicity and elegance ooze from this wooden pendant island light. Made from premium materials, this kitchen island light has been ground and painted four times to create an optimal look and handcrafted feel. It's available in two kinds of wood and three sizes. The remote-control dimmer lets you vary the color temperature and brightness. The included light source can run for 50,000 hours, so you can save money by not purchasing replacement bulbs.

KLSS Modern Farmhouse Clear Glass Cylinder Pendant Light Fixture

These kitchen island pendant lights artfully combine modern industrial and farmhouse styles. They're budget-friendly and come individually or in sets of two or three. They're made of quality metal and glass, available in matte black, brushed nickel and brass finishes. These lights are dimmable and compatible with a variety of bulb types (not included).

Trent Austin Design Dileo Two-Light Pendant Set of Two

These kitchen island pendant light fixtures have a modern dome design with a minimalist aesthetic for those who want a more subtle effect. They come in sets of two, featuring a matte black exterior and gold interior. They're made of durable metal, dimmable and height adjustable between 10.24 and 53.54 inches. Bulbs are not included.

Birch Lane Lani Glass Semi-Flush Mount

This semi-flush-mount light is perfect for kitchens with low ceilings. The clear glass shade is handblown with a modern bubble-like design that's simple yet stylish. The metal base comes in five finishes. This dimmable fixture does not come with bulbs. 

Willa Arlo Interiors Worton Five-Light Dimmable Geometric Chandelier

This funky geometric chandelier is a striking centerpiece for the kitchen. It features five lights with black and gold wrought-iron accents. It's designed for use with candelabra bulbs for a bit of modern-meets-vintage charm. The fixture is dimmable and height adjustable between 20.7 and 60.2 inches. 

Joss & Main Savita Flush Mount

This flush-mount light is another great choice for low ceilings. It has a modern, minimalist silhouette with an aluminum shell that comes in nine finishes. The fixture is dimmable and supports three LED bulbs (not included). 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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