Sleek countertops, a new color scheme, advanced appliances, smarter storage – all of these add to the look and function of your kitchen. But without good lighting design, you won’t be able to highlight the best elements of the space. Take the island, for example. If you feel like there’s something missing there, it’s probably because the lighting is off.

But don’t worry – there are a couple of things you can do to illuminate your kitchen island more effectively. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Omaha, a leading kitchen contractor in the area, shares a few tips:

• Choose a lighting type. The choice of light fixtures available to you is numerous and varied. But for the kitchen island, two of the most popular options are pendants and linear chandeliers. Pendant lighting is more versatile because there is no limit to the number of fixtures you can use; plus, you can adjust their height. A linear chandelier, on the other hand, is easier to install because only a single fixture will be wired instead of multiples.

• Take the height and size of the island into consideration. How much lighting your kitchen island requires is dependent on its size and height. A general rule of thumb is to ensure 35 to 50 lumens per square foot. It’s important to leave at least 6-12 inches on each side of the island (between the end of it and the light fixture). Make sure the lights are centered over the island, 30-36 inches over the countertop surface. For assistance, consult a top kitchen remodeler like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Omaha.

• Strategize your lighting arrangement. You don’t want fixtures to look either too crowded or too sparse. The simplest way to do this is to choose just one statement chandelier or three good-sized pendants. Don’t use both to avoid overwhelming the space. If going for three pendant lights, make sure to choose a simple design that pairs well with the look of your kitchen. 

• Add dimmers. The lighting above your kitchen island should be bright enough to ensure you can do your kitchen tasks safely. But don’t forget to add a dimmer switch. This way, you can create a warmer, more relaxing vibe in this area when you want to.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Omaha is the “kitchen contractor near me” you’ve been searching for. You’ll find that making important design decisions becomes simpler when you have our skilled and experienced team to assist you! Get started on your kitchen update by calling us at (402) 360-9594 or filling out this contact form. Our service area includes Omaha, Carter Lake, La Vista, Papillion and Elkhorn, NE. We look forward to working with you!