Farmhouse Lighting Upgrades To Make Your Kitchen Shine

The farmhouse style is all about creating a cozy, vintage-inspired kitchen. With worn woods, distressed metals, and unique antique touches, the farmhouse look brings rustic charm to any home. But even the most decked-out farmhouse interior needs proper lighting to truly shine. The right fixtures can make your farmhouse kitchen glow with rustic appeal day or night.

From statement light fixtures to accent lighting, you'll find plenty of tips to make your space shine.

Overhead Lighting Sets the Farmhouse Tone

When it comes to overhead light in a farmhouse kitchen, you have a few options. Pendant lights dangling above the island or sink provide both task lighting and style. Wrought iron chandeliers with exposed filaments or vintage pendant lamps offer farmhouse flair.

For many homeowners, hanging pendant lights over the kitchen island is the first lighting upgrade. Islands become a natural gathering place in open concept kitchens. Multi-pendant fixtures shine a spotlight on the island while filling the room with ambiance.

Island Chandeliers Make a Bold Statement

For major farmhouse appeal, an island chandelier is the way to go. These dramatic centerpiece lights range from rustic wood wagon wheels to intricate cast iron designs. Match your island layout by selecting a chandelier approximately 12-18 inches narrower than your island width. This creates a proportional fixture that won't overwhelm the space.

Alternatively, you can cluster smaller pendants for a look that's more low profile but still eye catching.grouping 3, 5 or 7 matching lights. Finish this arrangement with exposed Edison bulbs for an extra vintage touch. Their visible coiled filaments emit a beautiful warm glow.

Task Lighting Makes Farmhouse Sinks Shine

Proper lighting at the kitchen sink is a must for food prep and cleaning. But farmhouse sinks situated in front of windows can make installing overhead lights a challenge. Fortunately, sconces, pendant lights or chandeliers mounted on either side of the window add both light and character.

For a more streamlined look, try hidden LED strip lighting shining down from under your upper cabinets. You'll get ideal task lighting without bulky fixtures. Position lights to avoid shadows over your workspace.

Accent and Decor Lights Enhance Farmhouse Details

Beyond the main kitchen lighting, don't forget accent and decorative lights to spotlight farmhouse details. Copper track lighting brings out the warmth in exposed wood beams and ceilings. Display suspended bulbs at different heights over your kitchen table for eclectic charm. Or tuck twinkle lights behind cabinets to showcase collected dishes and glassware.

Sleek rail lighting under shelves makes a fine finishing touch. Position these minimalist bars to shine down on countertop tasks or illuminate your favorite decor.

Light Up Open Shelving with LED Strips

The ultimate way to highlight beautiful stemware or vintage cookbooks is with LED cabinet lighting. Flexible strip lights easily affix under shelves with adhesive. Use remote controls to change their color and dimness to suit any occasion.

Installed properly, the strip lights are nearly invisible. But their bright glow makes everything on your shelves sparkle. For added shine, look for "daylight" white strip lights between 5000-6500K that mimic natural sunlight.

Unify Your Lighting with Matching Fixtures and Bulbs

To make all your new farmhouse lighting cohesive, use coordinating finishes and lampshade styles throughout the kitchen. Matte black fixtures, clear glass shades, and visible Edison bulbs are fitting choices.

Don't be afraid to mix up shapes, from bell jars over the table to drum pendants at the island. Just keep the materials consistent for that curated look. Then enjoy your kitchen bathed in beautiful farmhouse-inspired light.

With the right mix of overhead lighting, task fixtures, and accent details, your farmhouse kitchen can truly shine. Pendant lights, sconces, and chandeliers infuse vintage character. While under cabinet LEDs and track lights highlight rustic details. The next time you need kitchen lighting ideas, hopefully these farmhouse upgrades inspire you to take your space from drab to fab.