Pendant lights definitely have their perks, but personally I'd lean toward recessed lighting if I were redoing my kitchen. A few reasons why:
- Pendants can sometimes clutter the visual space, especially in smaller kitchens.
- Recessed lights offer a cleaner, more minimalist look that opens up the room.
- Easier cleaning—no dusting or wiping down hanging fixtures.
I get the appeal of adjustable pendants though...maybe a combo of both would be ideal?
"maybe a combo of both would be ideal?"
Totally get where you're coming from with recessed lighting—went that route myself when we remodeled our kitchen a couple years back. We chose LEDs for energy efficiency, and honestly, the clean look and easy maintenance have been great. But...I do sometimes miss the warmth and character pendants can add, especially over an island or dining nook. A mix might give you the best of both worlds, balancing practicality with a bit of cozy charm.
"A mix might give you the best of both worlds, balancing practicality with a bit of cozy charm."
I hear ya, but I'll throw a curveball here: have you considered under-cabinet lighting? We did recessed LEDs too—great for general brightness—but adding under-cabinet strips was a total game changer. Super practical for food prep, gives off a nice ambient glow, and honestly makes my late-night snack raids feel a bit classier... Just sayin', don't overlook them!
Under-cabinet lighting is definitely underrated. I've installed it in several remodels, and clients consistently mention how much more functional their kitchens feel afterward. Recessed LEDs are great for overall illumination, but they can cast shadows on countertops when you're prepping food or reading recipes. Under-cabinet strips solve that issue nicely—plus, they're pretty energy-efficient these days.
One thing I'd add: consider dimmers or adjustable color temperatures if you go this route. Being able to shift from bright task lighting during cooking to softer ambient lighting afterward makes a noticeable difference in comfort and versatility. It's a small detail, but clients who've opted for it rarely regret the extra step.
Under-cabinet lighting can definitely be useful, but personally, I'd lean more toward pendant lights or even track lighting for versatility. I remodeled a kitchen last year and went with adjustable pendants over the island—really nice to shift the lighting around depending on what we're doing. Under-cabinet strips can feel a bit clinical to me sometimes... but maybe that's just my taste? Either way, dimmers are a must-have, totally agree on that point.
