Choosing Kitchen Light Fixtures
Before you begin shopping for your new kitchen light fixture, it's essential to understand the significant impact that one design element can have on your space. The actual light it casts is just one part of the equation. Although exploring all the beautiful options is fun, it's equally important to have a clear idea of what you want the light fixture to do in your space beforehand. What kind of lighting will work best for you and your kitchen? In this article, we'll discuss contemporary, traditional, and farmhouse lighting with gorgeous examples to help guide your decision.
Expert tip: Scale, scale, scale. The size of your kitchen light fixtures should correspond to the size of your kitchen. Choosing something too large for your space may overwhelm it while selecting something too small could lead to it being overlooked.
Traditional Kitchen Lighting
The architectural style of your home, furniture, and hardware will all factor into your choice of kitchen lighting. Traditional lighting calls back to a time of more formal dining and, therefore, has a more formal appearance. These fixtures are often complex and decadent. When picturing traditional lighting, think of what would belong in an ornately designed dinner setting or hanging above a ballroom.
Traditional lighting is best suited for classic and country-style kitchens. It’s an excellent choice for providing ambient lighting that reflects throughout the entire room, but is usually only used as a single light source, making it difficult as the sole lighting source for a uniquely shaped room. A traditional chandelier, like the one shown on the right, exemplifies this well.
Contemporary Kitchen Lighting
There is often confusion between contemporary and modern designs. While "modern" can refer to the current day, “modernism” specifically refers to the design style that remained popular through the 1970s. Contemporary style, on the other hand, always refers to what is popular now. Today, contemporary styles are simple, minimal, and practical. This trend has led to a rise in lighting fixtures featuring unpainted wood, plain metal, and even leather.
Pendant lighting is a popular contemporary choice and has several advantages. First, they are usually smaller than chandeliers, making them a good fit for smaller homes. They are often grouped together, with two or three over any given island, to produce more light in the space. Contemporary lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of modern elegance to your kitchen.
Farmhouse Kitchen Lighting
Farmhouse lighting is a bit of a bonus segment included because of our showroom's location in New Hampshire. In all of New England, farmhouse lighting is as timeless and classic as white shaker kitchens. This style often features rustic elements, such as distressed wood and metal accents, evoking a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere.
Farmhouse lighting works beautifully in kitchens that embrace a rustic or country aesthetic. These fixtures often incorporate practical designs with a touch of vintage charm, making them a favorite for creating a homey, welcoming space. Whether you choose a classic lantern style or a more industrial-inspired design, farmhouse lighting can add character and comfort to your kitchen.
Choosing the right kitchen light fixture involves more than just picking a beautiful design. It's about understanding how that fixture will interact with your space and contribute to the overall atmosphere. Whether you prefer the elegance of traditional lighting, the sleekness of contemporary styles, or the cozy charm of farmhouse fixtures, there is a perfect option for every kitchen. Remember to consider the scale of your fixtures relative to your kitchen size to ensure a harmonious and balanced look.
