Brighten Kitchen Over Sink Area with Lights

The kitchen is often the busiest room in a home, with people constantly cooking, cleaning, and washing dishes. However, the space right above the kitchen sink can be a dark, dreary place that gets overlooked when it comes to lighting. Installing the right over-the-sink kitchen lights can completely transform this area, providing much-needed illumination for tasks while also adding style and visual interest.

Over-the-sink lighting serves important functionality in the kitchen. Proper lighting allows you to clearly see foods and dishes when cleaning and prepping. It also brightens up the whole sink workspace, making an often-gloomy area much more inviting. The right fixture can even add a decorative flair. When shopping for over-the-sink lights, prioritize fixtures made to withstand moisture and exposure to water splashes.

Identify Lighting Needs Over the Kitchen Sink

When evaluating lighting for over the kitchen sink, consider what tasks you need the lights for. Here are some of the main needs that good sink lighting should address:

Task Lighting

Task lighting refers to directed light aimed at a specific surface area to illuminate work activities. For a kitchen sink, you want bright light focused right on the dishes, foods, and countertop workspace. This allows you to clearly see what you are cleaning, washing, chopping, and more. Without proper task lighting, shadows can make things hard to see inside the deep sink basin.

Ambient Lighting

While you want bright, focused task lighting, the sink area should also be supplemented with soft, ambient lighting. Ambient lighting fills the whole space, preventing dark shadows from forming in corners and providing a warm, welcoming glow. Mixing ambient lighting with task lighting prevents the space from feeling too harsh and utilitarian.

Aesthetic Lighting

The right kitchen lighting also serves visual interest and decor purposes. An eye-catching light fixture over the sink can elevate the whole space with style and pizzazz. For many kitchens, the sink area is a natural spot to install a dramatic focal point chandelier or multi-pendant lighting. Prioritize not just functionality but also beautiful, on-theme fixtures that match your design vision.

Primary Options for Over the Kitchen Sink Lighting

From sleek LED strips to modern pendants, there are many options for over-the-sink kitchen lighting. Consider fixture types that suit your functionality needs, design style, and kitchen layout. Here are some top choices:

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights allow you to mount single fixtures or groupings right above the main kitchen sink area. Popular options include drum pendants, mini pendants clustered together, short single pendants, and linear bar pendants. Glass, metal, woven, or caged pendants all work well. Just make sure to install pendant lights high enough not to obstruct tasks yet low enough to provide direct illumination.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Discreet LED strip lighting or low-profile fixtures mounted under upper cabinets shine down right where you need it over the sink. Under cabinet lights provide perfect task illumination without compromising style. Just make sure your particular under-cabinet lights are damp-rated and waterproof if installed right against the sink.

Wall Sconces

For a flexible lighting option, consider wall sconces. Mounted on the wall or backsplash surrounding the sink area, sconces cast both ambient and task lighting from multiple angles. Wall sconces work especially well supplementing a statement pendant fixture or recessed lighting. Mixing lighting types is key for fully illuminating sink spaces.

Plug-In LED Strips

Super easy to install, battery-operated or plug-in LED light strips offer a quick lighting solution for rental kitchens or anywhere lacking adequate wiring. Stick waterproof LED strips directly underneath upper cabinets to shine light right where you need it most. Go for adjustable strips with dimming abilities.

Key Factors to Consider for Kitchen Sink Lighting

Here are some critical factors to weigh when evaluating over-the-sink lighting options:

Light Brightness

Consider both the brightness level and color temperature that best suits your needs. Extra bright, cool white light in the 5000-6500K color range works best for highly functional task lighting. However, you may prefer softer 3000-4000K warm white light fixtures for ambient fill lighting. Mixing fixture types and bulbs allows you to layer both productive task light and soothing decorative glows.

Lighting Controls

Look for kitchen sink lighting with dimming capabilities and easy-access controls. While you want super bright light for tackling dishes and cooking tasks, having the ability to soften light comes in handy for evenings and relaxing in the kitchen. Install lights on separate switches or circuits to allow for maximum adjustability.

Fixture Style

Choose fixture styles and finishes that match your kitchen design and decor theme. Flush mount lights, bell jar pendants, edison bulbs, and woven pendant lights all make different style statements. Prioritize beautiful, eye-catching fixtures that harmonize with faucets, cabinetry, backsplashes, appliances, and other finishes.

Energy Efficiency

To save on energy bills, select LED fixtures and bulbs which use at least 75% less energy than halogen and incandescent lighting. LEDs also last over 25 times longer. For maximum savings, install lights on dimmers and automatic daylight/motion sensor controls to adjust brightness as needed.

Budget

Kitchen sink lighting runs the gamut from inexpensive to premium designer, with costs varying widely depending on the fixture type, size, materials, included bulbs, special features, brand, and more. Generally, pendant lights, recessed cans, under cabinet LEDs strips start more affordable while artisan statement lights have higher price tags. Set a budget before you shop.

Recommendations for Optimal Over-The-Sink Kitchen Lighting

Follow these tips to choose perfect over-the-sink lighting for brightening up kitchen tasks:

Layer the Lighting

For the best visibility and ambiance, experts recommend layering multiple lighting fixture types over the kitchen sink. Combine highly functional task lighting like under cabinet strips or recessed cans with beautiful pendants or chandeliers. Wall sconces also supplement and spread illumination.

Mind the Spacing & Placement

Properly space and place sink lighting for optimal illumination. Center larger pendants and chandeliers directly over the basin. Install recessed cans at least 4-6 inches from the sink edge to prevent leaks. Position wall sconces 44-48 inches above the counter and 30 inches apart for ideal light overlap.

Compare Fixture & Bulb Options

From halogen and LED to incandescent and fluorescent, bulb types vary hugely in brightness, efficiency, and costs. Evaluate energy usage, lifespans, and lighting quality to pick the best bulbs for the job. Compare fixture housing materials from metal and glass to fabric and plastic to balance style with function.

Consider Smart Technology

For next-level convenience, look for kitchen sink lights with smart technology integration and voice controls. Bluetooth and WiFi enabled fixtures allow remote dimming, automatic scheduling, motion activation, syncing capabilities and integration with smart home platforms through mobile apps.

Ultimately, kitchen sink lighting needs to fully illuminate countertop and sink tasks without casting shadows or causing glare. Prioritize adequate task lighting then supplement with ambient fill fixtures. The proper installation height, position, beam angle, and bulb brightness all impact visibility.

Some recommended brands and boutiques for purchasing kitchen over-the-sink lights include The Home Depot, Lamps Plus, Lumens Light + Living, YLighting, Kichler, Cedar & Moss, Hudson Valley Lighting, Shades of Light, and Wayfair Lighting. For tips on DIY installation or working with a professional electrician, check out online sources like The Spruce, HGTV, and This Old House.