Kitchen Lighting: Task-Driven Brilliance

The Bright Edit: Lighting Buyer’s Guide, Part 4

The kitchen is no longer just a place to cook — it’s where people gather, connect, and create. That means your kitchen lighting needs to work just as hard as you do. Poor lighting can make simple tasks frustrating, while a layered lighting layout enhances everything from chopping to chatting.

In this post from The Bright Edit, we guide you through creating the perfect kitchen lighting plan — tailored to modern South African homes — with practical tips, placement advice, and product suggestions.

Why Kitchen Lighting Matters

Your kitchen lighting should balance:

• Visibility – For prepping, cooking, and cleaning

• Ambience – For entertaining, casual meals, or quiet evenings

• Style – To match your cabinetry, finishes, and layout

“Good kitchen lighting doesn’t just brighten a room — it elevates how you live in it.”

The 3 Layers of Kitchen Lighting

Think of kitchen lighting like a recipe. The best results come from combining ambient, task, and accent lighting for depth, purpose, and style.

1. Ambient Lighting – The Base Layer

This is your general, all-over light — the foundation of your kitchen lighting plan.

Best options:

• Recessed ceiling downlights (evenly spaced for uniform brightness)

• Flush or semi-flush ceiling lights (ideal for compact kitchens)

• Slimline LED panels for a modern, low-profile look

2. Task Lighting – For Focused Function

This lighting is all about precision — where you prep, chop, cook, and clean.

Best options:

• Pendant lights over islands or counters

Rule of thumb for installation height: 75–90 cm above island

• Under-cabinet LED strips (installed at the front edge to reduce shadows)

• Track lighting or adjustable spotlights over key work zones

3. Accent or Decorative Lighting – The Finishing Touch

Accent lighting brings out architectural features and adds atmosphere — especially in open-plan kitchens.

Best options:

• LED strip lighting under island counters

• Lights inside glass-front cabinets or open shelving

• Stylish pendants (installed in uneven pairs 3,5 etc)

• Wall sconces near dining or eat-in areas

Lighting by Kitchen Zone

Choosing the Right Colour Temperature

Lighting temperature plays a key role in both mood and functionality.

Tip: Match colour temperatures with your home’s broader palette. A warm-toned kitchen feels cohesive with warm light.

Common Kitchen Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on a single overhead fixture for the whole space

• Ignoring shadows on countertops (especially under cabinets)

• Using bulbs that are too warm for task areas

• Hanging pendants too high or too low (ideal: 75–90 cm above island)

Key Takeaways

• Layer lighting — combine ambient, task, and accent types for balance

• Light each zone according to how you use it (cook, prep, display, dine)

• Choose fixtures that suit your style and layout — from streamlined modern kitchens to cozy eat-in spaces

• Use colour temperature to set the right mood and function

What’s Next in The Bright Edit?

Living Room Lighting: Comfort Meets Statement
We’re heading into the heart of the home — the living room. Discover how to strike the perfect balance between cozy comfort and bold style with lighting that brings the room to life.

From sculptural pendants to ambient floor lamps and eye-catching sconces, we’ll explore the fittings and placement tips that create warmth, atmosphere, and wow-factor.

Whether it’s for binge-watching, book-reading, or entertaining — your living room lighting should do it all.

Need kitchen lighting now? Browse here