Brighten Your Space: Kitchen Counter Lamp Ideas for a Stylish Glow
If you think lamps are only for the living room or bedroom, think again! These kitchen counter lamp ideas can transform your space, bring a cozy vibe, highlight beautiful decor, and even serve as an unexpected night light when the rest of the kitchen is dark.
There’s something magical about a soft glow on the kitchen countertops in the evening. Time to let your kitchen shine with cozy light!
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Say Goodbye to Single Overhead Light: Chic Kitchen Counter Lamp Ideas
When we redid our kitchen, I was over-the-moon excited about the new overhead light fixture that would hang above the kitchen island.
I’ll never forget watching the two men standing on the new island trying to keep the fixture steady while the electrician worked his magic.
Once installed, we tapped our own little drum roll, and flipped the switch!
If you have ever seen the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, you might understand the blaze of light that blinded us…you could have performed surgery on that island!
Needless to say, we asked the electrician to install a dimmer switch before he left!
While overhead lights are functional, sometimes they can feel a bit harsh and bright, casting harsh shadows and making the space feel stark rather than inviting.
That’s where the charm of kitchen counter lamp ideas comes in! Adding a small lamp or even a mini lamp to your kitchen is a great way to introduce warmth, ambiance, and just the right amount of extra light where you need it most.
Read on and meet me in the kitchen!
Why Use Lamps on Your Kitchen Countertops?
While overhead lighting like pendant lights, chandeliers, and under-cabinet lights provide general illumination, they don’t always create a more casual mood.
Little lamps add personality, offer enough light for certain tasks, and give your kitchen an inviting glow, even when the big light is turned off.
Here are some great places to add a kitchen countertop lamp:
- By the Kitchen Sink – A buffet lamp near the kitchen sink provides a warm glow while washing dishes. This tall candlestick lamp with a dramatic shade featuring a black floral pattern sits perfectly by the sink, making an everyday task feel a little more special.
- On the Kitchen Island – I have a small table lamp with a white shade on my kitchen island that I charge about once a month. It’s a great option for a central gathering space.
- Tucked in a Little Nook – How many of you have a corner of your kitchen that sits under a cabinet and casts shadows over your countertop? If you have this little corner, a tiny lamp can be a perfect addition, bringing charm and function to an unexpected place!
I love my wireless lamp because it takes up no room at all and casts a beautiful glow into this normally dark corner. It’s adjustable, switching between warm and cool light, depending on my mood.
- Among Cookbooks and Decor – Styling my countertops like a curated display is one of my favorite things to decorate in the kitchen. I have a marble bookshelf lamp anchoring cookbooks, small art, a green plant, and copper measuring cups. The lamp cord is hidden behind the books, making it both beautiful and practical!
Choosing the Right Countertop Lamps for Your Kitchen
When selecting a kitchen countertop lamp, consider these kitchen lighting tips:
1. Think About Lamp Height
A small lamp should be proportional to your counter space. Smaller lamps fit well under upper cabinets without getting in the way.
And don’t try to force a lamp under a counter if it is a remotely tight fit. Your lamp will look “squeezed” into the space.
2. Opt for the Right Shade
Fabric shades provide a softer, diffused glow, while metal or glass shades direct the light more intensely. Since my kitchen is a white kitchen, the bit of contrast from my black and white patterned shade makes the space feel interesting without overwhelming it.
3. Hide the Cord (or Go Cordless!)
Hiding the lamp cord behind books or along the backsplash creates a seamless look. Plants are also a great way to hide cords and outlets.
If you prefer an easier route, a wireless lamp is a great option for eliminating visible cords altogether.
4. Choose Warm vs. Cool Light Settings
If you love a cozy vibe, opt for bulbs that give off a warm glow.
If you have glass shelves or open shelving, under-cabinet lights might be a great solution to supplement your little light. For task lighting, a puck light or LED bulb with a cooler tone may be better for visibility.
More Creative Kitchen Counter Lamp Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Try these ideas:
- Pair a mini lamp with a plant or cutting board for a styled vignette.
- Layer different light sources – use puck lights, under-cabinet lighting, and countertop lamps together.
- Place a night light in an unexpected place like next to the coffee maker.
- Install a wall sconce for a great space-saving solution in a small kitchen.
My Favorite Kitchen Lamps
Here are just a few of my favorite lamps that will be fabulous on any kitchen counter!
These rechargeable stick lamps
This gold lamp with white shade
I couldn’t resist sharing…this amazing dog lamp!
The Perfect Glow: Kitchen Counter Lamp Ideas
Lamps on kitchen countertops are more than just decorative accents—they add extra light, create ambiance, and make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
Dip your toe into this idea with one small lamp and discover how wonderfully cozy and welcoming your kitchen will become!
What’s your favorite way to use countertop lamps? Let me know in the comments!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers –
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Kitchen Decorating Ideas
More of My Kitchen Favorites
Always love a great kitchen lamp. Thanks for the reminder to add one in again!