When you think of kitchen lighting, you might assume a standard overhead light will do. But choosing kitchen lighting is about more than picking a pretty fixture. It’s about creating a functional, layered lighting plan that works for how you cook, gather, and live. In Texas homes, where open layouts and higher ceilings are common, a thoughtful lighting strategy can completely transform the space. The right lighting plan starts with understanding how to choose kitchen lighting that delivers both style and performance. 

With Texas lighting showrooms across the state, Tri-Supply helps homeowners, designers, and contractors navigate thousands of fixture options to build lighting plans that support real-world use. Lighting is a reflection of the home’s character, and we have some kitchen lighting design tips to guide your selection process. 

What Types of Lighting Do You Need in a Kitchen? 

Kitchens look best with multiple layers of lighting versus just a single overhead source. A well-designed kitchen typically uses three layers: 

• Ambient Lighting: General illumination from recessed lights, larger ceiling fixtures, or semi-flush mounts. 

• Task Lighting: Focused light for meal prep, cooking, and cleaning—usually from under-cabinet fixtures, pendants, or island lighting. 

• Accent Lighting: Over-cabinet lighting, toe-kick LEDs, or display lighting that adds depth and highlights architectural features. 

Layering lighting in a kitchen ensures visibility, reduces shadows, and supports every zone. Designers often coordinate these layers to create a cohesive lighting experience that enhances the home’s overall design. 

How Should Pendant Lights Be Used in a Kitchen?  

Pendant lights remain one of the most impactful visual elements in a kitchen, especially above islands or breakfast nooks. Today’s Texas kitchens often favor oversized fixtures, mixed-metal finishes, or clean modern glass pendant lights that complement open-concept floor plans. 

Designers also incorporate a variety of styles depending on the home’s aesthetic. For traditional or vintage-inspired kitchens, a Tiffany style light can introduce warmth and character. For clients wanting a bold or creative focal point, pendants with artistic designs can function as both lighting and sculpture—turning the island into a true statement area. 

Instead of relying on overly decorative or dated styles, designers tend to choose pendants that coordinate with finishes in adjacent living spaces. This helps the entire home feel cohesive. When selecting pendants, consider the following guidelines: 

• Hang pendants 30–36 inches above the countertop. 

• Space multiples 30–36 inches apart to balance scale. 

• Choose dimmable options to shift from task lighting to softer evening ambiance. 

Builder Tip: When specifying lighting for new construction, confirm island size early. Proper pendant scale depends on countertop width and seating layout. 

How Bright Should Kitchen Lighting Be? 

Brightness matters just as much as style. Selecting the right lumen output helps eliminate shadows and keeps work areas safe. As a general guide: 

• Ambient lighting: Aim for 5,000–10,000 total lumens depending on kitchen size. 

• Task lighting: Under-cabinet lights should deliver 200–500 lumens per linear foot. 

• Accent lighting: Lower lumens are fine—these lights add mood and depth rather than visibility. 

Color temperature also affects the look and feel of the space. Most Texas designers prefer: 

• 2700K–3000K for warm, welcoming light in traditional or transitional kitchens 

• 3000K–3500K for brighter, crisp lighting in contemporary or modern spaces 

Using consistent color temperature across the kitchen ensures a polished, professional appearance. 

Builder Tip: Since so much home life happens in the kitchen, one of the greatest design tips is to be sure that all fixtures are dimmable so the light can be adjusted to meet the needs of the moment. 

How Do Cabinet Lights Improve Kitchen Function and Design?  

Under-cabinet and over-cabinet fixtures add both function and architectural polish to a kitchen lighting plan. Under-cabinet lighting is essential for visibility, reducing shadows on deep countertops and providing a clear view for meal prep. The best options include dimmable LED light  strips or bars with consistent color temperature, low-profile fixtures that hide cleanly beneath the cabinet, and lighting that delivers bright, evenly distributed illumination across the work surface. 

Over-cabinet lighting, on the other hand, creates soft, indirect illumination and adds a sense of height. It’s especially impactful in kitchens with taller ceilings. This type of lighting is ideal for highlighting architectural details, producing a soft nighttime glow, and adding visual depth to the room. 

How Do Ceiling Height and Room Size Affect Kitchen Lighting Choices? 

Many Texas homes feature 10–12+ foot ceilings. Tall ceilings definitely influence the kind of light fixtures to select. Keep the following in mind: 

• Higher ceilings require larger-scale fixtures so they don’t visually disappear. 

• In tall or vaulted kitchens, multi-light pendants or chandeliers offer better illumination than a single small fixture. 

• Recessed lighting spacing should follow the general rule: fixture spacing = ceiling height ÷ 2. 

• Larger rooms may need layered lighting positioned strategically to avoid dim areas in corners or along perimeter counters. 

Builder Tip: Plan recessed lighting placement early when finalizing electrical layouts, especially in kitchens with coffered ceilings or exposed beams. 

When Should Wall-Mounted Fixtures Be Used in a Kitchen?  

Wall-mounted sconces can add extra dimension or help balance lighting in kitchens lacking built-in wiring. Designers often place sconces above open shelving, near sinks, or flanking a vent hood for both visual interest and task support. 

These fixtures work best when used intentionally, early in the lighting design process. Choose options that coordinate with pendants and hardware to create a unified design story. 

Where Can I Find Kitchen Lighting Showrooms in Texas?  

Thoughtful kitchen lighting design requires coordinating layers, brightness, scale, and color temperature to match the home’s architecture and lifestyle. Builders and designers who get lighting right help their clients enjoy safer, more comfortable, better-performing kitchens. 

Tri-Supply is Texas’ kitchen lighting supplier. Our lighting specialists help builders, designers, and homeowners compare fixtures, coordinate finishes, and build complete lighting packages tailored to your project. 

Visit one of our Texas lighting showrooms to review options in person, get expert guidance, or request a customized lighting plan.