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Wall Lights for the Kitchen: How to Choose and Place Them Correctly
- Søren Rasmussen
- Last updated20. March 2026
Wall lights in the kitchen – Wall lights can be a simple and effective way to improve lighting in the kitchen. They can serve both as functional task lighting and as ambient lighting that makes the space more comfortable to spend time in.
In many kitchens, the focus is on ceiling spots or pendants above the dining table. However, wall lights can be the element that ties the lighting together and creates a more balanced lighting experience in the room.
In this guide, we walk you through how to choose the right wall light for your kitchen, where to place it, and which technical factors you should consider.
A bit about the author:
Søren Rasmussen
Søren is the Key Account Manager for Export and Sales at Antidark. He has worked many years in the industry and knows how to utilize lighting as an active part of the decor.
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Why Choose Wall Lights in the Kitchen?
Why Choose Wall Lights in the Kitchen?
The kitchen is both a workspace and a social space. That’s why the lighting needs to be both functional and comfortable. Wall lights can contribute in several ways:
Supplementary task lighting
A wall light can provide additional illumination in areas where ceiling lighting is not sufficient – for example, above a worktop or near the sink.
Improved atmosphere
Direct ceiling light can sometimes feel harsh. Wall lights often create a softer, more indirect light that gives the kitchen a calmer and more inviting atmosphere.
Visual balance
If all lighting comes from the ceiling, the room can feel flat. Light on the walls adds depth and makes the space more visually interesting.
Where do wall lights add the most value in the kitchen?
Wall lights can be used in several areas of the kitchen, depending on the layout.
BY THE DINING AREA OR KITCHEN TABLE
If the dining area is placed against a wall, a wall light can be a great alternative to—or supplement for—a pendant.
Here, a wall light can provide:
-
cosy ambient lighting
-
indirect light on the wall
-
a more flexible solution in smaller spaces
ABOVE OR NEAR WORK SURFACES
A wall light can also be placed above a worktop where ceiling lighting is insufficient.
It’s important to choose a model with good light direction, so the light is focused on the countertop without causing glare.
AT OPEN SHELVES OR NICHES
Wall lights can highlight specific areas in the kitchen, such as:
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open shelving
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niche areas
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a wall with material texture
This adds both functional lighting and a more atmospheric layer to the space.
WALL LAMPS IN THE KITCHEN
How to choose the right wall light for your kitchen
When choosing a wall light for the kitchen, there are several technical factors that matter.
Colour temperature (kelvin)
The colour temperature affects the atmosphere of the room.
Typically recommended:
2700–3000K for a warm and comfortable light in the home.
A warmer light can make the kitchen feel more inviting, especially if it also functions as a living space.
Take control of the lighting
Light output (lumen)
Light output depends on what the lamp is used for.
As a general rule:
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Ambient lighting: lower lumen
-
Task lighting: higher lumen
The overall lighting in the kitchen should be planned as a combination of multiple light sources—not just one single lamp.
Colour rendering (CRI)
CRI (Ra) indicates how naturally colours are rendered in the light.
For kitchens, it is typically recommended:
CRI 90 or higher
This ensures more natural colours for food and materials.
How high should a wall light be placed in the kitchen?
Placement depends on the function and design of the lamp.
Typical guidelines:
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Above dining table: approx. 140–160 cm from floor to lamp centre
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At work surfaces: typically 30–60 cm above the countertop
Most importantly, the lamp should:
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not cause glare
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provide light where you work
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suit the proportions of the space
How to combine wall lights with other kitchen lighting
The best kitchen lighting almost always consists of multiple layers.
A well-balanced solution typically combines:
General lighting
Spots or ceiling lights that provide even illumination throughout the space.
Task lighting
Light directed at countertops and work areas.
Ambient lighting
Wall lights, pendants, or indirect light that makes the space more comfortable.
When these three types of lighting work together, the kitchen becomes both functional and atmospheric.
Common mistakes with wall lights in the kitchen
Even small lighting decisions can significantly impact how the space feels.
Here are some of the most common mistakes:
The lamp is placed too high
If the wall light is mounted too high, the light becomes less effective and may cause unwanted glare.
Too few light sources
A single lamp rarely solves the entire kitchen lighting. Multiple light sources create better balance.
Incorrect light direction
If the light shines directly into your eyes instead of onto the work surface, it quickly becomes uncomfortable.
Wall lights
Explore a selection of our wall lights
-
Ceiling lampsSpotOn Circle1
Price range: €42,29 through €54,90 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Ceiling lampsEASY W100
Price range: €159,60 through €201,21 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Ceiling lampsSpotOn2
€72,35 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Wall lights are typically used as a supplement to ceiling lighting. However, they can play an important role in the overall lighting setup in smaller kitchens.
Many choose 2700–3000 kelvin, as it provides a warm and comfortable light for the home.
It depends on the size and layout of the space. Often, one or two wall lights are used as a supplement to ceiling lighting.
Yes—especially if they are placed too high or directed at eye level. It’s a good idea to choose a lamp with proper shielding or indirect light.
Yes. Dimming allows you to switch between functional task lighting and softer ambient light. (Check compatibility and control system—e.g. phase dimming, DALI, or 1–10 V depending on the installation.)
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