8 Beautiful Examples of Kitchen Island Lighting

The right light fixture can do more than illuminate your kitchen island. It can introduce texture, reinforce an architectural style or become the room’s focal point. Scroll through these eight inspiring examples from the WL archives to see what we mean.

Green Light

Who said you had to choose between lighting and greenery? Nancy Surby, principal of Nako Design, used Casson’s Babylon pendant planters to perform double duty: these high-gloss enamel lights hold living plants, giving the modern space a wilder vibe. Get more design tips from this clean and airy kitchen.

Thin Line

Lighting can be a kitchen’s standout feature—but that’s not the approach Aleksandra Popovska took in her own Vancouver heritage home. The pendant (an asymmetrical tubular LED from Spain’s Marset) adds a subtle layer of interest to this high-traffic, visually engaging space. See the before and after renovation photos.

Loom Large

The pendant lights in this kitchen prove that sometimes bigger really is better. “We wanted something substantial,” says interior designer Cristina Rivett with a laugh. Each of the rattan lamps from Palecek is a massive 36” in diameter, adding beachy texture and warmth to an otherwise minimalist space. Explore the rest of this Makwa Lake residence.

Light Touch

With a palette of off-whites and warm oak, this Suzanne Tetrault-designed kitchen is beyond inviting (we’d pull up a seat at that u-shaped island any day!). Dark, sculptural elements—including the Studio Italia Design for Lodes ceiling lights—add an architectural edge and slight masculine undertone. Check out the rest of this Calgary kitchen.

Chain Reaction

Contrary to popular belief, a space can be both glamorous and laid-back. Gillian Segal expertly balanced the mirrored hood vent and swaggy glass-chain Trueing Studio light fixture with more humble, organic materials. Learn more about this glitzy-yet-functional space.

Subtle Statement

If you only take a quick look at the above picture, you might miss the kitchen island lighting entirely. The fixture from Visual Comfort is that sleek—and that’s the beauty of it. Well, that and the ceiling medallion that it hangs from. Tour this Parisian-inspired Burnaby home.

Sweet Spot(light)

Whether suspended over a dining room table (see here and here) or above a kitchen island, these pendants from Vancouver’s A-N-D Lighting make a stunning statement. Step inside this Deep Cove family home by Evoke International Design and Shift Interiors.

A-cute Fixture

Chandeliers don’t just belong in the dining room, as demonstrated by this Atelier Fēn-designed space. The large triangular fixture by Apparatus Studio adds visual interest and also provides ample lighting for kitchen prep. Read more about this high-contrast kitchen style.