The kitchen pictured above makes extensive use of ceiling lights, recessed cans, undercabinet lights, and a dining fixture - creating a layered lighting look that is beautiful, functional and artistic.

How to Properly Light Your Kitchen Countertops

For the home chef, the kitchen countertop is their creative canvas. A workspace requires proper lighting to provide them with a safe, functional, and comfortable environment. 

If you're considering a kitchen remodeling project or just a quick update, working with your design-build professions to light your kitchen properly will make it work better for you while adding another layer of beauty to the heart of your home.

In this post, we're going to explore the best way to incorporate countertop lighting to create a functional and safe workspace where you'll love to cook for friends and family.

Countertop Lighting Basics

One big mistake many homeowners make when adding kitchen lighting is to place overhead lights over floors rather than above the countertop, sink, and range. Recessed lighting is a common fixture in modern kitchens, and it's often placed in front of or behind countertops which can create shadows right where you may be working with sharp knives.

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Instead, consider using recessed fixtures as countertop lighting by place cans directly above the center of the countertops. Don't worry about lighting the floors; enough light will overflow to comfortable light the entire space.

Correctly placing recessed downlights does more than light your countertops. It also illuminates upper cabinets and open shelves. You can avoid creating awkward scallops of light by aligning the downlights with the cabinet doors.

Improperly placed or improperly sized recessed downlights can sometimes create shadows. You can minimize this effect by using multiple smaller downlights instead of fewer large fixtures. Not too long ago, your only option for recessed downlighting was 6 or 8-inch can lights. 

Today, you have options. Consider using 2-to-3-inch downlights. This will give you better lighting over your counters, make your uppers appear brighter, and reduce glare. This lighting arrangement will not only eliminate shadows but will also improve your kitchen's functionality and make it more comfortable.

This same idea carries over to the sink. Using multiple downlights of sconces that focus light down reduce deep shadows and improves the work area in and around the sink.

Another option to consider is instead of using multiple small recessed downlights over the countertop, use a long line of recessed lights down the center of the space. It's not only a good way to evenly illuminate the countertops; it does the same for your cabinetry. It might seem out of place in a more traditional kitchen, but this idea works wonderfully if you tend to favor a more modern design.

Adding Under Cabinet Countertop Lighting

No matter where you place your downlighting, the upper cabinets will always block light from the countertop underneath them. The way to get around this is to add additional under cabinet lighting. Like your downlights, for best results, undercabinet lighting should be placed in the center of the upper cabinets rather than toward the front or the back.

Placing LED tape lighting in the back of the cabinet, facing the backsplash reduces reflections on glossy stone counters, but it placed the brightest light in the wrong place, leaving the counters too dark. 

Conversely, placing LED lighting tape too far forward can create harsh shadows on the counter. The best solution is to try testing a strip of light before permanently installing it to make sure it evenly lights the countertop and works well with the overhead light placement.

Open shelving is gaining popularity in recent years and can be treated the same as glass from cabinetry when it comes to lighting. Include light underneath the bottom shelf, and consider adding additional lights either above or on the surface of higher shelves.

One key element of creating a countertop lighting design using overhead recessed downlighting and undercabinet lights is balance. Unfortunately, too many LED tape lights don't have the punch necessary to get a truly balanced light design in the kitchen. So here's a tip:  look for a lumen count of 250 or more per linear foot when looking at LED tape lights.

A Quick Word About Lighting the Sink and Range Areas

While not exactly the “countertop,” if you're washing dishes by hand in the sink, it's always nice to see what you're doing. For nighttime illumination over the sink, don't just add a single small recessed can or pendant above the sink and call it done. Instead, add multiple fixtures over the sink to balance the overall lighting throughout the room.

Another area to pay attention to the lighting is over the range. Consider the lighting element when purchasing a range hood as well. Depending on the width of your cook surface, 750 to 1000 lumens of high-quality light is a great place to start.

Don't Neglect Lighting Control to Set the Stage!

Finally, a quick word about controlling your kitchen lighting environment: dimmers are an inexpensive option that is worth their weight in gold! Part of creating ambiance with lighting centers on controlling the amount of each type of light in your design. 

A light switch gives you two options – off or on. On the other hand, dimmers open up the possibility of setting different moods for your space – for example, bright, safe light for preparing food, followed by lower, more soothing lighting after dinner to help you relax and ease into cleaning up.

Kitchen lighting plays a huge role in setting the aesthetic of your design and adding all-important functionality and safety to your space. Countertop lighting is a critical element of any kitchen lighting design. Consider balance in your countertop lighting and simplify your choices. Well placed, properly controlled lighting can be the defining factor of a stunning, elegant kitchen.

Working with a design-build firm for your next remodeling project is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a remodeling project, give the Degnan Design-Build-Remodel experts a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

Additional Articles on Kitchen Remodeling

View Before and After Pictures of A 1990s Kitchen Renovation

Remodeling Your Kitchen For More Natural Light

Advice On Choosing LED Lights When Remodeling A Home

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/19/2022.