Lighting plays a more important role in your design than you might think – and this year’s kitchen lighting trends prove their impact is not just functional, but aesthetic, too.
The right fixtures can really elevate your kitchen ideas. From form and design to color and texture, there are plenty of factors to consider. And if 2025 kitchen trends are anything to go by, bold, layered designs will be at the forefront this year.
To find out which kitchen lighting trends to have on your radar this year, we’ve asked experts to weigh in – and there are plenty of styles, aesthetics, and designs to suit any and every scheme.
10 kitchen lighting trends to try in 2025
From kitchen pendant lighting ideas that make your island the focal point to kitchen lighting designs that bring in color and texture, this year's trends will add abundant visual appeal to your space.
1. Decorative and statement pendant lights
Pendant lights are among the most popular when it comes to kitchens. Above a kitchen island or suspended above a breakfast nook, they add a sculptural yet ambient element to your design.
‘As the kitchen has evolved to become the main feature and modern gathering space, these types of decorative, statement-style fixtures have become a real centerpiece for most kitchens,’ says Ryan Smith, chief creative officer at LightArt.
‘Choose pendant lights that reflect your kitchen’s style, whether it’s modern, industrial, or traditional. Hang them at an optimal height – around 30-36 inches above the island – to provide sufficient light without obstructing views. For larger islands, consider using a series of pendants or a multi-light fixture for a cohesive look,’ suggests David Amos, director at Amos Lighting.
2. Under cabinet and shelf lights
This year, we’re seeing designers and homeowners alike bringing in secondary light sources for practical use as well as to create cozier mood lighting. And storage is the location of choice for this trend.
‘Subtle, hidden lighting will continue to gain popularity, providing functional illumination for workspaces while enhancing the aesthetic of open shelving and cabinetry,’ says David.
‘Since the inception of LED technology, the light source has become more sophisticated, and the form factor has shrunk over time. This evolution has produced some pretty amazing opportunities to hide very thin strips of LEDs along the underside of a cabinet or around the edge of an architectural reveal or soffit,’ explains Ryan.
Opting for this approach rather than relying on overhead lighting alone means you can add focused lighting in the areas you need it most – especially if your upper cabinets block some of the light to integral countertop prep space.
And, it can be decorative too. ‘For open shelving, use integrated lighting to showcase decorative items or glassware, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. Choose warm white lighting to maintain a cozy, inviting atmosphere,’ David suggests.
3. Layered kitchen lighting
Why stop at just one kitchen lighting style? One of this year’s biggest kitchen trends is layered, living kitchen designs – and varying lighting styles are a great way to introduce an element of this trend without impeding your kitchen’s function.
‘Kitchens are no longer just functional spaces – they’re the heart of the home. As kitchens are no longer just functional spaces, in 2025, layered lighting designs that combine task, ambient, and accent lighting will dominate, ensuring practicality while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere,’ says David.
‘Start with task lighting to illuminate key work areas, such as countertops and the sink, using under-cabinet LED strips or recessed downlights. Add ambient lighting with ceiling fixtures or strategically placed wall sconces to fill the room with a soft, even glow. Finally, use accent lighting to highlight architectural features or decorative elements, such as open shelving or a statement backsplash.’
4. Lighting with natural materials and forms
Instead of cold, sleek surfaces, this year’s kitchen lighting trends are really embracing natural and organic materials, finishes, and forms. Rather than simply adding smooth, white fixtures, look to warmer materials.
‘Organic, earthy materials such as rattan, wood, and linen shades will bring a softer, more natural feel to kitchen spaces, aligning with the growing trend toward sustainable design,’ says David.
‘Incorporate lighting fixtures made from [these] materials to add warmth and texture to your kitchen. These natural finishes pair beautifully with neutral color palettes or bold, earthy tones, creating a timeless yet trendy aesthetic,’ he explains.
A striking woven design molded in an organic shape, this pendant light is the perfect fixture if you're looking to add natural elements to your kitchen scheme.
Embrace two trends in one with this lighting option – it ticks a box for natural materials and table lamps. Plus, it's even short enough to fit under cabinetry.
If wall lighting is more your style, this sconce offers plenty of charm. With lots of curves and organic materials, it has an almost nautical feel that never dates.
5. Kitchen lighting with unique finishes
‘Unique materials are set to be big for kitchen lighting this year, with trending styles exploring a new range of textures and pigments,’ says Mara Rypacek Miller, founder at Industville.
With fewer opportunities to bring in areas of interest like you would in a bedroom or living room, your kitchen fixtures are the place to focus your attention – and unique, unexpected finishes are exactly the thing your space is missing.
‘Sculptural mango wood provides a playful update to the simple pendant aesthetic and works particularly well above a kitchen island or table. This material lends itself well to fixtures with curved forms which are easy on the eye and cast a gentle light that brings an innate sense of calm and well-being to the space.’
6. Kitchen lamps
If you’ve been wondering if you should add lamps to your kitchen, the answer is yes. It’s the perfect way to add kitchen countertop lighting in a cozy and stylish way, and it’s so on trend this year.
‘In 2025, we’re expecting to see more people adding lamps as an addition to their kitchen lighting. Lamps can add warmth to a very functional space, and work to create the heart of the home,’ says Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky.
‘They’re perfect for creating cozy nooks or adding a decorative twist. Lamps bring a layer of romance, perfect for softer lighting during evening meals or when you want to unwind after cooking. They can be styled on kitchen islands or open shelving, where they double as both light sources and design accents. Add a patterned lampshade to dress the space and make it personal.’
7. Metallic lighting designs
Tying into the kitchen lighting trend for unexpected materials, metal is another option that can bring textures and timeless style to your scheme – especially your pendant and wall lights.
‘Another element that will add intrigue to kitchen lighting this year is textured metal, as seen in our Flume lighting range. This dynamic texture is available in rich bronze or brass, cleverly casting pools of golden hues around the room and adding a touch of luxury to kitchens in 2025,’ says Mara.
This option can be adapted to different interior design styles – vintage kitchen aesthetics can benefit from the more aged metals, while fun textures are tailored beautifully to more industrial kitchen styles.
8. Embrace the trend for travertine
Travertine is big news in interior design trends, especially when it comes to furniture. But if you want to bring this material into the kitchen, lighting is the best way to do it.
‘A stunning example of the uniqueness that natural materials provide, travertine lighting fixtures will offer an organic edge to minimalist kitchen designs this year,’ says Mara.
‘Travertine’s neutral tones and irregular texture softens sharp lines and catches the eye and pair effortlessly with exposed wood beams and earthy color palettes often seen in the kitchen.’
9. Antique and vintage fixtures
In order to shop more sustainably, more and more of us are decorating with antiques and vintage in our homes, helping to bring a unique sense of character and history to the space, and one of the easiest ways you can bring vintage pieces into a kitchen is through lighting.
An eclectic mix of design features both old and new can make for the most interesting of designs, and decorating a kitchen with antique lighting will create a space that transcends trends.
Scarlett Hampton, co-founder of lighting design studio lights&lamps says, 'a shift towards aged brasses and patina bronze is evident, perhaps due to an increasing desire to add a touch of theatrical, vintage glamour to the home. Timeless in appearance, these rich and rustic details lend dimension to any kitchen scheme.'
10. Embracing designs crafted from a mix of materials
Jo Plismy, founder of Gong gives her top advice on what she feels is next for kitchen lighting trends.
‘I believe the next big kitchen lighting trends will involve experimenting with new and different materials to make exciting and unique lighting designs. This will include using both newer high-tech materials and ancestral ones too,' she says.
'The possibilities for materials used in the creation of lighting are endless and I think we will see innovation in the use of softer materials such as rattan and fabric as well as harder ones including steel, ceramic, resin, aluminum, and even marble, which looks fantastic in a kitchen.'
FAQs
What is the most popular kitchen lighting?
The most popular kitchen lighting is a mix of practical spotlights and wall lights with more decorative pendants, ceiling and table lights.
Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC says, 'Of course, it completely depends on the size of your kitchen and how you use the space, but often, just the one light source is not enough. From low-hanging pendant lights over an island or dining table, to wall lights positioned above shelving or beside a workspace, think carefully about the different zones in your kitchen and whether they will benefit from practical, task lighting or more relaxed, ambient light.
Creative Director of Harvey Jones, Melissa Klink also says, 'The trend for lighting within the kitchen industry is becoming smaller and more dedicated. Designing specified areas of function to create pools of task lighting from petite shaded pendants is much more popular than large-scale chandeliers that we used to see. Designing with purpose and intention is coming full force, especially with the consideration of light.'
What color light fixtures are in style?
Scarlett Hampton, co-founder of lights&lamps says, 'we are seeing a shift to more grounded, earthy tones as well as more natural materials for lighting fixtures. We have reflected this trend by expanding our rattan collection, adding linen fabrics, and combining them with earthy-colored marble or chocolatey-dyed concrete. Moving into 2025, our palette will carry this further with the introduction of a warmer bronze metal finish to our collections.'
As well as more grounding color trends rooted in nature, this year will also see a rise in the confident use of color.
Thinking carefully about how the color and material of your chosen light fixtures can enhance your overall design scheme will make for a more coherent and stylish look.
Are recessed lights still a kitchen lighting trend?
Yes, recessed lights are still a kitchen lighting trend, but not on their own – they work well, functionally, over countertops and island bars, but are best used alongside other lighting options like pendants and wall lights to add character. This way you create a layered look that covers all key areas of the kitchen, too.
If you're feeling inspired by our round-up of the latest kitchen lighting trends, but want to be sure you have the right amount of lighting in your space, we explore in our dedicated feature, how many lights should there be in a kitchen?
