The kitchen has become the hub of many homes, requiring kitchen and dining lighting that can play double duty between illuminating everyday tasks and adding personality to the room’s design. Use these kitchen lighting ideas from Gabby to help get the job done!
Top: Ida Pendant paired with the Adler Chandelier. Middle: Sloan Pendant paired with the Percy Chandelier. Bottom: Delta Pendant paired with the Kayleigh Chandelier.
With open concept layouts being so popular, there are a lot of homes that have dining areas that are either in the same room as the kitchen or right next to it with no real separation. Of course, you want to have lights that compliment each other but are not entirely the same. Doing matching lighting can make a home look less custom and does not give it the character and charm that it could have with different lighting. Even though this task may seem easy, we are here are a few ideas for lighting styles that go nicely together.
Are you ready to elevate the heart of your home with brilliant light fixtures? Follow along as we share the best looks in lighting. Later, we’ll explore designer projects that light up our world with fantastic Gabby fixtures.
Home How-To: Pairing Dining and Kitchen Lighting
Harmonize your home with complementary lighting styles.
There is beauty in contrast. When pairing kitchen and dining lights, interior designers don’t use the exact same lighting fixture in both spaces––this will appear too homogenous. Instead, design professionals do choose different lighting fixtures that complement each other. Strike the right balance by considering three elements: surface area, finish, and form.
1. Surface Area: Kitchen Island to Kitchen Table
It appears that almost every new home or kitchen remodel these days has that one item your kitchen can’t live without – an island. While these must-have additions provide a great space to prep food and double as a spot to eat or serve as an extra buffet table when entertaining, they are the most perplexing when it comes to lighting. Slim yet stylish in nature, the ubiquitous pendant light fixture can do it all – provide illumination for kitchen tasks, accent a certain area or when put on a dimmer, set the mood for dining.
When selecting a pendant, for kitchen island lighting, think of placing them as a trio if space permits. Use dimmable, energy-efficient bulbs and as a general rule of thumb, hang them 30-36” above the island. Be sure that they do not block your view or hang too low as to hit someone in the head and last but not least, think about style!
And while you are designing your kitchen or rethinking an update of your lighting plan, be sure to pay attention to the breakfast “nook” and/or adjacent dining room (if visible from the kitchen). Keep in mind that they do not have to match shape wise but using fixtures in the same color/material family is usually a good idea. When choosing fixtures for these coordinate areas, be sure to take into account that only one can be front and center in terms of size and prominence. Think simple pendants for the kitchen and a “show-stopping” chandelier for the dining room or breakfast nook and it’s a recipe for success!
2. Finish
Going for a bolder look? Pair different lighting styles with the same finish. Check out some of our favorite finishes for Kitchen and Dining Lighting below!
- Bronze – Timeless bronze lighting lends warmth and beauty. Love this look? Discover the dark and dreamy Ida Pendant or the two-tone Franklin Pendant.
- Silver – Champagne silver, antiqued silver, vintage silver, and silver leaf––we love them all. Add coolness to your cooking space with the Clay Chandelier or Belfast Sconce.
- Gold– Gold adds instant glamour, especially in a gourmet kitchen. After all, what’s richer than gold? Get this look with Gabby’s Sandra Chandelier or Gracie Chandelier.
3. Form
Look for similar lines when coordinating kitchen and dining lighting. You want both of these fixtures to be different enough, yet compliment each other so that you have an eclectic look in your kitchen and dining space. Also, do not forget about scale!
Orange County Interior Designer Becki Owens advises, “When choosing lighting for kitchen, consider options that will make a statement. Scale is key. Whether it’s pendants over a kitchen island or a pretty chandelier over a breakfast nook, I like to pick large scale lights. They make a space look bright and fresh and give it a wow factor. Beautiful lighting is like eye candy when you walk into a room.”
{Designing a fabulous dining space? Learn about the elements of a transitional dining room .}
Kitchen & Dining Lighting Looks We Love
Inspirational interiors that take kitchen and dining lighting to the next level.
|| link in bio || design: @mrsparanjape || photo: @kristen.mayfield
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen by Lori Paranjape. Why it Works: Mixed metals give this charming kitchen some modern edge. Paranjape paired Gabby’s King Counter Stools with brass industrial pendants, letting sleek symmetry take center stage.
Parade home run 
#paradeofhomesknoxville #interiordesign #designer #custombuild @thewelldressedhouse @mikestevenshomes @the_real_houses_of_ig @_chrissmithphotography_Sophisticated Southern Dining by Paige Stephens Designs. Why it Works: Tucked beside the chef’s kitchen, this dining space feels ultra-elegant yet casual enough for weekday meals. Gabby’s Clay Chandelier is graceful without being fussy––perfect for a family home.
Fresh Cottage Kitchen by Home by Mae Beth. Why it Works: Since this kitchen receives nice natural light, Mae Beth installed two Athena pendants over the kitchen island and the large Amelia Chandelier over the dining room table.
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