Poor lighting can leave your kitchen looking gloomy, outdated, or cramped. It can also be a considerable safety hazard.

If you’re planning a full kitchen remodel, lighting is one of many details worth considering early in the process. While we don’t offer standalone lighting consultations, we do help clients think through layout and fixture choices as part of a complete renovation. Here are a few key factors to consider.

Why Your Kitchen Feels Too Dark

There are several common reasons why kitchens often have poor lighting. Common issues include:

• Outdated Fixtures. Older kitchen designs often rely on one ceiling-mounted fluorescent light. This single flat bulb can make the area feel dim, and the light does not always cover the area effectively.
• Too Few Lighting Sources. A kitchen needs more than just one source of light. If there are inadequate light sources in the room, the space can feel shadowy or unevenly lit.
• Dark Surfaces. Dark countertops, cabinets, appliances, and flooring absorb light, making the space appear darker. If there is too little light to balance these features, they can make the room feel dim and gloomy.
• Poor Natural Light. If your kitchen lacks natural lighting from doors or windows, it will often feel closed in and cave-like. Poor natural lighting can also make the artificial light feel harsher and less inviting without proper layout and planning.

Fortunately, there are practical and straightforward ways to brighten up your kitchen space.

Use Multiple Kinds of Light to Add Mood and Function

A great lighting plan uses three types of light:

• Ambient Lighting. This refers to the general lighting provided by ceiling fixtures or recessed lights. It is the primary light source for general visibility and sets the tone of the room.
• Task Lighting. This is focused light for specific tasks, such as preparing food or searching for something in your cabinets. They provide a safer work environment without overwhelming the mood you set with the ambient light.
• Accent Lighting. These are decorative lights that highlight features or create mood, such as pendant lights over an island or strip lighting inside glass-front cabinets.

With careful planning, combining all three kinds of light creates a balanced, welcoming atmosphere that adjusts to your needs.

Replace Fluorescent Kitchen Light Fixtures

If your kitchen still has an old fluorescent fixture, replacing it is one of the fastest ways to upgrade your space. Modern LED fixtures offer brighter, more efficient lighting with reduced heat and lower power consumption. They also come in a wide range of styles, from sleek flush-mounts to rustic farmhouse designs, allowing you to match your kitchen's look while enhancing its function.

Here’s how to replace a fluorescent kitchen light:

1. Measure the space before you purchase a replacement.
2. Turn off the power at the breaker.
3. Remove the existing fixture and disconnect the wires.
4. Install the new mounting bracket according to its instructions.
5. Connect the new fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Secure the fixture and restore power.

Keep in mind that electrical work is best left to the professionals.

Bring More Natural Light Into Your Kitchen

While artificial lighting plays a key role in a well-lit kitchen, natural light adds warmth, makes colors appear more vibrant, and creates a more open and inviting atmosphere. If your kitchen feels too dark during the day, there are practical ways to increase the amount of daylight it gets.

• Add or Expand Windows. If your kitchen has only a small window above the sink, consider adding a second one or widening the opening to let in more sunlight. Casement, picture, or bay windows are great options, depending on your layout.
• Install a Glass Door or Replace a Solid Exterior Door. If your kitchen opens to a backyard or patio, a glass-paneled door or a full sliding glass door can bring in significant daylight. Choose energy-efficient options with double or triple panes to maintain insulation. We offer consultations and door installation services to help you explore your options.
• Use Reflective Surfaces. Even if you can’t add more windows, you can help existing natural light go further. Light colored paints, glossy finishes on cabinets, glass tile backsplashes, and polished stone or quartz countertops will reflect sunlight and brighten up the room.
• Trim Outdoor Obstacles. Overgrown trees, shrubs, or outdoor structures can block natural light from entering your windows. Trimming back landscaping or repositioning outdoor furnishings can help restore lost sunlight.

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, we're a one-stop shop that provides both supplies and expert installation services. Our licensed professionals can help you select the ideal fixtures to enhance your kitchen's ambiance and maximize your available lighting.

Brighten Things Up Today

Lighting can make or break your kitchen. A dark or poorly lit kitchen feels smaller and less inviting. But with the right combination of lighting and fixture changes, you can turn even a small or outdated kitchen into a bright, functional, and beautiful space. Not sure where to begin? Connect with us today to schedule a free consultation.