For an area like the kitchen, which is often used for food prep and cooking just as often as it is for socializing and entertaining, a chandelier is a great way to add drama and style. Chandeliers in kitchens are a surprising yet delightful choice that gives the room a little more flair. They are becoming a popular choice for kitchen lighting fixtures.
Is It OK to Have a Chandelier in a Kitchen?
Chandeliers are becoming a popular choice for kitchens, and it’s easy to see why. A beautiful chandelier can fill any kitchen with drama and excitement. Another more technical reason chandeliers for kitchens are becoming more common is that newer homes have higher ceilings, so there is more room for a chandelier. And there are a variety of sizes and styles, so there are plenty to choose from.
Calypso 13 Inch 3 Light Mini Chandelier by Crystorama
A chandelier can create contrast, as it does in this sophisticated kitchen. Mid-century modern notes, such as the ghost chairs around the island, are highlighted by the contemporary Calypso 13 Inch 3 Light Mini Chandelier by Crystorama draped in an abundance of clear glass drops, giving the space elegance and glamour without overwhelming the overall look and feel.
Ariel 52 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Mitzi
The aged brass finish on the Ariel 52 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Mitzi creates contrast and grounds this stunning cook space as it gleams against the warm background. It’s a great way to highlight the sleek, modern chandelier that makes a subtle statement over the island without overshadowing the design.
Can You Have Too Much Light in a Kitchen?
In any functional workspace, tasks are easier to do when there is plenty of light. So while a kitchen cannot have too much light, it can have too many light fixtures. A combination of natural light, undercabinet lights, canned lights, and an overhead light like a chandelier will provide the right mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting. Installing dimmers can help control the light levels and enhance the mood in kitchens that are also used as entertainment spaces.
AERIN Cristol 28 Inch 10 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection
Add depth to a modern kitchen and create a focal point with two sophisticated yet whimsical chandeliers, such as the AERIN Cristol 28 Inch 10 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection. The hand-rubbed antique brass finish and white glass globe shades allow this pair of chandeliers to take center stage as they emphasize the island’s expansive length.
Forest Light The Aviva Stanoff 62 Inch 10 Light Chandelier by Currey and Company
Opt for something unusual and add a work of art to the kitchen area. Ideal for large, open-concept kitchens, the Forest Light The Aviva Stanoff 62 Inch 10 Light Chandelier by Currey and Company is a stunning sculptural piece dripping with quartz crystals bound to attract all eyes. The rest of the kitchen features streamlined details that make the chandelier stand out.
How Big Should a Kitchen Chandelier Be?
A general rule for determining the size of a chandelier for the kitchen is to subtract 12 inches from the width of your table or island. If your table is 36 inches wide – the average width of a table – the ideal width of the chandelier would be 24 inches.
Now consider the length of the table. The chandelier’s length should be a minimum of 12 inches less than the table. For example, a 96-inch table can theoretically handle a chandelier up to 84 inches long. These measurements will help ensure that your kitchen chandelier is proportionate to the table. But for longer tables, two smaller chandeliers may work better.
And lastly, the chandelier should be hung about 30 to 36 inches above the table. This ensures your guests can see each other and won’t bump their heads when they stand up.
AERIN Jacqueline 19 Inch 4 Light Mini Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection
Bigger kitchens with higher ceilings are becoming more common, but an expansive kitchen can quickly feel impersonal and cavernous. The sparkling AERIN Jacqueline 19 Inch 4 Light Mini Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection trio adds tons of personality as it casts a soft, iridescent glow throughout the kitchen.
Haskell 34 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home
This beautiful kitchen features a stunning marble-topped central island with wood sides that blends well with the warm wood flooring. A pair of elegant Haskell 34 Inch 8 Light Chandeliers by Arteriors Home draws the eyes all the way up to the beamed ceiling.
How Do I Choose a Kitchen Chandelier?
Once you’ve determined the size of your chandelier, the next thing to consider is your style and taste. You may want to choose a chandelier that contrasts with the elements in the kitchen or one that highlights a specific feature. You may want a statement piece that doubles as a work of art or something simpler and more streamlined that subtly hovers in the background.
Diva 22 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Regina Andrew
This gorgeous design hits every note: stunning wood beams, plush upholstered chairs, and a pair of elegant Diva 22 Inch 8 Light Chandeliers by Regina Andrew. The delicately layered grey teardrop-shaped glass makes a statement in this expansive kitchen. They’re lovely to look at as the sunlight streams through the space, and just as lovely when lit from within as they create a beautiful warm glow.