Choosing the right kind of lighting above a kitchen sink is an important decision. The sink area is one of the most utilized spaces in the kitchen, used for washing dishes, preparing food, and more. Having proper lighting above the sink provides necessary illumination for tasks, while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. There are several factors to consider when selecting lighting above a kitchen sink, including brightness, style, energy efficiency, and size. This article will provide an overview of the different types of lights commonly used above kitchen sinks, considerations for choosing lighting, and recommendations to illuminate this busy area of the home effectively.
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Types of Kitchen Sink Lighting
There are several types of lights that can work well above a kitchen sink. Here are some of the most popular options:
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling above the sink area. They come in a vast array of styles, from minimalist glass globes to industrial cage lights to colorful, decorative pendants. Pendants can be mounted individually or in groups over the sink. They provide directed task lighting while adding stylish accent lighting to the kitchen. Pendant lights lend a more finished, upscale look to the kitchen compared to more basic overhead lighting.
Track Lighting
Track lighting offers flexible placement of lights above the sink. The track itself is mounted to the ceiling, and individual fixture heads can then be positioned anywhere along the track. Multiple lights can be used to illuminate the full sink area. Track heads are adjustable, allowing the light direction to be angled as needed. From modern LED spotlights to directional flood lights, track lighting offers versatility in lighting design.
Under Cabinet Lighting
As the name implies, under cabinet lights are mounted below wall cabinets flanking the sink. LED strip lighting and puck lights are common choices. Under cabinet lighting points upward, providing task lighting directed right at the sink area. This type of lighting also creates an ambient glow throughout the kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is space-saving and unobtrusive.
Flush Mount or Semi-Flush Ceiling Lights
For kitchens without pendant lights or track lighting, flush or semi-flush mounted ceiling lights can provide general illumination above the sink. Flush mount lights have a flat profile that sits right against the ceiling. Semi-flush lights drop down slightly from the ceiling. These basic light fixtures cast diffuse ambient lighting, though not as directional as pendant or track lights.
Recessed Can Lighting
Recessed can lights, also known as downlights or pot lights, are installed into the ceiling above the sink. The trim frames sit flush with the ceiling while the lights are recessed into the ceiling cavity. Like track lighting, multiple adjustable can lights can be used to wash light over the sink area. Recessed lighting creates a clean, integrated look.
Considerations for Choosing Kitchen Sink Lighting
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing what type of lighting to use above a kitchen sink:
Brightness
The sink area requires bright, focused lighting for washing dishes, prepping ingredients, and other tasks. Any of the lighting options above can provide ample illumination when properly selected and placed. A general guideline is to look for lights rated at least 2700 to 3000 lumens for adequate brightness above the sink.
Size
The size of the light fixture must fit the scale of the kitchen space. For example, a single tiny pendant would get lost above a large farmhouse sink. Take measurements to ensure the lights will provide sufficient coverage without being overly overwhelming or small. Scale is especially important for pendant and track lighting.
Style
Kitchen lighting should coordinate with the overall style of the space. For contemporary kitchens, sleek pendants or recessed can lights often work well. In cottages and farmhouses, decorative pendants complement the cozy aesthetic. Light fixtures themselves act as functional decor elements. Browse lighting options that match your kitchen decor style.
Finish/Color
Finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin brass allow lights to tie into other kitchen hardware finishes. For a bolder look, black, white, or colored fixtures can make a statement. The finish should complement the sinks and faucets below.
Energy Efficiency
High efficiency LED lighting is ideal for the kitchen. LED lights save energy, operate coolly, and last longer than halogen or incandescent. Maximize eco-friendly lighting by pairing LED fixtures with dimmers and occupancy/motion sensors. Look for Energy Star rated LED lights.
Cost
While pendant lights and track lighting are attractive options, they can get quite pricey. Flush mount and under cabinet lights tend to be more budget friendly. Compare costs and factor long-term energy savings into your lighting investment.
Ease of Installation
Recessed can lights require professional installation into the ceiling. Pendants, tracks, and flush mounts can usually be installed by advanced DIYers, provided there is adequate ceiling support structure. Under cabinet lighting is generally simple for DIY home installation.
Recommended Kitchen Sink Lighting Setups
Based on the above considerations, here are some recommended lighting plans for above kitchen sinks:
Pendant Lights Flanking the Sink
A matched pair of pendant lights provides balanced task lighting on either side of the sink. To illuminate the sink surface evenly, allow 30-36 inches between pendants, hanging them 54-66 inches above the counter. Mini-pendants work for narrower sinks. Multi-light island pendants can also substitute over a sink.
Track Lighting Kit
For full coverage, install a track lighting run centered above the sink. Position two or three adjustable track heads over the main sink area. Add additional heads over surrounding counters or a food prep zone. Track lighting offers flexible placement of light exactly where needed.
Recessed Can Lighting
A series of 4 to 6 recessed can lights positioned above the sink provides seamless illumination. Stagger the cans in rows to disperse light evenly across the entire work area below. Recessed lighting combined with under cabinet lights ensures full coverage.
Combination Approach
Pairing lighting types creates visual interest and balanced illumination. For example, combine pendant lights directly over the sink with under cabinet LED strips along the counters. Or flank pendants above the sink with recessed cans covering additional floor space. Mixing and matching lights caters to both aesthetic and functional needs.
Lighting Based on Kitchen Sink Location
The sink placement in the kitchen impacts the lighting layout options:
Kitchen Island Sink Lighting
Island pendants are ideal for lighting a sink in an open floor plan kitchen or island. Mini-pendants work for compact islands, while multi-light pendants illuminate larger islands. Position pendants to cover the sink itself and any additional counter space.
Peninsula Sink Lighting
For peninsula sinks, adjustable pendants or track heads aimed over the sink provide directional task lighting. Combine with recessed lighting or under cabinet lights surrounding the sink.
Wall Sink Lighting
When the sink is on an interior kitchen wall, wall-mounted sconces flanking the sink project useful task lighting. Sconces mounted close to the countertop (24-30 inches high) aim illumination directly where needed.
Corner Sink Lighting
Corner sinks require wide, diffuse lighting to cover both sides. Semi-flush mounted ceiling lights work better than a single pendant. Or, install track heads on two adjacent walls to meet over the corner sink area.
Examples of Kitchen Sink Lighting
Here are a few lighting arrangement examples for common kitchen sink locations:
Single Pendant above Kitchen Peninsula Sink
This compact galley kitchen has a single pendant light hung above the peninsula sink. The drum pendant provides focused task lighting for the sink space. Under cabinet lighting adds supplemental illumination for the surrounding counters.
| Lighting Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Drum pendant | 1 pendant, Brushed nickel finish, 9 inch height, 3000 lumen output |
| Under cabinet lighting | LED strip lighting, Attached under wall cabinets left and right of sink |
Track Lighting for Kitchen Island Sink
To spotlight this spacious farmhouse style kitchen island with sink, bronze track lighting was installed. Four adjustable track heads provide full coverage over the deep single basin sink and surrounding prep space.
| Lighting Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Track lighting | Oil rubbed bronze finish, 4 track heads 50 watt max bulbs |
Paired Pendants above Black Kitchen Sink
This contemporary kitchen pairs two matching black pendants above the wall-mount sink. Their domed shape and matte finish complement the modern aesthetic. The pendants hang 30 inches apart to evenly illuminate task space below.
| Lighting Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Black dome pendants | 2 pendants Black powder coated finish 10 inch diameter 3000 lumen output |
Recessed Can Lighting for Corner Sink
To illuminate this corner sink setup, six recessed can lights were installed. The adjustable lights are spread across the ceiling to direct maximum light into the two-basin stainless steel sink below.
| Lighting Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Recessed can lighting | 6 can lights 4000K color temperature 90+ CRI rating 500 lumen output per light |
Kitchen Sink Lighting Recommendations
Based on the information provided above, here are some final recommendations for selecting the best lighting above kitchen sinks:
Tailor the Lighting Layout to Your Sink Location
Optimal lighting arrangements will vary for island sinks versus wall sinks or corner sinks. Choose lighting suited to your specific kitchen layout.
Look for Bright, Energy Efficient Fixtures
Prioritize lights with high lumen output, energy efficient LED technology, and ENERGY STAR ratings for the sink work area.
Combine Lighting Types for Balance
Pairing task lighting like pendants with ambient lighting like under cabinet lights creates a well-lit sink station. Mix lighting for visual diversity.
Choose Stylish Fixtures that Match Your Kitchen Decor
View the sink lighting as an opportunity to complement your kitchen’s design aesthetic. Whether sleek, rustic, or colorful, select attractive fixtures.
Position Lighting Thoughtfully around the Sink
Place lighting to reduce shadows and glare. Follow guidelines for proper placement above and around the sink area for optimal illumination.
Installing the right kitchen sink lighting is a crucial element of kitchen design. With so many lighting options, take the time to choose fixtures that enhance task visibility, ambiance, and style. Thoughtfully designed lighting above the kitchen sink creates a focal point in this heavily used space.