Brighten up Your Kitchen With Rectangular Ceiling Lights

Is your kitchen shrouded in shadows or feeling closed in? Dingy lighting could be making the space feel small and outdated. Upgrading to rectangular ceiling fixtures can completely transform your kitchen's ambiance. Horizontal lines and ample, even lighting helps open up kitchens.

Rectangular ceiling fixtures distribute light widely across kitchen spaces without dark corners or shadows. This makes them ideal for large kitchens and islands that typical round or bulky lighting struggles to illuminate. The horizontal lines and angles of rectangular lights also give the illusion of higher, vaulted ceilings. This helps make small kitchens feel more open and airy. You can be bolder with wall colors since ample lighting prevents rooms from feeling enclosed.

Benefits of Rectangular Ceiling Lights for Kitchens

Brighten Up Dark Spaces

Unlike round ceiling fixtures, rectangular lights spread illumination widely across kitchen spaces. This prevents uneven lighting or dark corners. The broad, horizontal spread of light is ideal for large kitchens, islands, and workstations that require ample task lighting.

Rectangular fixtures mounted over sinks, stoves, and countertops eliminate shadows during food prep. Even ceiling coverage also prevents eye strain when working in the kitchen for long periods. No more squinting or moving to brightly lit areas.

Create an Airy, Open Feel

The clean horizontal lines of rectangular pendants, flush mounts, or track lights help draw the eye up and give the illusion of higher ceilings. This makes small kitchens feel more expansive and open.

Rectangular lighting also prevents kitchens from feeling closed in or boxed off. With ample illumination, you can feel comfortable using bold, dramatic dark paint colors without making the space feel gloomy.

Modernize Traditional Kitchens

The streamlined, linear look of rectangular fixtures provides an instant modern upgrade in traditional or dated kitchens. The sleek, contemporary aesthetic contrasts beautifully with ornate or traditional kitchen elements like subway tile, exposed brick, or antique accents.

Angular rectangular lighting feels fresh and new compared to outdated flush mount circles or dangling round pendants. Yet the crisp lines still complement classic décor and add much-needed illumination.

Popular Styles of Rectangular Kitchen Ceiling Lights

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights that hang from the kitchen ceiling on a rod or chain are a popular rectangular choice. Linear LED or fluorescent pendant lights work well over kitchen islands and peninsulas to spotlight food prep areas. Mini-pendants lined up in a row provides task lighting. Large statement rectangular pendants anchor over dining tables.

Look for rectangular pendants in glass, metal, or wood with black, white, brass, or nickel finishes. Go modern with cylindrical or tube LED pendants, or add vintage character with barn pendant lighting. Position pendants at least 30 inches over tables and work areas so they don’t obstruct views or bump heads.

Flush Mount Lights

Rectangular flush mount lights install directly into the kitchen ceiling with no visible hardware. Flush mounts like LED panels work well centered over islands, sinks, and workstations that need direct overhead lighting. Large rectangular flush mount fixtures can span across kitchen widths for ambient lighting.

Opt for minimalist fixtures with solid metal or frosted glass. Flush mounts have an integrated LED panel or fluorescent tube light source. Look for dimmable flush mount lights to control brightness as needed. Position large fixtures at least 8 feet high so they don’t feel oppressive.

Track Lighting

Track lighting offers incredible flexibility with modular rectangular fixtures positioned along a mounted LED track. Stagger mini spotlights over prep areas or line up linear pendants to spotlight counters or tables. Position track heads to highlight kitchen features or artworks.

Opt for sleek, adjustable rectangular track heads. Track lighting draws the eye to the well-lit areas and creates a clean, modern look. Consider a dual-track system with separate switches to control ambient and task lighting as needed.

Chandeliers

For a showstopping statement, rectangular chandeliers are a bold yet sophisticated option. Oversized, minimalist rectangular chandeliers work over large kitchen islands. Multi-pendant chandeliers with linear rows of pendant rods or tubes create a striking focal point.

Go modern with geometric metal and glass chandeliers, or try crystal-enhanced rectangular chandeliers for glamorous traditional kitchens. Make sure to position extra large fixtures high enough so they don’t obstruct views or feel overwhelming.

Tips for Choosing Rectangular Fixtures

When selecting rectangular kitchen ceiling lights, keep these tips in mind:

• Measure the room size and layout to choose well-scaled fixtures. Larger kitchens can handle statement-making sizable lights.
• Match the fixture finish and style to your kitchen's decor. Linear pendants suit modern kitchens, crystal chandeliers work in ornate spaces.
• Factor in ceiling height and consider the fixture's mounting position. Leave proper clearance over tables and prep areas.
• Assess lighting needs for ambient brightness versus task lighting. Mix flush mount, pendant, and recessed lights.
• Set a budget and get quotes. Pricing varies widely based on material, size, and light source.

Expert Tips for Installing Rectangular Lights

Installing new rectangular ceiling fixtures is best left to a professional electrician. They can:

• Ensure all wiring and circuits meet building codes. New circuits may be needed for added fixtures.
• Properly install any electrical boxes, mounts, rods, or tracks with reinforced anchoring.
• Adjust ceiling can heights and pendant lengths so fixtures hang at optimal heights.
• Assess if additional ceiling bracing or reinforcement is required to support large fixtures.
• Coordinate electric, lighting requirements, permits, and inspections with your local building department.

With expert installation, you'll get long-lasting, energy efficient rectangular kitchen lighting. Proper positioning also enhances the fixtures' visual impact.

If your kitchen feels dark, gloomy, or closed in, it's time to upgrade the lighting. Rectangular ceiling fixtures like sleek pendants, flush mounts, or dramatic chandeliers will completely transform the space. Crisp linear lighting opens up kitchens, brightens tasks, and adds modern flair. With expert tips for selection and installation, you can illuminate and revitalize your cooking space with rectangle lights.

Your kitchen is the heart of the home. Give it the bright, open feel it deserves with the magic of superior lighting.