Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Affordable kitchen lights that will update your kitchen

When you can’t commit to a complete renovation.

One of the easiest ways to update your kitchen and keep it looking modern is with new affordable kitchen lights. Simply swap outdated trends for current kitchen lighting ideas like bell-shaped pendant lights, modern wall lights, contemporary downlights and bubble-shaped feature pendants. 

New kitchen lighting will transform your space – particularly an updated pendant light. You don’t need to go all out with more expensive designer styles. There are so many great options in kitchen pendant lighting these days to suit any budget. 

You also don’t need to stick to the rule of three light pendants. We’re seeing more and more people opting for a single statement pendant positioned at the end of a bench. Not only does it look striking, but it’s potentially a third of the cost.

Here’s some inspiration for affordable kitchen lights:

1. White bell kitchen pendants

The sleek bell-shaped design is a softer take on the traditional triangle-shaped pendant light. In a block colour like white or black, it’s a striking feature in a contemporary kitchen.

Minimalist black and white marble kitchen with white bell pendants
Three Gubi ‘Ronde’ pendant lights from Cult highlight the timeless palette in this Hamptons-style Queenslander. (Photography: Elouise Van Riet-Gray)

2. Minimal black kitchen downlights

Do you need to have pendant lights in your kitchen? Absolutely not. Positioning three downlights above a bench is a cool new take that still creates effective zoning and gives functional light.

modern grey marble kitchen with black downlights
Minimal, sleek black downlights let the stone benchtop shine in this contemporary Sydney home. (Photography: Nat Spadavecchia / Stylist: Fiona Gould)

3. Rustic brass kitchen light pendant

In homes with a country style, it’s great to go for lighting in a vintage-looking finish like brass. The glass and chain details on a pendant light like this one complete the rustic vibe.

country kitchen with brass glass kitchen pendant light
An antique-style brass pendant is the perfect fit for this Vancouver family home filled with timeless character. (Photography: Ema Peter)

4. Retro black metal kitchen wall light

A kitchen lighting idea that’s different to pendants is wall lights. Go for sconces in the style of the room and position them in spots along the bench where you’ll be working the most. A black metal wall light pops against bright white, while the retro style adds so much character and balances a feminine marble.

white kitchen with marble bench and black and white wall light
Black and white wall lights are striking against the white in this character-filled home. (Photography: Chris Snook / Courtesy of @the_pink_house_project)

5. Wooden horizontal kitchen pendant lighting

Horizontal pendant lights are rising in popularity. Place one across the centre of your kitchen bench for a sleek, contemporary look. A raw, natural material like wood works well in a home with an industrial edge or Japandi style.

Timber and concrete kitchen with wooden horizontal pendant light
The kitchen in this sustainable Mornington Peninsula home features a wooden linear pendant that was designed and made by one of the owners. (Photography: Marnie Hawson / Styling: Belle Hemming Bright)

6. Kitchen lighting ideas: single pendant light

It’s all about the single statement pendant positioned off-centre over the kitchen bench. Clusters of bubble-shaped bulbs catch the eye and create a focal point in the room.

French style kitchen with bubble kitchen pendant light
A statement pendant adds a glamorous touch to this kitchen and dining space. (Photography: Patrick Butler-Madden)

7. Affordable kitchen lights: off-white light pendants

For a modern farmhouse-style kitchen, go for a simple pendant like these in off-white or chrome. They’re easy to clean and will stand the test of time.

Hamptons style kitchen with white bell pendants
A trio of pendants from Emac & Lawton add texture to this Federation-era home on Sydney’s North Shore. (Photography: Ryan Linnegar | Styling: Fiona Gould)

Shop affordable kitchen lights

Temple and Webster Gubi Ronde Replica Pendant Light

01

Temple & Webster Gubi Ronde Replica 30cm Pendant Light

$299

This timeless kitchen pendant light adds a touch of designer style at an affordable price.

Temple and Webster Round Fixed Aluminium Downlight

02

Temple & Webster Round Fixed Aluminium Downlight

$41.95

An affordable kitchen downlight that looks great in a modern home.

The Blue Space Telbix Cantena Pendant Antique Brass

03

The Blue Space Telbix Cantena Pendant Antique Brass

$218

This antique brass kitchen pendant light brings a vintage touch which works beautifully in a country-style or Hamptons home.

Kogan Vintage Wall Sconce Metal Retro Light Kitchen Bar Loft Garden Lamp

04

Kogan Vintage Wall Sconce Metal Retro Light Kitchen Bar Loft Garden Lamp

$63.37

If you’re looking for kitchen lighting ideas, this black metal wall light injects Parisian style on a budget.

The Blue Space Eglo Climene Pendant Oak

05

The Blue Space Eglo Climene Pendant Oak

$549

As far as affordable kitchen lights go, this oak linear pendant makes the list as its high-end look is major value for money.

Temple and Webster Marva 8 Light Pendant

06

Temple & Webster Marva 8 Light Pendant

$569

This style of light pendant is influenced by the biggest designers and a sure-fire way to make your kitchen feel more luxe. Why not get the look for less?

Temple and Webster Lucero Pendant Light
Photo: Caption

07

Temple & Webster Lucero Pendant Light

$114

You can’t go wrong with three of these classic pendant lights in your kitchen for a fast, affordable update.

Related stories