Spots for the kitchen: How to choose and place them
- Søren Rasmussen
- Last updated2. June 2026
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Søren Rasmussen
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Why choose spots in the kitchen?
Spots in the kitchen are a good solution if you want lighting that does not take up much visual space, while still providing clear and functional light. They can be used as general lighting throughout the room, as targeted task lighting above worktops or as a supplement to other lamps, such as pendants above a kitchen island.
One of the advantages of spots is that they can be placed according to the different zones in the kitchen. Instead of thinking of the light as one central point in the ceiling, you can distribute the light where you actually use it. This often creates a more practical and pleasant solution, especially in kitchens where the work areas are placed along walls, under wall cabinets or around a kitchen island.
Spots can also be a good choice in kitchens with low ceilings, where larger lamps may feel heavy or take up too much space. Here, recessed spots or small ceiling spots can create a calmer look while still providing the light the room needs.
Placement of spots in the kitchen
Placement is one of the most important things to consider when planning spots for the kitchen. A classic mistake is to place spots in a straight line in the middle of the room without considering where the work areas are. If the light is placed too far away from the worktop, you may end up standing in your own shadow when cooking.
As a general rule, spots should be placed so the light reaches the areas where you work the most. This could be the kitchen counter, sink, hob, kitchen island or other practical zones. In many kitchens, it makes more sense to place the light closer to the worktop than in the middle of the room, so the light falls exactly where you need it.
A good tip is to think in zones:
- Task lighting above the kitchen counter
- Light by the sink and hob
- Spots above or around the kitchen island
- General lighting in walkways
- Atmospheric lighting by open shelves, glass cabinets or niches, if relevant
This gives you more precise kitchen lighting, where the light supports the functions of the room instead of only illuminating the middle of the floor.
Which types of spots can be used in the kitchen?
There are several types of spots that can be used in the kitchen. The best solution depends on the ceiling type, interior style, desired look and how flexible the lighting needs to be.
Recessed spots
Recessed spots are a discreet solution where the spots are integrated into the ceiling. They are well suited if you want a simple and calm look, where the lamp itself does not take up visual space. Recessed spots can work particularly well as general lighting or as part of a complete lighting plan with several zones.
It is important to be aware that recessed spots require the right installation conditions. Therefore, you should always contact an electrician if you are unsure about installation, distances or technical requirements.
Surface-mounted spots
Surface-mounted spots are installed directly on the ceiling and can be a good alternative if recessed spots are not possible. They can still provide a discreet look, but they are more visible in the room. Surface-mounted spots are often available in versions where the light can be adjusted, making them relevant above work areas, kitchen islands and other zones.
Track spots
Track spots can be a flexible solution in the kitchen, especially if you want the option to adjust the light according to the layout of the room. With a track system, several spots can be placed on the same track and directed towards different zones, such as the kitchen counter, sink, hob or kitchen island.
This type of spot is especially relevant in kitchens where the work areas are placed in different parts of the room, or where you would like to be able to change the direction of the light over time.
Spots under wall cabinets
Spots or lighting under wall cabinets can provide very effective task lighting, because the light is placed close to the worktop. This is especially relevant in kitchens where the ceiling light cannot reach the work surface optimally. Under-cabinet lighting can therefore be a good supplement to the general lighting in the kitchen.
How many spots do you need in a kitchen?
The number of spots depends on the size of the kitchen, ceiling height, brightness of the spots, beam angle and placement. There is therefore no fixed number that suits every kitchen.
Instead of only counting square metres, start by looking at where the light is needed. A smaller kitchen can often manage with fewer spots if they are placed correctly. A larger kitchen with a kitchen island, several worktops or an open-plan kitchen-dining area will typically require more light sources to avoid dark areas.
A good starting point is to combine general lighting with targeted task lighting. This gives you both an overview of the room and good light in the places where you work the most.
Which colour temperature is good for spots in the kitchen?
Colour temperature has a big impact on the atmosphere in the kitchen. For kitchen lighting, many people choose a warm white or neutral white colour temperature, because the light needs to be both pleasant and functional.
A warm light can make the kitchen feel cosier, while a slightly more neutral light can be an advantage in work areas where you need clearer light. If the kitchen is used for both cooking and spending time together, dimmable lighting can be a good solution, because you can adjust the light to the situation.
It is also worth looking at the CRI value, which indicates how naturally colours are rendered in the light. In a kitchen, good colour rendering is an advantage because it makes it easier to see ingredients, surfaces and details clearly.
Should spots in the kitchen be dimmable?
Dimmable spots can be a big advantage in the kitchen, especially if the room is used for more than cooking. When you are cooking or tidying up, you need a clear and functional light. When the kitchen is used for socialising, dinner or quiet moments, it can be nice to dim the light and create a softer atmosphere.
Dimming makes the lighting more flexible and can help make the kitchen more pleasant to spend time in. This is especially relevant in kitchen-dining areas, where the light needs to work together with the dining area, sofa area or other living zones.
Spots in small and large kitchens
In small kitchens, spots can be a good solution because they provide light without taking up visual space. Here, it is important to place the light precisely, so worktops and work areas are illuminated without the ceiling feeling overcrowded with too many spots.
In larger kitchens or kitchen-dining areas, it is often a good idea to work with several lighting zones. One group of spots can provide general lighting, while other spots can be placed above work areas, a kitchen island or walkways. This makes the lighting more flexible and better suited to the different functions of the room.
Combine spots with other types of kitchen lighting
Spots do not have to stand alone. Often, the best kitchen lighting is achieved by combining several types of light. Spots can provide practical and even lighting, while pendants, wall lamps or under-cabinet lighting can add extra function or atmosphere.
Above a kitchen island, pendants can create a more decorative expression, while spots can ensure good basic lighting in the rest of the kitchen. Under wall cabinets, targeted lighting can make the worktop more functional, while dimmable spots can create flexibility throughout the room.
By combining several light sources, the kitchen becomes easier to use in everyday life, because the light can be adapted to both practical tasks and calmer moments.
Short summary: How to get good spots in the kitchen
When choosing spots for the kitchen, you should especially consider placement, function and flexibility. Spots should not only be placed neatly in the ceiling – they should be placed so the light reaches the areas where you need it the most.
Keep these points in mind:
- Place spots according to work zones, not just the centre of the room
- Make sure there is good light above the kitchen counter, sink, hob and kitchen island
- Avoid light coming from behind you, so you do not cast shadows on the worktop
- Consider adjustable spots if the light needs to be directed precisely
- Use under-cabinet lighting as a supplement under wall cabinets
- Choose dimmable lighting if the kitchen is also used for spending time together
- Feel free to combine spots with other types of kitchen lighting
When placement and function are considered from the beginning, spots can be both a practical and stylish solution for the kitchen.
If you would like to see specific solutions, you can continue to our selection of lamps for the kitchen.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about kitchen spots
Spots in the kitchen should be placed according to the areas where you need the most light – for example above the kitchen counter, sink, hob and kitchen island. A classic mistake is to place spots in the middle of the room, so the light does not reach the work surfaces optimally. Instead, place the light closer to the work zones, so you avoid casting shadows on the worktop when cooking.
The number of spots depends on the size of the kitchen, ceiling height, brightness of the spots and where the light needs to be placed. A small kitchen can often manage with fewer spots if they are placed correctly, while a larger kitchen or kitchen-dining area typically requires more light sources. The most important thing is to think in zones, so the kitchen counter, sink, hob and any kitchen island all get good lighting.
Yes, spots can be a good solution for the kitchen because they provide functional and often discreet lighting. They can be used as general lighting, task lighting above worktops or as a supplement to other lamps. Spots are especially practical if you want even kitchen lighting without large lamps taking up visual space in the room.
To avoid shadows, spots should be placed so the light hits the work surface directly or slightly from the front. If the light is placed too far behind you or in the middle of the room, you may cast shadows on the worktop while working. Under wall cabinets, under-cabinet lighting can be a good supplement because the light is placed close to the worktop.
For spots in the kitchen, many people choose a warm white or neutral white colour temperature. Warm light creates a cosier atmosphere, while a slightly more neutral light can be an advantage in work areas where you need clear and functional light. If the kitchen is used for both cooking and spending time together, dimmable spots can provide more flexibility.
Dimmable spots are often a good idea in the kitchen because the light can be adapted to different situations. You can turn up the light when cooking, tidying up or working at the worktop, and dim it again when the kitchen is used for socialising or a calmer atmosphere. This is especially relevant in kitchen-dining areas.
It depends on the ceiling type, interior style and the look you want. Recessed spots create a very discreet expression because they are integrated into the ceiling, but they require the right installation conditions. Surface-mounted spots are installed directly on the ceiling and can be a good alternative if recessed spots are not possible. Adjustable surface-mounted spots can also provide extra flexibility, because the light can be directed towards specific areas.
