Kitchens with vaulted ceilings present unique lighting challenges. The sloped angles and heightened ceilings call for careful planning to install fixtures that provide sufficient illumination without getting lost in the ample vertical space. By layering ambient, task and accent lighting sources, you can spotlight kitchen activities, highlight architectural details and create a gorgeous glow over your vaulted ceiling kitchen.
This comprehensive guide covers our best tips for designing a versatile, customizable lighting plan tailored to your vaulted kitchen layout and style.
Determine the Function of Each Area
When mapping out lighting placement, first consider how you utilize each section of your kitchen. Identify key tasks and activities based on your kitchen workflow to inform lighting needs.
Cooking/Food Prep Zones
The cooking and food preparation space comprises the most essential workspace in vaulted ceiling kitchens. You’ll want extremely bright, focused task lighting to fully illuminate stove tops, sinks and countertops during meal creation. Under-cabinet lighting casts helpful visibility below wall cabinets without compromising style. Mini-pendants make excellent island lighting , concentrating beams right where you need them over built-in prep zones and sinks.
Dining Space
For dining areas tucked under those gorgeous sloped ceilings, balanced ambient lighting sets the right mood. Hang stunning pendant lights low over the kitchen table to provide soft, general illumination and style. Include dimmer switches to control brightness depending on whether you’re enjoying a quiet family dinner or hosting a lively party.
Entertaining Area
Kitchens double as entertainment hubs for many modern homes. To set the stage for guests, incorporate adjustable cabinet lighting, accent lighting and mood lighting options. Wall sconces, discreet LED strips and corner wall washers can subtly spotlight prized display areas and architectural details.
Choose Complementary Fixtures
When selecting pendant lights, sconces and other fixtures, opt for designs suited to vaulted environments and adjustable systems to customize scene-setting.
Layer the Lighting
Be sure to layer ambient, task and accent lighting for well-rounded coverage. Flush mount lights, cans and wall sconces handle ambient illumination, pouring overall brightness into the space. Pendants, under-cabinet fixtures and portable lamps tackle task visibility. Finally, picture lights, display strips and adjustable track heads provide accent lighting, highlighting display collections, prized plants and architectural elements with narrow spotlights.
Mind the Height
Fixtures with long rods and cords better suit the impressive height of vaulted ceilings. Oversize pendant lights sometimes overwhelm and feel out of scale at normal heights. For hard-to-reach sloped ceilings, opt for more discreet flush mount or recessed lighting . Both sit nearly flush against the ceiling, becoming part of the architecture while casting helpful downward beams.
Select Adjustable Lights
Systems with adjustable arms, tracks and mounts empower you to redirect spotlights as needed. Track lighting offers effortless repositioning of rail-mounted spotlights. Stylish swing arm wall lamps angle light in different directions. And dimmer switches put brightness control at your fingertips, no matter the fixture.
Place Lighting Thoughtfully
Mapping your lighting design starts with identifying appropriate placements based on room use patterns, sight lines, architectural details and more.
Illuminate Key Tasks
Pinpoint where supplemental lighting proves most useful for kitchen duties. Measure prime installation areas for under-cabinet fixtures. Identify ideal suspension points for pendant clusters based on sink and stove placement. Mark targeted tracks along frequently-used countertop work zones.
Consider Views
Mount pendant lights high enough to avoid blocking views and pathways between kitchen stations. Suspend mini pendant clusters at staggered heights over islands and dining tables. For singular statement pendants, allow at least 18 inches between the fixture’s lowest point and table level–so seated sight lines remain clear beneath. Consider rear placement over peninsula-style layouts to prevent span obstruction.
Highlight Architectural Details
Take advantage of narrow spotlights and sensor-activated lighting options to selectively showcase beautiful construction details. Graze uplights along interior roofline ridges to emulate backlighting. Install sconces bringing out the richness of exposed wood beams and textural materials. Small picture lights illuminate prized tilework above ranges or cooktops without competing. Savvy illumination transforms architectural elements into gallery-worthy features.
Enhance the Space With Natural Light
While artificial lighting satisfies most visibility needs, judicious use of natural light takes vaulted designs to the next level. Strategically placed exterior-facing glazing optimizes sunlight potential.
Skylights and Rooflights
Skylights and rooflights installed high on the sloping ceiling mimic lighting concepts in modern barn designs. Opening up eaves to daylight floods the kitchen with natural brightness. Opt for solar tube skylights or small-scale roof windows to avoid overwhelming with light. Supplement skylights with plenty of task, accent and ambient fixtures for nighttime function after dark.
Strategic Windows
Incorporate windows and French doors wherever possible to welcome sunlight from adjoining exterior walls. Clerestory windows ringing top edges filter peripheral brightness. Multiple paned-windows and French doors integrate along non-work walls–ensuring sunlight without potentially dangerous glare. For filtering views without glare, consider lightly frosted glass.
Select Bulbs by Color Temperature
The brightness and tone bulbs emit impacts ambiance as much as the fixtures themselves. Tailor bulb color temperature to room use for the perfect finishing touch.
Warm White (2700K – 3000K)
Choose bulbs leaning toward the warm end of the temperature spectrum to infuse comfort and relaxation. The soothing amber glow suits lounging family rooms more so than task-driven kitchens.
Bright White/Cool White (3500K – 4100K)
This range provides bright, clean-looking illumination perfect for kitchen duties like cooking, cleaning and homework. The invigorating tone supports productivity and attentiveness for areas of bustling activity.
Daylight (5000K – 6500K)
For work stations requiring extremely clear visibility and perception, daylight bulbs provide the closest imitation of true sunlight. Crisp blue-hued light keeps occupants alert and eyes strain-free during intricate food prep or electronics tasks.
Designing a lighting plan for your dream kitchen is equal parts art and science. Take stock of all your lighting needs from ambient mood-setting to focused task visibility. Choose fixture designs and placements strategically based on room dimensions, ceiling angles, sightlines and embellished architectural elements. Layer ambient, task and accent lighting sources throughout to highlight both form and function. Finally, put brightness control at occupants’ fingertips with readily adjustable fixtures and smart dimmer switches.
Now turn imagination into reality with this comprehensive vaulted kitchen lighting blueprint. Before you know it, you’ll be hosting friends and family under the breathtaking glow of your Pinterest-worthy kitchen.
