The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is not wonder homeowners look for great lights over their kitchen sinks. The average family spends 1-2 hours a day in their kitchen. It is the gathering place for the family before their day begins and as they are finishing up their day.
The kitchen sink is one of the most used sections of the sink. It is important that it is well lit for functional purposes, but with little effort you can also create lighting over the kitchen sink that serves as a design aspect to your home.
We know that adding a kitchen light won’t make those dishes clean themselves, but it will give you something prettier to look at while doing the dishes. Keep reading to learn more about kitchen sink lighting and see 48 examples of great kitchen sink light ideas.
48 great kitchen sink light ideas
Now, let’s help you find the perfect light for over your kitchen sink. The good news is that over kitchen sink lighting ideas come in all different shapes and sizes. While its common to see one light over your sink, there is no reason you can’t add multiple lights over your sink. Feeling bold? Choose something glamorous like a chandelier.
No matter what kind of mood you want to set in your kitchen, here are several kitchen sink light ideas. Do you see a light that you think flows with the rest of your kitchen?
1.) The simple industrial modern wall light for your sink
This simple, yet modern, kitchen sink light will not only provide ample lighting while you are doing your tasks at your kitchen sink. It will also prove a modern industrial touch to your kitchen. Pair this light with other black and gold touches for the perfect blend of design in your kitchen.
2.) Modern farmhouse wall lights above kitchen sink
Pair your kitchen sink with either one or three of these beauties. If you have ample space, with multiple windows, it is great to center one light above each window. These modern farmhouse wall lights will give off ample light whether you have one light or three. With the downward fix it will be sure to illuminate your sink perfectly.
3.) Beautiful ball light with black and gold touches for above kitchen sink
The simple, yet beautiful all light with be the perfect touch above your kitchen sink. Your friends and family will undoubtedly ask you where you purchased such a classic, yet stunning light for above your kitchen sink.
4.) Crystal clear light for above your kitchen sink
There is something beautiful and timeless about a clear pendant light above your kitchen sink. The artful combination of the gray cabinets with the clean look of this glass light leaves your kitchen with a contemporary feel. This is especially a great pick for a kitchen sink light if you don’t want to take away from the other aesthetics within the kitchen. When paired in front of a window, glass is a great choice to not block the view or natural light.
5.) Schoolhouse kitchen sink light
Schoolhouse lighting offers a cool, yet beautiful touch to a farmhouse chic kitchen. Schoolhouse lights are typically best paired with farmhouse touches such as butcher-block countertops and concrete countertops. Don’t let the term schoolhouse scare you away, there is nothing boring about this beautiful, classic kitchen sink light.
6.) Simple can lights above the kitchen sink.
Sometimes an in-celling light is the best light option for above your kitchen sink. When you have lower ceilings above the sink or are looking to not block any natural light coming from a small window, ceiling lights can provide great options for above the kitchen sink.
7.) Industrial pendant lights with soft brass
These beautiful glass pendant lights with a soft brass touch are perfect pendant lights for above a kitchen sink. You could either hang these has a single light above the sink, or if your kitchen sink is in your kitchen island, you could hang several of these pendants for a classy touch above your sink.
8.) Single black industrial pendant.
This simple, yet modern pendant light is the perfect light for above your kitchen sink. Pair these with a simple kitchen remodel for an affordable option. This light would look great in a black and white kitchen or a kitchen with black appliances.
9.) Classic gold
You can’t go wrong with a classic gold light fixture above your kitchen sink. Gold fixtures pair best with gold hardware but can be paired with any color cabinet. White and gold will give you the classic look but pairing gold with a darker color cabinet will make a great contrast.
10.) Slim LED lights built into cabinets
Do you have cabinets above your kitchen sink? In small kitchens cabinets above a kitchen sink is common. In instances like this, you need additional lighting more than ever. Consider putting in slim LED lights built into the bottom of your cabinets. These can also easily be added to a switch for convenient use.
11.) Boho modern Sconce lighting above sink and open shelves
Open shelving in a kitchen above a sink is very common. It is a practical spot for easy access. Lighting above your shelving and sink will not only provide great working light while at your sink, but it will also provide some great accent lighting for your items on your shelf.
12.) Black kitchen pendants over island
If you have a built-in island with a kitchen sink, often several pendants in a row are better aesthetically for lighting. By adding 2-4 pendant lights depending on the size of your kitchen, you will have adequate lighting for above your sink.
13.) Sconce Lighting on side cabinets by kitchen sink
If you are like a lot of homeowners, you have cabinets on either side of your kitchen sink. Maybe with a beautiful window by the window overlooking the outside of your home. Try adding a pair of sconce lights on each side of the kitchen sink to add some extra lighting. Consider putting these on a separate switch from the rest of your lighting for some great accent lighting.
14.) Oversized pendant lighting above the kitchen island.
If you have a large kitchen with tall ceilings, oversized pendant lights may be the best option for your home. These classic pendant lights are sure to make a statement above your kitchen sink.
15.) Glass pendant light
Don’t have a large kitchen? Try simple lighting updates by coordinating your light fixtures throughout your kitchen. In this kitchen a simple glass pendant light was a nice touch above the kitchen sink, which also coordinated with the pendant lights hanging over the kitchen island. You don’t need a large kitchen to add a light above your kitchen sink.
16.) Hood classic pendant
A glass hood classic pendant light adds the perfect touch to your classic kitchen. This large pendant light has a classic look with a large glass bowl below the light bulb itself. Try paring this light with other stainless fixtures throughout your kitchen for a cohesive look.
17.) Simple bulb pendants
Do you have a farmhouse sink your home? Pair some simple hanging bulb pendants with your farmhouse sink for a classic look. Or pair it will a black sink for a more modern look. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18999629670733531/
18.) Modern/Contemporary light fixture
Looking for a more unique look? Add a unique light fixture like this one that will be a statement piece. Your guests will ask where you got this light from. The shade over the bulb is glass but is nothing but ordinary.
19.) Traditional lantern pendant light
If your home has a more traditional touch to it, a traditional lantern pendant light might be best fit for your kitchen. This lantern pendant light is shaped like a classic lantern and hung with chain for a more classic and traditional look.
20.) DIY Vintage light fixture
Have you ever considered adding a DIY light fixture above your kitchen sink? By creating this DIY light fixture, it will add the perfect DIY touch in your kitchen, specifically above your kitchen sink. With a few vintage pieces, a few pieces of lumber and wiring you could have a unique and DIY kitchen sink light.
21.) Kitchen wall sconces over the kitchen sink
These wall sconces are oversized sconces that hang down lower than a typical farmhouse sconce. The look of these would pair well in a rustic kitchen. With an elongated light fixture like this you will want to make sure you have the ceiling space above your kitchen sink so that this doesn’t impair your view your risk hitting your head on your kitchen sink light.
22.) Modern black pendant light with black wire
If you are looking for a more modern touch for your kitchen, try adding a modern black pendant light with a black wire above your kitchen sink or island. This simple light in design will provide ample lighting for your working space.
23.) Vintage Orange Light
Try adding a pop of color to your kitchen with this gorgeous vintage light fixture. This simple, yet beautiful pendant light will add just the right amount of character and color to your kitchen. This would pair beautifully with a fun pattern on your window covering.
24.) Black Glass light fixture
This traditional light fixture is tastefully done and would be the perfect light for above your kitchen sink. The rich texture screams expensive, but it is a very affordable kitchen sink light. The light is hung with a chain and is easily adjustable for the perfect height in your kitchen.
25.) Budget friendly kitchen light fixture
Are you on a tight budget for your kitchen renovation? Look at this simple, but beautiful light fixture. With 4 lights on the single switch, you will have ample lighting while you are doing your daily tasks at your kitchen sink.
26.) Geometric light fixture
If you are looking to add a kitchen sink light fixture with some character, look no further than this modern geometric light fixture. The soft off-white color paired with the slight distressing makes a beautiful option for above your kitchen sink.
27.) Large lantern light with 5 candle lights
A great option for kitchen sink lighting, especially if you have a kitchen in your large kitchen island, is this large lantern pendant light with 5 candle lights. With several lights on one light fixture, you have plenty of lighting, but the candle lights are the perfect touch for soft lighting.
28.) Glass light fixture
This farmhouse style light fixture is the perfect way to style your kitchen and kitchen sink. You will love coming home to the clear glass and light sparkling off it.
29.) Exquisite hand-blown glass light fixtures
Try adding an exquisite hand-blown light fixture above your sink for a high-end look. This pendant light with crystal clear glass is sure to impress while also serving function and providing a well-lit working area in your kitchen.
30.) Flush ceiling light above kitchen sink
For a kitchen sink that doesn’t have a lot of heigh between the sink and the ceiling it will be best to add a ceiling mounted light above your kitchen sink. Try adding this small light fixture that adds a touch of warmth to your kitchen while providing light.
31.) Ratan boho light fixture
Kitchens are the perfect place to add your sense of style. Display your boho light fixture above your sink for an impressive look. The woven strands, with the light peeking through will reflect a cool design when lit up at night. This is the perfect light that will add style while on or off.
32.) Unique circle globe light with gold touches
This unique circle light with gold touches is the perfect light for above a kitchen sink. This mid-century modern light will add a sense of glam. The white and gold touch will go perfectly in your white and gold kitchen with mid-century modern touches.
33.) Large chain rectangle pendant lights
These large chained pendant lights are the perfect light fixture for a home with vaulted ceilings. The extended chain length matched with the beautiful touches of a metal rectangle light fixture is an impressive touch to dressing up your kitchen and kitchen sink.
34.) Crystal Pendant Lights
If you are looking for a high-end pendant light to accent your kitchen and be displayed above your kitchen sink these crystal pendant lights are the perfect light for you. The Hanging crystals will sparkle when the light is on and compliment a high-end, luxury kitchen perfectly.
35.) Stainless Steel light fixture
Adding a simple stainless steel light fixture above your sink is a great way to provide light and style to your kitchen. By upgrading an existing light to a stainless-steel light will provide a high-end touch on a lower budget.
36.) Large modern chandelier
Having a kitchen sink built into your kitchen island provides the perfect opportunity to design your kitchen with a large, show-stopping chandelier. The chandelier seen here provides ample lighting with the 7 unique hand-blown bulbs. If you have the budget for a high-end light fixture this is the perfect light for your kitchen sink.
37.) Candle stick lanterns
If your kitchen sink is near side cabinets, try adding a simple candle stick lantern to the sides of your cabinets for the perfect accent lighting. These traditional candle sticks will not provide adequate main lighting, so you will want to make sure you have other lighting available, but these will provide the perfect accent lighting for your kitchen sink.
38.) Plug in pendant light
Not everyone has the access to run electrical wiring for a kitchen sink light. If you are renting your home, or don’t want to hire an electrician to run wiring, a plug-in pendant light ran to the nearest outlet is the perfect way to illuminate your kitchen sink. Simply add a hook above the sink to hold the pendant light snugly in place.
39.) Stainless steel sconce lights
For a modern touch in your kitchen try adding stainless steel sconce lighting. In this kitchen they have blended fixture colors by combining soft brass with stainless steel and it is the perfect example that you can blend lighting colors and still have a high end look in your kitchen.
40.) Farmhouse lighting
These black farmhouse lights with a touch of gold are the perfect way to light up your kitchen. Their sleek design and large shade will provide a design aspect as well as plenty of light above your kitchen sink.
41.) Brass contemporary bulb lights
If you are looking for a luxury light for above your kitchen sink these brass contemporary round lights are the perfect touch. The skinny stands of metal wrapped around the bulb in a circle provides a cool, contemporary look to your kitchen lighting.
42.) Two light pendant light.
Most kitchen sinks that sit in front of a window don’t have a large area to hang multiple lights. If you are looking to add an ample amount of light to your kitchen sink area, but don’t have the space for several lights, consider adding a two light pendant light. This traditional pendant that hangs straight down above the sink will provide ample lighting and be the perfect pair for a traditional kitchen.
43.) 3 light chandelier
For a kitchen sink in your kitchen island the perfect light fixture is this 3-light chandelier. With the modern gold hardware complimented by the frosted glass it adds a touch of warmth to a modern light fixture. This will pair beautifully with gold hardware in your kitchen.
44.) Gold sconce lights with frosted glass
These small-scale sconce lights are the perfect kitchen sink light in a modern kitchen. With the contemporary design, the soft brass, and the frosted glass blend together to create a modern, yet classic touch to your kitchen. Because of their small scale, adding more than one light might be best depending on the amount of space you have.
45.) Spiky star light
This unique light fixture is the perfect pendant to hang above a kitchen sink. The sleep black edges in the shape of a star paired with the frosted glass create an edgy, but modern look to your kitchen. This would look beautiful in kitchens of all sizes and styles. If you are looking for a creative and unique light, look no further.
46.) Brass sconce light
Adding a brass sconce light over your kitchen sink the perfect way to compliment a brass and white kitchen. This simple, and timeless feel will look beautiful in your home. Hang your brass light fixture with the bulb facing down to capture the most amount of light.
47.) Black metal mesh chandelier
For your kitchen sink try adding a black metal mesh look chandelier. This industrial look is the perfect light for a modern farmhouse. With the mesh style lamp shade the light fixtures will provide ample light for above your kitchen sink.
48.) Hanging crystal chandelier.
This light fixture is perfect above a kitchen sink that sits in front of a window. When the sun shines through the window and reflects off the hanging crystals it will provide beautiful streaks of rainbows throughout your kitchen. There is no better way to start (or end) a day than with some beautiful light coming through your window and letting your kitchen sink light reflect some dreamy light.
As you can see there are a lot of options when shopping for the perfect kitchen sink light. Whether you have a modern kitchen or a traditional kitchen, many of the lighting options listed above will set the perfect tone and provide the perfect lighting for your kitchen sink.
Do you need light over the kitchen sink?
The kitchen sink is one of the most used spots within the kitchen. Typically, homeowners will put plenty of though into central lighting when it comes to the kitchen. In turn, kitchen sink lighting in left in the dark. However, your kitchen sink lighting is equally important as the central kitchen lighting. It can not only be functional and provide a well-lit working area, but it can be aesthetically pleasing, as well. Having a kitchen light over the sink gives you the opportunity to create a conversation starter. Everyone will be talking about your kitchen sink light as they are gathered in your kitchen.
What lighting is best for over the kitchen sink?
In any room, the right kind of lighting will set the mood. Not only does the light set the mood, but it will help you carry out specific tasks. Even if they are unwanted tasks like rinsing your dishes. Because you spend so much time at your kitchen sink, you need proper lighting in that area.
Which brings us to the question of what lighting is best for over the kitchen sink? The sink area is best configured with a dedicated light above it. The type of lighting will be dependent on what else you have above your kitchen sink. If you have a cabinet above your sink, you will need a light built into the cabinet, otherwise a ceiling light is the best kind of light for over your kitchen sink. With the right kind of lighting, and light fixture (see samples below) rinsing vegetables, cleaning baby bottles, doing dishes and all your other kitchen sink tasks will never be easier.
How do you add a light to your kitchen sink?
Kitchen sink lighting is the perfect choice when talking to your electrician about where you want to add lights in your home. If you want to add function and style to your kitchen, an over the sink light is the perfect choice. In many homes there is not a dedicated light available above the kitchen sink.
It is best to contact your local electrician to pull power to a dedicated spot over your sink. This is relatively simple and can usually be tied into your existing lights if you so choose. Some homeowners will also put their kitchen sink light on a separate switch. This gives you the opportunity to create mood lighting in your kitchen in the evenings and at night. It also serves as the perfect night light for those midnight snacks or middle of the night feedings when you need to make a bottle.
If your home already has a built-in ceiling can light above your sink, you can also easily switch out these lights with pendant lights or other lights that are more pleasing to the eyes. If you are even a little bit handy, there are kits that you can purchase at your local home improvement store to convert can lighting to hanging lights. If you are not familiar with electrical, it is always best to consult your local electrician.
How do you hang a light over a kitchen sink?
Kitchen sink lights can be easy to hang, especially if you already have the electrical in place. As mentioned above, if you don’t have the proper electrical in place for a sink light, it is best to contact your local electrician to help. Once you have the correct wires in place, hanging a kitchen sink light is as simple as connecting 3 wires.
First, you will want to find your breaker box and make sure that your breaker that controls your kitchen sink light is in the off position. Keep in mind, this will likely be on the same breaker as the rest of your kitchen, so once this is turned off you will not have lighting in any of kitchen until you are ready to turn it back on.
Once the power to this breaker is in the off position, you are ready to hang your light. Find the matching colors for your wires and take off the electrical screw terminal. Once you have combined your wires (typically black and white) with the matching color you can add back the screw terminal which will hold the two wires together.
After that you will want to connect your ground wire. This wire is typically a copper wire that is connected to a metal screw on your hanging plate. This will ground the electricity. Once all your wires are tightly together, you can hang your light. There are typically a couple screws that will hold your decorative plate in place over the standard hanging plate on the wall. It is very important that your wires are tightly connected and not exposed at all before covering it back. Last, it is time to turn back on the power and fall in love with the new lighting above your kitchen sink.
