Does your tiny kitchen feel a little dim and uninviting? You’re not alone! Many people find it tricky to light up a small kitchen. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to pick the perfect lights. Do you go for bright overhead lights, or cozy under-cabinet lights? What if you pick the wrong ones and make your kitchen feel even smaller?
Getting the lighting right in a small kitchen is super important. Good lighting can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and much more enjoyable to cook and hang out in. Bad lighting, on the other hand, can make it feel cramped and gloomy. This is why choosing the best lights is a challenge for many home cooks and decorators.
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll discover smart tips and tricks to light up your small kitchen like a pro. We’ll explore different types of lights that work best for smaller spaces and how to use them to create a warm and functional kitchen. Get ready to transform your kitchen from drab to fab!
Our Top 5 Lighting For Small Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting kit | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Ascher 6-Light LED Track Lighting Kit | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Lighting For Small Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting kit
Rating: 9.5/10
Brighten up your home with the WOBANE Under Cabinet LED Lighting kit. This kit comes with six LED strip lights, a remote control dimmer, and an adapter. You can easily make your kitchen cabinets, shelves, or even your TV area look amazing. It gives off a warm white light and is super bright, making everything look great.
What We Like:
- You can connect the lights in many different ways to fit your space perfectly.
- It’s very bright, giving off 1500 lumens, and you can adjust the brightness with the remote.
- The remote control works from far away, up to 60 feet, and has cool features like a timer.
- Installation is super easy. You just clean the surface, stick the lights on, and connect them. No tools needed!
- The lights are safe because they use low voltage and don’t get too hot.
- The lights have a good color-rendering index (CRI) over 82, which means colors look more natural.
What Could Be Improved:
- The total length of the strips is 9.8 feet, which might not be enough for very large areas.
- While easy to install, the adhesive might not stick well to all surfaces without extra help over time.
This WOBANE LED kit is a fantastic way to add style and function to your home. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
2. LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit – 8 PCS
Rating: 9.1/10
Brighten up your space with the LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit. This flexible LED strip light set is designed to add a warm, inviting glow to your kitchen cabinets, shelves, desks, and more. With 8 bright, warm white strips and a generous 13ft total length, you can customize your lighting to fit any area.
What We Like:
- DIY Design: You get 8 flexible 20-inch light strips and various connectors. This lets you bend the lights around corners and connect them in many different ways to fit your unique space.
- Adjustable Brightness: The lights provide a warm white 2700K glow. You can easily change the brightness with 6 different levels using the remote or dimmer, making it perfect for any mood or task.
- Dual Control: Control your lights with a handy wireless remote or a small dimmer switch. The remote offers on/off, brightness control, light modes, and a timer. The mini dimmer also lets you turn lights on/off and adjust brightness.
- Timer and Memory Function: Set the lights to turn off automatically with 30 minutes or 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours of timing. The lights also remember your last brightness setting, so they’ll be just how you like them every time.
- Widely Used: Installation is a breeze with the strong self-adhesive backing. Just stick them onto any clean surface. They work great in kitchens, closets, on shelves, desks, and even behind your TV.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the DIY design offers flexibility, some users might find managing multiple connectors a bit tricky initially.
- The description doesn’t mention if the LED strips are cuttable, which could limit customization for very specific lengths.
This LAFULIT Under Cabinet Lighting Kit offers great versatility and easy installation to enhance your home’s ambiance. It’s a practical and stylish lighting solution for many areas.
3. MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of fumbling in the dark for light switches? The MCGOR 14.7inch Under Cabinet Lighting set offers a smart solution for your home. This 2-pack of rechargeable lights brings convenience and safety to any space, from your kitchen counters to your dimly lit hallways.
What We Like:
- The upgraded motion sensor is super helpful! It turns on automatically when you walk by in the dark and turns off after about 20 seconds. This means no more tripping on stairs or searching for switches.
- You can choose to have the lights always on, which is great for reading or even using them as a flashlight when camping.
- These lights are USB-C rechargeable, so you don’t need to buy batteries. A single charge lasts a long time on motion sensor mode.
- The brightness is adjustable, with five different levels. You can make them brighter for cooking or dim them for a softer night light.
- Installation is a breeze! They have strong magnets, or you can use the included sticky metal plates. They attach easily to most surfaces and are simple to remove for charging.
- They use energy-saving LEDs and have a cover that prevents glare, making them easy on your eyes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The USB wall adapter isn’t included, so you’ll need to have one of your own to charge them.
These MCGOR lights are a fantastic addition to any home looking for easy, wireless illumination. They make navigating dark spaces much safer and more convenient.
4. MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights with Hand Wave
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of messy cabinets and dim workspaces? The MYPLUS 16 Inch Under Cabinet Lights offer a sleek, modern solution to brighten your home. These lights are designed to be super easy to use, adding both function and a touch of style wherever you need them. They’re perfect for kitchens, closets, desks, and more!
What We Like:
- Hands-free convenience: The hand-wave sensor lets you turn the lights on and off with just a wave. No more searching for switches!
- Customizable brightness: You can easily adjust how bright the lights are by holding your hand under the sensor. Get the perfect light for any task.
- Remembers your settings: The lights have a memory function. They’ll remember your favorite brightness level, so you don’t have to adjust them every time.
- Works in many places: These lights are great for kitchens, garages, offices, and closets. They give off a natural white light that makes things easier to see.
- Slim and stylish design: The lights are very thin and look great under cabinets or desks. They add light without being bulky.
- Easy setup: Just plug them in, and they’re ready to go. It’s plug-and-play!
What Could Be Improved:
- Sensor sensitivity: The hand-wave sensor only works when your hand is very close (1-3 inches) to the sensor.
- Specific waving needed: You need to wave your hand horizontally just once. Waving too quickly or covering the sensor can prevent it from working correctly.
These MYPLUS under cabinet lights make everyday tasks easier with their smart features. They’re a practical and stylish upgrade for any room.
5. Ascher 6-Light LED Track Lighting Kit
Rating: 9.2/10
Brighten up your home with the Ascher 6-Light LED Track Lighting Kit. This modern and stylish fixture features a sleek matte nickel finish and offers flexible lighting to suit any mood or task. With six rotatable light heads, you can direct light exactly where you need it, making it perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, dining rooms, and even commercial spaces like pubs and stores.
What We Like:
- Modern and stylish design with a durable matte nickel finish.
- Highly flexible lighting with 360° horizontal and 90° vertical rotation for each of the six light heads.
- Includes six energy-saving 4W GU10 LED bulbs that provide 400 lumens of bright daylight white light (5000K).
- Easy to install on most ceilings, including sloped or vaulted ones, with all necessary hardware included.
- Versatile application, perfect for creating ambiance in various rooms and settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included LED bulbs are not dimmable, which might limit some users’ ability to adjust brightness.
This Ascher track lighting kit is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their home’s lighting. Its adjustability and bright, clear light make it a functional and attractive addition to any space.
Brighten Your Bites: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Small Kitchen Lighting
Having good lighting in a small kitchen is super important. It makes cooking easier and the space feel bigger. This guide will help you pick the best lights for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for small kitchen lights, keep these features in mind:
- Brightness (Lumens): More lumens mean brighter light. For kitchens, you want about 75-100 lumens per square foot. This helps you see well while chopping veggies or finding spices.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This is how warm or cool the light looks.
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): This is like a cozy, soft light. It’s good for dining areas or if you like a relaxed feel.
- Cool White (3500K-4100K): This is a neutral, bright light. It’s great for task lighting where you need to see clearly.
- Daylight (5000K-6500K): This is a very bright, blue-ish light. It’s best for areas where you need maximum visibility, like over your main prep space.
- Dimmable Options: Being able to dim lights is fantastic. You can make it brighter for cooking and softer for relaxing.
- Energy Efficiency (LEDs): LED lights use much less electricity than old bulbs. They also last a long time, saving you money.
- Beam Angle: This is how wide the light spreads. A wider beam angle is good for general lighting, while a narrower angle is better for focused task lighting.
Important Materials
The materials of your light fixtures affect how they look and how long they last.
- Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Brass): These are strong and durable. They come in many finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black, which can match your kitchen style.
- Glass (Frosted, Clear, Seeded): Glass shades can soften light or let it shine through brightly. Frosted glass diffuses light for a softer glow. Clear glass is best for bright, direct light.
- Plastic: Some parts of fixtures might be plastic. Look for good quality plastic that won’t yellow or become brittle over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a light fixture good or not-so-good?
- Build Quality:
- Good: Solid construction, no wobbly parts, smooth finishes. This means it will last longer.
- Bad: Cheap materials, rough edges, parts that feel loose. These might break easily.
- Light Distribution:
- Good: Lights that spread evenly without harsh shadows. This is important for working in the kitchen.
- Bad: Lights that create dark spots or glare. This can make tasks difficult.
- Ease of Installation:
- Good: Clear instructions and simple mounting. You can install it yourself without much trouble.
- Bad: Confusing instructions or difficult mounting hardware. This can be frustrating.
- Brand Reputation:
- Good: Brands known for making reliable lighting often offer better quality and customer service.
- Bad: Unknown or no-name brands might have lower quality and no support if something goes wrong.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll actually use the lights.
- Task Lighting: You need bright, focused light for areas where you do most of your work, like countertops and the stove. Under-cabinet lights are perfect for this. They shine directly on your workspace.
- Ambient Lighting: This is the general light that fills the room. A ceiling fixture or track lighting can provide this. It makes the whole kitchen feel welcoming.
- Accent Lighting: This is for highlighting specific features, like a pretty backsplash or a display shelf. Small spotlights or picture lights can do this.
- Small Kitchen Specifics: In a small kitchen, layering different types of light is key. Don’t rely on just one light. Use a mix of ceiling lights and task lights. Lights that mount flush to the ceiling or have a low profile won’t make the room feel crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Small Kitchen Lighting
Q: What type of lighting is best for a small kitchen?
A: A mix of ambient and task lighting is best. Think ceiling lights for general brightness and under-cabinet lights for work areas.
Q: How bright should my kitchen lights be?
A: Aim for about 75-100 lumens per square foot. This gives you enough light for cooking and other tasks.
Q: What color temperature should I choose for my kitchen lights?
A: Cool white (3500K-4100K) is often best for task lighting because it’s bright and clear. Warm white (2700K-3000K) can be nice for a cozier feel in dining areas.
Q: Are LED lights good for small kitchens?
A: Yes, LED lights are excellent! They use less energy, last longer, and come in many brightness and color options.
Q: Should I get dimmable lights for my small kitchen?
A: Dimmable lights are a great idea. They let you change the mood and brightness depending on what you’re doing.
Q: What is the best way to light a small kitchen counter?
A: Under-cabinet lights are the best way to light kitchen counters. They prevent shadows and make it easy to see your workspace.
Q: How can lighting make a small kitchen look bigger?
A: Bright, well-distributed light can make a small kitchen feel more open. Using lights that don’t hang too low also helps.
Q: What are some good fixture styles for small kitchens?
A: Flush-mount ceiling lights, track lighting, and slim pendant lights work well. Avoid very large or bulky fixtures.
Q: Do I need different lights for different areas of my small kitchen?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea. Use brighter lights for cooking areas (task lighting) and softer lights for general illumination (ambient lighting).
Q: Where is the best place to put lights in a small kitchen?
A: Place lights directly over work surfaces like countertops and the stove. General lighting should be in the center of the ceiling or along a track.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!