Does your small kitchen feel a bit dim and cramped? You’re not alone! Many people find it tricky to light up a small kitchen. It’s easy to get lost with so many choices, and sometimes the wrong lights can make a small space feel even smaller.
Choosing the right kitchen lighting for a small space can be a puzzle. You want it to be bright enough to cook and clean, but also cozy enough to enjoy meals. The wrong fixtures can cast shadows or make the room feel crowded. It’s a common problem that can really affect how you feel in your kitchen.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear plan. We’ll explore simple ways to brighten your kitchen, make it look bigger, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Get ready to transform your small kitchen into a space you’ll love spending time in!
Our Top 5 Kitchen Lighting For Small Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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FadimiKoo 4-Light Black Flush Mount Ceiling Light for Kitchen Hallway | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Under Cabinet Lighting | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Kitchen Lighting For Small Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The MCGOR 10inch Under Cabinet Lighting, a 2-pack set of rechargeable motion sensor lights, offers a smart and easy solution for lighting up your home. These wireless lights are perfect for kitchens, closets, stairs, and more, bringing convenience and brightness wherever you need it.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor automatically turns the lights on when you enter a dark area and off after a short time, so you won’t trip in the dark.
- These lights have 5 levels of brightness, letting you choose how bright you want them to be. They protect your eyes with their frosted cover and energy-saving LEDs.
- You can set the lights to stay on all the time. This is handy for reading, camping, or using them as a flashlight.
- They are USB-C rechargeable, so you don’t need to buy batteries or worry about wires. A full charge lasts a long time, from 7 to 30 days on motion sensor mode.
- Installation is super simple. Strong magnets let you stick them to metal surfaces, or you can use the included adhesive metal plates. They’re easy to take down for charging.
- These lights work great in many places like kitchens, closets, pantries, stairs, and hallways.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter is not included, so you’ll need to have one to charge the lights.
These MCGOR under cabinet lights are a fantastic, user-friendly addition to any home. They offer smart features and easy installation, making them a must-have for added convenience and safety.
2. Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in
Rating: 9.2/10
Illuminate your space with the Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in. This set includes three 12-inch ultra-thin LED light bars. They provide super bright, daylight white light, perfect for kitchens, workshops, and desks. You can easily adjust the brightness with a smart touch dimmer.
What We Like:
- These lights are super bright with 81 LEDs per bar, giving off 1200 lumens total. The 6000K daylight white is great for seeing clearly.
- The unique touch dimmer lets you control brightness from 1% to 100% with a long touch. A short touch turns them on or off.
- They are ultra thin at just 0.25 inches, so they hide well under cabinets and counters for a clean look.
- Installation is easy! You can use the included double-sided tapes or screws.
- These lights are versatile and can be used in many places like kitchens, closets, workshops, and desks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plug-in design means you need an outlet nearby.
- While the touch dimmer is smart, some users might prefer a remote control.
Overall, the Maylit Under Cabinet Lights are a fantastic solution for adding bright, customizable light to many areas of your home. They offer excellent brightness and a sleek design.
3. FadimiKoo 4-Light Black Flush Mount Ceiling Light for Kitchen Hallway
Rating: 9.3/10
Add a touch of timeless style and bright illumination to your home with the FadimiKoo 4-Light Black Flush Mount Ceiling Light. This fixture blends industrial charm with farmhouse warmth, making it a versatile choice for many rooms.
What We Like:
- The solid black frame and metal canopy give it a cool retro and modern look.
- Its industrial and rustic style fits perfectly in farmhouses, kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, and more.
- The open geometric cage design lets light spread out, creating a cozy country feel.
- It uses high-quality ceramic light sockets that are safe and durable.
- The fixture is UL LISTED, meaning it’s safe to use.
- It works with E26 base bulbs (up to 60W) like LED or incandescent, and you can even use a dimmer switch.
- Installation is quick and easy because it comes fully assembled.
- FadimiKoo offers great customer service, ready to help with any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bulb is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
- A dimmer switch is also not included, which you might want for mood lighting.
This FadimiKoo ceiling light is a stylish and functional upgrade for almost any space. It brings both vintage flair and reliable lighting to your home.
4. EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting with Charging Station
Rating: 9.1/10
Illuminate your home with ease using the EZVALO 6-Pack Under Cabinet Lighting. These rechargeable, wireless lights bring smart convenience to your kitchen, closets, and stairs, offering customizable lighting and effortless installation.
What We Like:
- Smart motion sensing with three modes (Day, Night, Always On) makes them super handy, especially when your hands are full.
- Three color temperatures (3000K, 4200K, 5700K) and adjustable brightness levels let you create the perfect mood and reduce eye strain.
- Long-lasting 2000mAh batteries mean less frequent charging, and the 3-slot charging station keeps everything neat.
- The included remote control lets you manage all lights at once, but you can also adjust them individually.
- Installation is a breeze with magnetic mounting or adhesive tape – no tools or complicated wiring needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the motion sensor range is good, it might not cover every tiny corner in larger spaces.
- The “Always On Mode” drains the battery faster, so it’s best for short periods.
These EZVALO lights are a fantastic solution for adding practical and adjustable lighting exactly where you need it. They truly make everyday tasks easier and your home feel more inviting.
5. Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
Illuminate your home with these handy Under Cabinet Lights! This 3-pack of 11.8-inch rechargeable lights is designed to make your life easier, offering convenient lighting exactly where you need it.
What We Like:
- Brightens Up Your Space: These lights add a nice glow to your kitchen counters and other areas. They use energy-saving LEDs and have a special cover to make the light soft and easy on your eyes.
- Adjustable Brightness: Unlike other lights, these have three brightness levels (10%, 50%, and 100%). This means you can make them brighter for cooking or dimmer at night so you don’t wake anyone up.
- Smart Motion Sensor: The motion sensor works well in dark or dim places. It turns the light on when it senses you moving within 10 feet and turns off after about 20 seconds of no movement. This is great for hallways or closets so you don’t have to fumble for a switch.
- Easy to Recharge: Each light charges quickly in 2-3 hours using a Type-C cable. A single charge can last for days in motion sensor mode, depending on how often you use it.
- Simple to Install: You can easily stick these lights under cabinets or on any metal surface using the built-in magnets or the included metal plates. No tools are needed!
- Stylish and Versatile: The thin design looks good anywhere. They’re perfect for kitchens, closets, pantries, and even as a nightlight for kids or emergency lighting during a power outage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Brightness Limit: The lights are 200lm, which is great for under cabinets but not strong enough for lighting up large rooms like living rooms or bedrooms.
- Auto Mode Needs Darkness: The motion sensor only works when it’s dark or dim. It also won’t work while the light is charging.
- Sensor Placement: Make sure not to cover the sensor when you install the light. It needs to be clear to detect motion correctly.
These under cabinet lights offer a smart and simple way to add light to your home. They are a great choice for adding convenience and a touch of brightness to many different areas.
Brighten Up Your Compact Culinary Space: The Ultimate Kitchen Lighting Guide for Small Kitchens
Small kitchens can feel even smaller with the wrong lighting. Good lighting makes your kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting. It also helps you see better when you’re chopping veggies or finding that hidden spice. Let’s find the perfect lights for your cozy cooking space!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for small kitchen lights, keep these important features in mind:
- Brightness (Lumens): More lumens mean more light. For kitchens, aim for around 75-100 lumens per square foot. Adjustable brightness is a big plus.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This is how warm or cool the light looks. For kitchens, a warm white (2700K-3000K) feels cozy, while a cool white (3500K-4000K) is more like daylight and good for tasks.
- Beam Angle: This tells you how wide the light spreads. A wider beam spreads light over a larger area, which is great for general lighting. A narrower beam is good for highlighting specific spots.
- Dimmability: Being able to dim your lights lets you change the mood. You can make it bright for cooking and then softer for relaxing.
- Energy Efficiency (LEDs): LED lights use less electricity and last much longer than old-fashioned bulbs. They save you money and are better for the planet.
Important Materials
The materials used in your kitchen lights affect how they look and how long they last.
- Metal: Finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black look modern and are easy to clean. They are also very sturdy.
- Glass: Frosted glass diffuses light to make it softer. Clear glass lets light shine through brightly.
- Plastic: Some fixtures use durable plastics. These are often lighter and more affordable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a big difference in how good your lights are.
- Build Quality: Lights that feel solid and well-made will last longer. Check for sturdy connections and good finishes. Poorly made lights might break easily or have uneven lighting.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality control and stand behind their products. Cheaper, unknown brands might not be as reliable.
- Ease of Installation: Lights that are easy to install save you time and frustration. Clear instructions and simple designs help.
- Heat Dissipation: Good lights manage heat well. If a fixture gets too hot, it can shorten its lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your kitchen. This helps you choose the best lights.
- Under-Cabinet Lights: These are a must for small kitchens. They light up your countertops, making it easier to prep food. They also make the kitchen feel more open.
- Pendant Lights: One or two small pendant lights over an island or a small dining nook add style and focused light.
- Recessed Lights (Pot Lights): These are built into the ceiling and give a clean, modern look. They provide general overhead light without taking up visual space.
- Flush Mount Lights: These lights sit right against the ceiling. They are great for providing general light in the center of the kitchen and are good for low ceilings.
- Task Lighting: This is light focused on where you work, like over your sink or stove. Good task lighting prevents shadows and makes tasks safer.
Adding the right lights can totally transform your small kitchen. It makes it more functional and a much nicer place to be!
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Kitchen Lighting
Q: What is the best type of light for a small kitchen?
A: The best type often includes a mix. Under-cabinet lights are great for countertops. Recessed lights or a flush mount light provide general overhead light. Pendant lights can add style over a small island or dining spot.
Q: How many lights do I need in a small kitchen?
A: It depends on the size and layout. Generally, you need overhead lighting for the whole room and task lighting where you work, like under cabinets.
Q: Should I use warm or cool light in my kitchen?
A: For a cozy feel, warm white light (2700K-3000K) is nice. For better visibility while cooking, cool white light (3500K-4000K) is often preferred.
Q: Are LED lights good for small kitchens?
A: Yes, LED lights are excellent! They are energy-efficient, last a long time, and come in many brightness and color options.
Q: How can I make my small kitchen look bigger with lighting?
A: Use bright, even lighting. Avoid dark corners. Under-cabinet lights can make countertops feel more spacious. Recessed lights keep the ceiling looking clean and open.
Q: What are lumens and why do they matter?
A: Lumens measure how bright a light is. More lumens mean more brightness. For kitchens, aim for enough lumens to see well for tasks.
Q: Is dimmable lighting useful in a small kitchen?
A: Yes, dimmable lights are very useful. They let you adjust the brightness for different activities, from bright cooking to softer evening light.
Q: What materials are best for kitchen light fixtures?
A: Sturdy materials like metal with finishes like brushed nickel or matte black are good. Glass shades can diffuse light nicely. Durability and ease of cleaning are important.
Q: Should I install lights myself or hire someone?
A: Simple fixtures like plug-in under-cabinet lights can often be installed by yourself. For wired-in lights or recessed lighting, it’s safer and easier to hire an electrician.
Q: How do I avoid shadows in my small kitchen with lighting?
A: Use multiple light sources. Overhead lights should cover the main area. Task lighting under cabinets or over work surfaces will eliminate shadows where you are chopping or cooking.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!