Small Kitchen, Big Impact: 5 Lighting Ideas Designers Actually Use to Instantly Brighten a Space

In small kitchens, it’s all about making the most out of what you’ve got. Strategically placed light sources make a huge difference in terms of functionality, because a little extra illumination in just the right spots will open up new spaces for chopping vegetables or mixing cookie batter. Additionally, a small but properly lit kitchen can feel less cramped than a larger, dim kitchen.

We turned to two designers to learn some of their trade secrets for choosing a lighting setup for a small kitchen, and here are their thoughts.

The Best Kind of Lighting For Small Kitchens

Love them or hate them, lighting designer Debbie Bernstein says recessed downlights (commonly referred to as can lights) with a wide beam spread are one of the best lighting choices for a small kitchen.

“They provide clean, unobtrusive general lighting without cluttering the ceiling or interrupting sightlines—key factors in making a tight space feel open,” Bernstein says. “When evenly spaced and dimmable, they balance function and mood, helping the space feel both bigger and more versatile.”

Can lights can sometimes get a bad rep for looking too builder-grade, but there’s no denying they are incredibly functional. Designer Courtney Batten tends to avoid can lights in her projects, but when a space calls for them (like in a small kitchen), she says layering lighting is key.

“Relying on can lights alone will make your kitchen feel harsh and flat,” she says. “Layered lighting adds the depth and warmth that will make your kitchen feel more intentional.”

Luckily, there are plenty of other options for kitchen lighting that complement can lights.

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5 Other Kinds of Lighting You Can Use

To give your small kitchen a more refined look, both Bernstein and Batten agree that you shouldn’t rely solely on just one light source. Here are a few additional artificial light sources they recommend:

• Under-cabinet lighting: Batten considers under-cabinet lighting to be a must-have in every kitchen she designs, but especially small ones. This type of task lighting minimizes shadows on counters, which are some of the most important surfaces in a kitchen.
• Lighting Over the Sink: “I always add a pretty wall sconce or pendant over the sink because it not only adds visual interest but also much-needed soft task lighting for washing dishes after dinner,” Batten says.
• Kitchen Island Lighting: If your small kitchen is just big enough for an island, pendant lights will light up this workspace perfectly. Bernstein suggests using versions with transparent or open shades in a small kitchen to avoid visual clutter.
• Toe-Kick or Cabinet Base Lighting: “This low-level accent lighting adds a soft glow and creates the illusion of floating cabinets,” Bernstein says. “It’s subtle but helps open the room visually, especially at night.”
• Central Ceiling Fixture: If you’re making the decision to forgo can lights, one large central ceiling fixture is a great ambient lighting alternative.

How to Apply Lighting Strategies in a Small Kitchen

Aside from layering your kitchen lighting, there are some other strategies that can open up a small kitchen and make it feel more comfortable.

For starters, keep a consistent color temperature throughout each fixture in your kitchen. Batten recommends sticking to either 2700K (warm) or 3000K (neutral-white) throughout the kitchen.

“Mixing color temperatures is one of the most consistent mistakes I see when walking into homes,” Batten says. “It creates visual dissonance and can make small spaces feel smaller and a bit jarring.”

Lastly, avoid falling prey to over-lighting your kitchen.

“Yes, there can be too many task lights,” Bernstein says. “Over-saturating a small kitchen with tightly spaced or overly bright lights can create glare and reduce comfort. Aim for well-placed fixtures based on zones of activity, not just symmetry.