Harmonize Your Kitchen With Matching Light Sets

A stylish kitchen starts with an intentional lighting plan. The right combination of ambient, task and accent lighting creates a space that not only functions well for cooking and entertaining, but also makes a design statement.

Matching your kitchen lighting fixtures pulls the whole space together for a polished, cohesive look. Read on for tips on creating coordinated lighting using pendants, under cabinet fixtures and other stylish options.

Ambient Lighting Fills the Room

Ambient lighting provides overall illumination for the kitchen. Typically installed on the ceiling, ambient lighting makes the space feel bright and airy.

For a coordinated look, choose matching pendant lights spaced evenly apart over the kitchen island. Opt for pendant fixtures with the same finish and style. Polished nickel, matte black, brass and glass are popular pendant light options that suit a variety of kitchen aesthetics.

Task Lighting Brightens Work Zones

Targeted task lighting serves critical functional purposes in the kitchen by brightly lighting key work areas. Islands, countertops and sinks all benefit from quality task lighting.

Under cabinet lighting is one of the most versatile task lighting options. Installing matching LED strip lighting or puck lights under the wall cabinets provides excellent illumination for food prep and cleanup tasks.

Small pendant lights also make great task lighting. Place matching mini pendant fixtures directly over the main kitchen work triangle zones where you chop, cook and clean up.

Accent Lighting Adds Polish

Finally, accent lighting puts the finishing touch on a kitchen's lighting scheme. Accent lighting highlights specific architectural or decorative elements like backsplashes, glass cabinet fronts or wall art.

Low-voltage track lighting makes a flexible accent lighting choice, as the fixtures can be aimed at whatever you want to spotlight. For a coordinated look, choose track heads with matching finishes and shapes.

When designing a cohesive lighting plan for your kitchen, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Mix fixture styles within the same finish and color temperature for a coordinated look. For example, combine brushed nickel pendants and recessed can lights.
• Repeat matching pendant lights over multiple work zones like islands, sinks and desks for continuity.
• Choose accent lighting like tracks or LED strips that complements your main ambient and task lighting.

With a balanced lighting scheme combining ambient, task and accent fixtures, your kitchen will feel both stylish and highly functional. Take the coordinated approach to kitchen lighting and watch your space come together beautifully.