Types

• Types of decorative kitchen lighting include pendant lights that hang from the ceiling, often grouped in twos or threes; lighting made especially to go over islands; and decorative track lighting.
  
  

Benefits

• A single fixture on the ceiling in the middle of the room is not adequate for a kitchen, failing to shed focused light on counters, islands and other work spaces. Decorative lighting solves this problem and contributes to the kitchen's appeal.
  
  

Considerations

• Track lighting is more versatile than the usual ceiling fixtures, with several bulbs that can be focused on different areas around the kitchen. Island fixtures have two or three branches in a horizontal line, perfect for lighting a rectangular space. Pendants can be placed over a peninsula or an island.
  
  

Size

• Decorative lighting should fit with the style and size of the kitchen. A huge chandelier in a small kitchen will knock the whole room out of balance, and tiny pendants hanging over a large island will look insignificant and out of place.
  
  

Warning

• Consider hiring a lighting designer to help you with placement of the lights. If not placed correctly, lighting can cast shadows where you don't want them.