Room-by-Room Lighting

Kitchen Lighting
Ideas

What lighting works best in a kitchen?

Great kitchen lighting layers three types: bright overhead light for the whole room, focused light over countertops where you prep food, and accent light under cabinets or above the island. Feit Electric LED recessed lights, under-cabinet strips, and dimmable smart bulbs let you cover all three — without rewiring your kitchen.

Undercabinet

Undercabinet

Flat Panel

Flat Panel

Recessed

Recessed

Flush Mount

Flush Mount

Pendant

Pendant

Light Bulbs

Light Bulbs

Accessories

Accessories

Buying Guide

How to Choose Kitchen Lighting

The right light for each kitchen zone makes cooking easier, spaces feel larger, and energy bills lower. Follow these four steps to get it right.

  1. Decide which zone you're lighting

    Kitchens need three layers: ambient light for the whole room, task light over countertops and the sink, and accent light under cabinets or above an island. Figure out which zone you're tackling first — that narrows your fixture options immediately.

  2. Pick the right brightness for the job

    Prep areas need bright, clear light — recessed LEDs or under-cabinet strips work well here. Dining and gathering spots benefit from dimmer, warmer light so the space feels relaxed rather than clinical.

  3. Choose a light colour that matches the mood

    Cooler, crisper light (labelled "neutral white" or around 4000 K on the box) keeps you focused while cooking. Warmer light (2700–3000 K) makes the kitchen feel cosy for morning coffee or evening meals.

  4. Add smart controls for maximum flexibility

    Dimmable LEDs and smart bulbs let you dial the same fixture from bright task mode to soft ambient in seconds. Feit Electric smart bulbs work with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit right out of the box — no hub required.

Quick Spec Reference

  • Countertop task lightingNeutral white, bright
  • Island / pendant accentWarm white, dimmable
  • Under-cabinet stripNeutral white, plug-in or hardwired
  • Ceiling ambient (recessed)Warm-neutral white, 650+ lm
  • Smart bulb compatibilityAlexa, Google Home, HomeKit
Full LED Buying Guide
Smart Kitchen Lighting

Control your kitchen lights with your voice or your phone

Feit Electric Wi-Fi smart bulbs work with every major smart home platform — no extra hub needed. Set a bright cooking mode in the morning and a warm dining scene for evenings, all from the Feit Electric app.

  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • Apple HomeKit
Explore Smart Kitchen Lighting

Kitchen Lighting — Common Questions

What lighting works best in a kitchen?

Great kitchen lighting layers three types: bright overhead light for the whole room, focused light over countertops where you prep food, and accent light under cabinets or above the island. Feit Electric LED recessed lights, under-cabinet strips, and dimmable smart bulbs cover all three — without rewiring your kitchen.

How many recessed lights do I need for a kitchen?

A good starting point is one recessed light for every 4–6 square feet of ceiling space. For a 12×12 kitchen that's roughly 4–6 cans. Space them evenly across the ceiling rather than in a single row down the middle for more even light coverage.

What's the best under-cabinet lighting for a kitchen?

LED strip lights are the most popular choice — they're thin, easy to install with adhesive backing, and stay cool enough to run all day. Look for plug-in versions if you're renting, or hardwired strips for a cleaner permanent install.

Can I use smart bulbs in my kitchen?

Yes. Feit Electric Wi-Fi smart bulbs fit standard E26 sockets in pendants, ceiling fans, and most recessed cans. You can dim them, set schedules, and switch between bright cooking light and warm evening light — all from your phone or with a voice command to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.

What color of light is best for cooking?

Bright, neutral light — sometimes called "cool white" on the box — is easiest for food prep because it shows colors accurately and reduces eye strain. Save warmer, softer light for the dining area where a cozy mood matters more than visibility.

How do I light a kitchen island?

Pendant lights hung 28–36 inches above the countertop work well for most islands. For a wider island or a seamless look, a row of recessed lights directly above the surface keeps things bright without dangling fixtures getting in the way.

Are LED lights safe to use in kitchens?

Yes — LED bulbs run much cooler than older incandescent or halogen bulbs, which makes them a safer choice near cabinets and in enclosed fixtures. They also last far longer and use significantly less electricity.

What's the easiest kitchen lighting upgrade to start with?

Swapping your existing bulbs for dimmable LED replacements is the fastest win. You keep the fixtures you have, cut energy use, and gain dimming control without any rewiring. From there, adding an under-cabinet strip light is the next highest-impact step for most kitchens.