12 Kitchen Sink Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Space

The kitchen sink area is one of the most important functional zones in any kitchen. Adequate lighting over the sink provides illumination for critical cooking and cleaning tasks. At the same time, the right kitchen sink lighting also enhances beauty and creates an inviting ambiance.

From pendant lights to under cabinet fixtures, there are many options that balance practicality and style. The goal is to illuminate your culinary workspace while coordinating with your design aesthetic.

Overhead Lighting Ideas

Overhead lighting over the kitchen sink traditionally comes from pendants, track lighting or recessed cans. These fixtures provide both general ambient illumination plus focused task lighting for the sink space below. Overhead lighting casts light downward from above, reducing shadows on work areas.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are suspended from the ceiling above the sink by a rod, chain or cord. These hanging light fixtures come in a vast array of styles to match any kitchen decor. Pendants make a wonderful design statement while providing direct task lighting.

The benefits of pendant lights over the kitchen sink include:

• Provide both form and function - task lighting plus decorative accent
• Work well over larger sinks and kitchen islands
• Height is adjustable to meet lighting needs
• Many style options: modern, rustic, vintage, nautical and more
• Made of glass, metal, fabric, mason jars - diverse materials

When selecting pendant lights, consider the sink and kitchen size. Larger sinks and work zones benefit from bigger or multiple pendants. Scale the pendant size and wattage to fit the space. Mini-pendants work for tight areas. For small sinks, an adjustable height mini-pendant light delivers focused task lighting.

Position pendant lights 18-34 inches above the sink, measured from the bottom of the fixture. Allow at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides to avoid obstructing cabinets. Stagger multiple pendants in a linear or triangular formation for ample light overlap.

From vintage Edison bulbs to sophisticated crystal chandeliers, the style options are endless. Drum shades, modern globes, rustic barn pendants and much more. Choose pendant lights that coordinate with your kitchen's decor theme.

Track Lighting

Track lighting offers incredible flexibility and focused illumination. These systems feature lighting fixtures attached to a track mounted on the ceiling or wall. The individual spotlights can slide and pivot to direct light precisely where needed.

Benefits of track lighting over the kitchen sink include:

• Spotlights can be aimed at the sink, providing task-targeted illumination
• Light positioning is adjustable as needs change
• Creates a modern, spotlit look popular in contemporary kitchens
• Available in many styles: industrial rail, single line, curved, transitional

To install track lighting, first choose a track style. Common options include a single line, H-shape, or L-shape. Mount the track on the ceiling centered over the sink workspace. You can also mount horizontally on the wall adjacent to the sink if ceiling height is limited.

Aim the individual track light heads directly over the sink basin. Angle them slightly downward to cast light right where you need it. Use track lighting alone or combine with recessed cans for ambient lighting. The spotlit effect highlights the sink area beautifully.

Recessed Can Lighting

Recessed can lighting, also known as recessed cans or downlights, are light fixtures installed into the ceiling itself. The trim and bulbhousing sit flush with the ceiling, creating a clean, seamless look. These lights distribute ambient illumination across the whole kitchen.

Benefits of recessed can lights over the kitchen sink include:

• Provide broad, even ambient lighting
• Recessed design is subtle and integrated
• Easy to install and energy-efficient, especially with LED bulbs
• Various styles: standard, adjustable, wall-wash, wet location

Position recessed can lights in a linear formation or square/rectangle surrounding the sink workspace. This disperses light evenly throughout the area, reducing shadows. Include a recessed can directly over the sink.

For kitchens with soffits over cabinets, install cans in the soffit. This bounces gentle light off the ceiling. Cans with wall-wash lenses also work well. They distribute light across the backsplash and counter surfaces.

Wet location cans with IP65 ratings are designed to resist moisture and humidity. These are ideal if positioned right over the sink area.

Under and Over Cabinet Lighting

Beyond overhead illumination, under cabinet and over cabinet lighting provides task-targeted brightness for kitchen sinks. These fixtures mount in strategic spots to eliminate shadows and highlight key areas.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting consists of slim LED light strips or puck lights mounted on the underside of wall cabinets. This positions light sources close to the countertop working surface.

Benefits of under cabinet lighting for the kitchen sink include:

• Provides focused task lighting for food prep and clean-up
• Long-lasting, energy-efficient LED technology
• Accentuates modern, minimalist kitchen styles
• Installs easily with adhesive strips or small screws

Install under cabinet light strips or pucks as close to the front cabinet edge as possible. This prevents shadows by throwing light back towards the rear countertop. Connect multiple fixtures to illuminate the entire sink workspace.

For a soft, diffused glow, choose under cabinet lights with frosted lens covers. Opt for high color rendering LEDs to accurately display food colors.

Over Cabinet Lighting

While under cabinet lights target the countertop, overhead cabinet lighting shines down from above. Fixtures mounted on top of upper cabinets provide ambient lighting for the whole kitchen.

Benefits of overhead cabinet lighting for the sink include:

• Casts diffuse, ambient illumination for the room
• Accentuates interior design and architecture
• Modern, low-profile styles integrate seamlessly
• Highlights the cabinets, ceiling, and overall space

Linear LED strips and low-voltage rope lights commonly mount on top of cabinets. Position fixtures centered over the sink area or staggered across the cabinet run. This washes the entire space with soft, indirect light.

Pro tip: Install cabinets lights on a separate switch or dimmer. This allows you to turn on task lighting without the overhead ambient lights.

Wall Lighting Ideas

Beyond overhead and under cabinet fixtures, wall-mounted lights provide a decorative accent for kitchen sinks. Wall sconces frame the sink workspace while supplying task and ambient illumination.

Sconces

Wall sconces come in diverse designs, from old-world gas lamps to sleek modern styles. These lights attach directly to walls on either side of the sink. They can serve as a strictly decorative accent or provide functional lighting as well.

The benefits of sconce lights around the kitchen sink include:

• Provide ambient and task lighting
• Range of designs: traditional, industrial, rustic and more
• Finish options like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome
• Frame the sink area in an aesthetic glow

Opt for plug-in electric sconces for easy installation. Hardwired fixtures will require wiring. Sconces with adjustable swing-arms allow directing light precisely where needed.

For proper placement, install sconces approximately 66 inches above the counter on side walls or perpendicular back walls. Position them about 12 inches outward from the sink basin. This provides ideal illumination while avoiding moisture exposure.

Wall Washing

Wall washing directs light upward onto the walls from recessed cans or track heads. This grazes the walls with soft illumination, reducing shadows and glare.

Benefits of wall washing light in the kitchen include:

• Ambient, indirect light reduces shadows
• Highlight the backsplash, accentuating tiles and design
• Gentle illumination perfect for cooking and prep tasks
• Simple to achieve with adjustable recessed or track lights

To wall wash, position can lights or track heads on the ceiling near the sink wall. Aim them upward at approximately a 45-degree angle grazing the back wall. The light reflects softly off the surface for a pleasant glow.

Choosing Kitchen Sink Lighting

With so many options, choosing the right kitchen sink lighting may seem daunting. Keep these tips in mind while selecting fixtures:

• Lighting goals - Will the lighting provide task illumination, ambient lighting, or accent lighting? Plan fixtures accordingly.
• Available space - Consider the size limits for overhead pendants and lights. Under cabinet options work in tight spots.
• Your style - Match finishes and designs with your kitchen's overall decor theme.
• Budget - Prices vary widely. Well-designed budget lights still give great illumination.
• Lighting types - LED, xenon, halogen, incandescent. Choose energy efficient LEDs where possible.
• Special features - Dimmable, motion sensor, wet location, daylight spectrum, and smart technology.
• Lighting controls - Switches, dimmers, remote controls.

Layering multiple lighting types creates the best effects. For example, combine recessed cans for overall ambient lighting with under cabinet LEDs for targeted task illumination. Don't underestimate the difference quality lighting can make in your kitchen's functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The sink is one of the busiest spots in any kitchen. With the right lighting design, this space can become both beautifully illuminated and highly functional.

The most effective kitchen sink lighting combines several types of light for different purposes. Overhead pendants or recessed lights supply ambient illumination. Under cabinet fixtures provide task lighting. Wall sconces add a decorative accent.

Proper placement and combination of these various lighting ideas enhances the sink area's beauty and functionality. When designing your kitchen lighting, think about how each fixture contributes to the overall look, feel and practical use of the space.

Hopefully these clever kitchen sink lighting ideas sparked inspiration for your next lighting upgrade or remodel. With so many options for enhancing this vital kitchen zone, you can craft a lighting plan that is both stylish and beautifully bright.

Motion Sensor Over-the-Sink Lighting

For those who frequently forget to switch off the lights, a motion sensor over-the-sink light is a convenient solution. This lighting idea uses advanced technology to detect movement in the area, turning the lights on automatically when needed and switching them off when no one is around. This feature helps save energy and reduces your electricity bills.

LED Over-the-Sink Lighting

LED lights have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and long-lasting nature. They offer a wide range of colors and brightness levels, allowing you to customize the lighting according to your needs. LED over-the-sink lighting is an eco-friendly and sustainable option that helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is a functional and practical option for over-the-sink lighting. It illuminates the work surface below the cabinet, providing ample task lighting for food preparation and dish washing. This lighting idea also adds visual appeal to the kitchen by highlighting the cabinetry and creating a cozy atmosphere.

Pendant Light With a Glass Shade

A pendant light with a glass shade is a stylish and sophisticated lighting option for over-the-sink areas. The glass shade diffuses the light, creating a soft and diffused glow that complements the kitchen's decor. This lighting idea also serves as a decorative element, adding character and charm to the space.

Smart Over-the-Sink Lighting

Smart over-the-sink lighting is the future of kitchen lighting. It incorporates advanced technologies such as voice control, app control, and scheduling features. With just a voice command or a smartphone app, you can turn the lights on or off, adjust brightness levels, and set schedules for automatic lighting. This lighting idea offers ultimate convenience and control over your kitchen's lighting.

A pendant light with a brass finish is a trendy and fashionable lighting option for over-the-sink areas. The warm golden sheen of brass makes a stylish design statement and pairs well with other metal finishes like matte black and nickel. A pendant with a brass finish adds a touch of vintage appeal to the kitchen.