Light matters in your kitchen because it affects how welcoming, functional, and open the space feels. Many kitchens feel dim because of outdated layouts, dark finishes, or poor lighting choices. Fixing that makes your kitchen easier to use and much more enjoyable to spend time in.
Here are five ways to bring more light into your kitchen!
1. Let in More Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend when you want a brighter kitchen.
Start by checking your windows. If they’re covered with heavy curtains or dark blinds, replace them with sheer curtains or light-filtering shades so daylight can come in without glare. Avoid blocking the window with tall plants or decor on the sill.
If you’re thinking of bigger updates, consider a larger window over the sink or swapping a back door for a glass sliding door to flood your kitchen with daylight.
Even something as simple as cleaning your windows regularly can make a noticeable difference in how much natural light fills the room.
2. Choose Light Colours That Reflect
Your cabinets, walls, and even counters can make or break how bright your kitchen feels.
Dark finishes absorb light and make your space feel smaller. (Which is great for a cozy vibe). If you want your space to look open and airy however, dark finishes won’t do the trick.
Switch to light-coloured cabinets, pale quartz or stone countertops, and neutral paint on the walls to reflect light back into the room.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Repainting walls or changing just the upper cabinets to a lighter shade are great places to start. The more surfaces you brighten, the more light you’ll notice bouncing through the kitchen.
3. Improve Artificial Lighting
When daylight isn’t enough, you need a thoughtful lighting plan.
Start with even overhead lighting. Recessed lights or a flush-mount ceiling fixture work better than a single dim bulb. Then add pendant lights over your island or table for both light and style.
Don’t forget task lighting. Under-cabinet LED strips or puck lights brighten your counters where you prep and cook. You can even add lighting inside glass-front cabinets to show off what’s inside while adding to the glow.
These layers of light make your kitchen more functional and visually appealing, especially in the evenings.
4. Add a Countertop Lamp
This is one of the simplest and most popular trends right now.
A small lamp on your kitchen counter adds a soft, warm glow that overhead lights can’t match. Place it near your coffee maker, in an unused corner, or next to the sink. Choose one with a light fabric shade to keep the mood casual and bright.
If you prefer less clutter, battery-powered lamps are also an option. This small touch changes the atmosphere at night and makes your kitchen feel more welcoming.
5. Renovate With Open Shelving or Glass-Front Cabinets
If you’re already planning bigger changes, think about how your cabinetry and layout affect light.
An open concept layout lets light from nearby rooms flow into your kitchen. Knocking down a wall or widening a doorway can instantly make your kitchen feel brighter and more connected.
You can also change your upper cabinets to open shelving or glass-front doors. Solid doors on upper cabinets block natural light from spreading around the room. Switching to open shelves or clear glass allows light to pass through while keeping storage functional and stylish.
Even smaller renovations like a pass-through opening or replacing dark cabinets with lighter finishes help create a brighter kitchen you’ll enjoy for years.
Starting a Kitchen Renovation?
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, this is the perfect time to think about how to bring more light into your space.
Visit our Get Started page for tools, tips, and guidance to plan your renovation with confidence. You’ll find advice on layouts, finishes, and lighting ideas to help you create a kitchen that feels bright, open, and welcoming.
When you’re ready, connect with a kitchen designer to help bring your vision to life.
