Reminiscent of a lantern, it’s no surprise that this over the kitchen sink lighting further enhances the cozy vibe of this kitchen. it’s backed by a gingham pull-down shade with brown tones that mirror the repeating square motif.
35 Over Kitchen Sink Lighting Ideas That Go Beyond Pot Lights
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Published: January 21, 2022
Updated: December 13, 2023
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Plenty of thought often goes to central lighting when it comes to the kitchen—leaving over kitchen sink lighting in the dark. However, over the sink lighting is equally as important, as it provides task lighting, illuminates dark corners, and gives you the opportunity to inject some extra style and personality into your kitchen.
The good news is that over kitchen sink lighting ideas are rather diverse. While it’s common to see pot lights subtly illuminating the area, nothing says you can’t go big with multiple sconce lights or a modern glass globe pendant. Feeling bold or glamorous? A chandelier is also an option (#10 on the list below nails this idea!) No matter the vibe you’re going for, you’re going to want the lighting to flow with the rest of the kitchen.
We know that even the best and most stylish lighting won’t make scrubbing dishes more exciting, but an eye-catching fixture may just draw attention away from a sink full of dirty dishes! We’ve compiled 31 over kitchen sink lighting ideas to inspire you to bring a little more light into your kitchen.
02 of The Perfect Match
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This kitchen chose a frosted glass fixture which diffuses the light for a softer illumination. The pot lights surrounding it help substitute any lighting lost to the frosted glass and give plenty of options for different lighting levels.
03 of A Warm Glow
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Picking the right light bulb can be just as important as choosing the right over the sink lighting. Here, a bulb with a warm tone basks the sink area in a cozy and ambient glow that ensures the white shiplap wall and cabinets don’t feel sterile.
05 of A Nautical Accent Over the Island Sink
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- alexisandraaustin
Elevate your kitchen’s ambiance with lighting that transcends the ordinary. This open kitchen, bathed in a modern coastal flair, showcases a nautical lamp pendant above the sink. This exquisite choice not only complements the grid pattern of the windows and French door but also aligns in height with the chandelier in the background, creating a visually consistent and harmonious space. Interior designer Camila Lyons adds a unique perspective on kitchen design, emphasizing, “Centering the sink in the kitchen island is my signature touch, setting it apart from the usual pendant-lit islands, for a unique and distinguished culinary space.” This strategic placement transforms the kitchen, making the sink and its lighting a standout feature rather than just a functional element, and thereby redefining the aesthetics of the area.
07 of Bronze Pendant Light with Frosted Glass
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Here, this pendant light’s bronze stem acts as a visual extension of the wood framing while the frosted glass dome melts into the white background, This leaves room to add a touch of style, like the wreath, further drawing the eye and adding depth.
08 of Light and Airy Chameleon
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Since a barn wood frame is the focal point here, it makes sense that this pendant light would blend into the background. While a bold light would detract from this stunning architectural feature, this pendant light’s skinny profile and light shade provide lighting and modern style without imposing on the rest of the space.
09 of Mixing and Matching Glamorous Country Kitchen Lighting
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- thestonehouseroad
10 of Two Different Lights, One Finish
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If you feel that using the same lights is too matchy-matchy for your style, you can always try this kitchen’s approach to create cohesion. It pairs a soft and curvaceous light with an angular box light. While both forms are very different, the similar matte black finishes ensure uniformity. The dramatic window frame and faucet subtly also carry the black toward the darker appliances, creating a sense of visual flow.
13 of Rinse and Repeat
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For instant cohesiveness, this kitchen’s over the sink lighting repeats the feel of the central light. The black metal is also repeated on the faucet and quad of bar stools stashed under the gray kitchen island to further harmonize the design choice.
14 of Picking the Right Amount of Over the Sink Lights
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If you’re opting for pendant lights and are unsure of how many to use, why not try topping each window (or window section) with a light? This kitchen does just that and it looks utterly fabulous. Centering a light over each window maintains balance and ensures that this sleek farmhouse sink won’t get lost in the shadows once the sun sets.
15 of Topped with Farmhouse Flair
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While two sconce lights over the kitchen sink are perfect for maintaining symmetry, three sconce lights are another option worth exploring. This bright and airy kitchen showcases a trio of scone lights topped with a wooden beam. The beam not only adds extra farmhouse style but also softens the contrast between the punchy black lights and white shiplap ceiling.
19 of Double Lighting Over the Kitchen Sink
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Black double sconce lights ensure that there is plenty of light flowing over the sink in this black and white kitchen. In addition, they draw the black hues of the kitchen upward, making it feel more fluid and less bottom-heavy.
20 of A Key Background Player
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All eyes will immediately be drawn to the unique wood island in this modern farmhouse kitchen. The back wall with the sink plays into this with its light coloring, which includes a curvaceous sconce light. Furthermore, the small tree on the counter offers a pop of color and contrast to deepen the illusion of depth.
22 of Over Kitchen Sink Sconce Light
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For sinks with wall space above them, mounting a sconce light is a great option. In this example, a black metal fixture contrasts the light walls and cupboards. It not only mirrors the faucet below with its dark hue but also with the curve of its stem.
24 of An Understated Addition
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The coloring of this over the sink lighting allows it to pop against the white surroundings. However, the intricate details sprinkled throughout the rest of the kitchen make it look commonplace. These details include the fluted cupboards, large antique clock, assortment of plants, and collection of farmhouse décor on the counters and shelves.
26 of Unexpected Vintage Glamour
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While a chandelier over a kitchen sink is a more uncommon option, it is absolutely captivating! The warm tone of this chandelier blends in perfectly with the wood accent strips that stretch across the top of the kitchen. The ‘ANTIQUE’ farmhouse sign perched above the light fixture ups its intrigue and turns it into a true focal point.
28 of Bold Focal Point
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An all-metal build and black finish make this dome pendant light the center of attention. While it subtly ties complements the black kitchen knobs and pulls, it is mainly framed by whites and light brown—positioning it as a can’t-miss feature.
30 of Subtle Glass Pendant Light
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A pendant light with a glass globe is a perfect companion to the grid window in this farmhouse kitchen. It doesn’t compete with the intricacy but still adds a huge dash of style. Plus, the black metal portion on top beautifully echoes the black hues accenting the stainless-steel appliances.
31 of Gold and Glass Pendant Lighting
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The artful combination of cool mint green and warm wood tones gives this kitchen an instantly intriguing aesthetic. The contemporary pendant light over the sink complements the wood cupboards and range hood with its bronze finish. The clear glass adds grandeur to the fixture without blocking the natural light from the window. The glass dome also allows the line of sight to flow through, giving it an airier look than a solid fixture.
33 of Industrial Over Kitchen Sink Lighting Idea
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This white island with its picturesque concrete countertops takes a vintage approach to its over the sink lighting. A galvanized metal tin light with an imperfect form contrasts the refinement of modern features like the white farmhouse sink and cupboards. The light looks exceptional paired with the wood beams, incorporating a touch of industrial flair into this modern farmhouse kitchen.
34 of Modern Bell Light for a Kitchen
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The frosted glass of this bell pendant light gives off a softer look, as well as more diffused lighting. It works in tandem with this corner sink setup as the smooth curves juxtapose the hard lines of the windows and cabinet’ hard lines. To top it off, the shape also mimics the pattern on the kitchen valances.
35 of Bell of the Vintage Ball
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This metal bell light refuses to go unnoticed as it juxtaposes its white surroundings. The bell shape is reminiscent of an actual bell—unlike modern bell lights with cleaner lines—so it flows effortlessly with the vintage vibe of this kitchen. The metal scale off to the right is also notable here as a stunning and unusual companion piece that takes the light’s vintage aesthetic to a new level.
