rectangular light fixture Options for Your Kitchen Remodel

When remodeling your kitchen, choosing the perfect lighting is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The right lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. If you're looking for a lighting option that is both stylish and functional, rectangular light fixtures are an excellent choice.

Rectangular light fixtures for the kitchen provide a clean, modern aesthetic that complements many kitchen designs. Unlike round fixtures, the linear shape of a rectangular fixture can help illuminate specific areas or tasks. Rectangular lighting is ideal over kitchen islands, sinks, and countertops where you need directed task lighting. The variety of sizes available means you can find rectangular fixtures, from mini pendants to large statement chandeliers, to fit any kitchen perfectly.

Benefits of Rectangular Light Fixtures for Kitchen Remodels

There are many advantages to choosing rectangular lighting options for your kitchen remodel or upgrade:

• Sleek, Modern Look: The linear design and crisp edges of rectangular fixtures provide a contemporary style.
• Focused Lighting: The shape directs light downward in a more focused beam ideal for task areas.
• Variety of Sizes: Rectangular fixtures come in all sizes, from small pendants to large chandeliers, fitting any kitchen.
• Flexibility in Placement: Can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or under cabinets for both ambient and task lighting.
• Dimming Options: Many rectangular fixtures offer dimming capabilities to control ambience.

The clean lines and versatility of rectangular light fixtures allow them to enhance any kitchen aesthetically while also providing much-needed illumination. Their focused light is perfect for lighting up specific work areas like islands, sinks, or countertops. No matter your kitchen's size or layout, there is sure to be a rectangular fixture that can meet both your functional and decorative lighting needs.

Popular Styles of Rectangular Lighting for Kitchens

Rectangular kitchen lighting comes in a wide array of styles to complement your overall interior design:

Flush Mount/Surface Fixtures

Flush mount fixtures are installed directly to the ceiling with the illumination pointing downward. These straightforward rectangular lights are perfect for smaller kitchens that need direct task lighting over key areas. Popular finishes include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, and black metal.

Pendants and Mini-Pendants

Pendant lights with rectangular or linear shapes provide both task lighting and visual interest over islands, counters, and tables. Mini-pendant lights offer more focused beams of light for specific zones. Rectangular pendant lights come in metal, crystal, fabric, glass, and other materials.

Track Lighting

Track lighting offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to direct multiple adjustable rectangular lights along the track. This makes it easy to highlight and illuminate multiple zones as needed. Tracks can be mounted to ceilings or walls.

Under Cabinet Lighting

For additional task lighting, strips of narrow rectangular LED lights can be installed under upper cabinets. This focused under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops perfectly without glare.

Recessed/Can Lighting

Recessed can lights sunk into the ceiling provide adjustable directional lighting. Rectangular recessed lighting offers focused beams ideal for illuminating over islands, sinks, or counters without protruding from the ceiling.

Placement Tips for Rectangular Fixtures

Proper placement of rectangular fixtures can maximize both aesthetic appeal and functionality:

• Over islands, sinks, and countertops for task lighting
• Above kitchen islands for dramatic focal lighting
• Along upper cabinets to add ambient lighting
• Under upper cabinets to illuminate counters and tasks below
• Over dining tables and kitchen nooks

Rectangular lighting is ideal for kitchen islands to provide both overhead illumination and a decorative element. For larger kitchens, rectangular chandeliers or multiple pendants make stunning statement pieces. Mini-pendants align nicely over a kitchen sink, while recessed cans provide adjustable lighting for food prep areas.

A combination of rectangular fixtures at varying heights and sizes can bathe your kitchen in light. Place matching rectangular pendants or surface lights evenly spaced over islands, counters, and cabinets for balance. Under cabinet rectangular LED lighting adds supplementary task lighting.

Popular Materials for Rectangular Kitchen Lighting

Rectangular kitchen lighting fixtures come in a wide range of materials to match any design aesthetic:

• Metal - Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, and powder coated finishes offer both modern and traditional looks.
• Wood - Natural wood rectangular pendants bring warmth.
• Glass - Clear glass pendants refract and distribute light in a soft glow.
• Acrylic - Acrylic panels help diffuse light in modern fixtures.
• Fabric - Fabric drum shades soften and filter light effectively.

The finish and material of your rectangular fixtures should coordinate with your kitchen's overall decor. For traditional kitchens, bronze, wood, or fabric are fitting. Contemporary designs shine with gleaming metal or glass pendant lights. Mini-pendants also come in a rainbow of painted colors to add a pop of brightness.

Ideal Bulb Types for Rectangular Fixtures

Choosing light bulbs suited to your rectangular fixtures will maximize their illuminating power:

• LED - LED bulbs last the longest and offer the brightest, focused lighting.
• Halogen - Compact halogen bulbs are ideal for small task lighting.
• Incandescent - Incandescent bulbs provide warm, inviting ambient light.
• Fluorescent - Fluorescent tubes evenly illuminate under cabinets.

Opt for LED bulbs in most main rectangular fixtures to reduce energy use and provide bright illumination. Accent your kitchen with halogen bulbs over specific prep areas or use incandescent lights to contribute ambient lighting. Fluorescent tubes mount easily under cabinets.

Look for Energy Star rated rectangular fixtures with LED bulbs included to maximize energy efficiency and savings. Dimmable rectangular lights allow you to control light levels to suit any activity or mood.

Additional Factors When Selecting Fixtures

Keep the following in mind when choosing your rectangular kitchen lighting:

• Light Output - Measure your space and determine how much illumination you need for tasks and ambience.
• Dimming - Dimmable fixtures allow you to control light levels.
• Scale & Size - Choose sizes and proportions that complement your cabinets and layout.
• Finish - Finishes like bronze, nickel, and chrome should coordinate with kitchen finishes.
• Budget - Prices range from budget friendly to high-end designer, allowing choices for all budgets.

Take measurements of your kitchen including cabinet heights and island size so you can select the properly scaled fixtures. Rectangular lighting ranges from economical to premium designer prices. Set a budget to narrow down your options.

A kitchen lighting designer can help you determine the total light output needed. Then decide where to place ambient, task, and accent lighting with rectangular fixtures suited to each use. Incorporating a variety of rectangular lights ensures your kitchen is both stylishly and functionally illuminated.