A kitchen lighting plan starts with where you prepare food, cook, wash up and sit. Put light on those tasks, then add general and feature lighting with controls that make each setting easy to use.
In this guide
Mark the work areas first
Use the latest cabinetry plan to mark worktops, sink, cooktop, island and any desk or dining space. Note windows, tall cupboards and shelves that affect light. Check where you will stand while working, because your body or a cabinet can cast a shadow over the surface.
Our lighting design guide sets out the wider room-planning process. Bring your kitchen drawing to our lighting installation team before electrical positions are fixed.
Separate task, general and feature light
| Layer | Purpose | Planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Task | Light on preparation, cooking and washing areas. | Will cupboards or the person working block it? |
| General | Comfortable light for moving around the room. | Are circulation routes and storage areas usable? |
| Feature | Emphasis at an island, shelf or dining zone. | Does the fitting create glare from seated positions? |
One fitting may contribute to more than one layer. Judge the result at the surface and from normal viewpoints, rather than distributing lights evenly on a drawing alone.
Coordinate island and cabinet lighting
Confirm island dimensions, seating positions and the final location of pendants before setting cable points. Consider sightlines across an open-plan room. Under-cabinet lighting needs coordination with cabinet edges, finishes and a practical place for any required drivers.
Keep drivers and other serviceable components accessible. Agree which trade provides the mounting space and how the fittings will be maintained after the cabinetry is complete.
Choose colour and switching together
Compare light colour against the actual cabinet and benchtop samples. Use our warm white and cool white guide to separate colour temperature from light output.
Describe the settings you want: cooking, family dining, a quiet evening and cleaning. Separate controls can let you use task lighting without every feature light being on. Our smart lighting controls guide covers connected options and manual use.
Before the positions are signed off
- Use the current cabinetry and appliance drawings.
- Confirm fitting dimensions and clearance with the relevant trades.
- Mark switches at the entrances people actually use.
- Identify dimming and compatibility requirements.
- Agree driver access and installation responsibilities.
- Check seated and standing views for glare.
There is no single downlight spacing that suits every kitchen. Ceiling height, fitting beam, surfaces and activities all influence the layout, so use the plan as a brief for assessment.
Questions about Kitchen lighting
Should downlights be placed in a perfectly even grid?
An even grid may miss important task areas or create shadows. Start with the work surfaces and activities, then assess the overall layout.
When should I discuss lighting with the electrician?
Before cabinetry and electrical positions are final. Bring the latest drawings and preferred fittings so the layout can be coordinated.
Send us your kitchen plan and the settings you want for cooking, dining and evenings. We can coordinate the lighting positions and controls with your renovation.