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missindie1

LIght over kitchen sink - ideas?

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

I have repainted my cabinets (was a dark knotty pine) and I want to update the light above the sink. I plan on removing the wood trim piece (the valance) as it looks dated. ( I did not even bother to finish painting it that is why it looks a bit dark on the right). Right now there is a 18" fluorescent tube light up there. I was hoping to replace it with something a bit nicer and more attractive, but I do want good lighting at this area. Obviously I will need to paint that inner area after I remove the old light, so that it will all be white. I had thought maybe a pendant light, but I am wondering if a pendant would give me enough light there. Just looking for a fresh perspective as I am all out!

Comments (22)

  • 9 years ago

    a 3-light semi flush mount ceiling light might look nice there. kinda like this, but obviously it doesn't have to be tiffany style. https://www.beautifulhalo.com/white-based-blue-sailboat-stained-glass-tiffany-3light-semi-flush-mount-ceiling-light-p-241288.html

    Chessie thanked rych
  • 9 years ago

    Pendants being the light down. That is what I like over my sink.

    pick something that has a brighter light.

    A smaller pendant will do. Look at mini pendants too.

    Chessie thanked Terri_PacNW
  • 9 years ago

    I like this one (thinking about getting it myself) and I think it goes well with your style:



    It is from this store: http://www.conantmetalandlight.com/products/corkscrew-pendant

  • 9 years ago

    BTW, there are many other similar. That one is 8" d.

  • 9 years ago

    These look kind of cool...not sure if one would be enough though.


    https://progresslighting.com/product/?sku=P5003-09&category=

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have a wall mounted barn light version, lights up the kitchen well, available in different sizes, colors, and shapes.

    not my kitchen, pic from google images

  • 9 years ago

    Very pretty kitchen, mdln.

    Missindie, I can totally understand wanting to lose the scallops, but please save that piece. People are starting to like those again in the kitchens where they were originally and a future owner may well want to put it back, so stick it in the attic or garage, please.

  • 9 years ago

    if u want concentrated light on the sink, do not get a glass shade, the light will distribute everywhere. pendant with down light is what u need. something like mdln posted, so all the light is forced down. and check the wattage!!

    Chessie thanked sprtphntc7a
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I hate cleaning light fixtures that hang down. At the very least, they get dusty; in a kitchen, they will get an oily film as well. So, for me, a pot light that can be aimed over the sink is the answer. I'm lucky if I can get my cleaning woman to clean the stainless hood, let alone fixtures and I can no longer do them myself.

  • 9 years ago

    LOL I have no cleaning woman, so yeah that is a good point. The less to clean, the better. But I hate that damn florescent light.

  • 9 years ago

    I don't see a pendant going with the valence. A recessed can with a 100w equivalent A19(regular bulb) led would give you enough footcandles for a work surface.

  • 9 years ago

    @dan1888, as I stated in my OP, I am removing the valance. I do think I am going with can lights.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Can lights are great, but light fixtures can really impart a feeling - cottage style, beachy, craftsman, modern - that can lights can't touch. What sort of feeling are you going for? Do you have inspiration images?

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Can lights seem institutional to me. I also find the light spread from can lights too narrow.

    I view light fixtures to be part of the "jewelry" of a room, adding significant style to what otherwise may be a boring space. jmho

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I wanted a pendant, but my KD convinced me to do the can light. No regrets. These pics don't focus on the sink and can light, but you can see them.

  • 9 years ago

    I have this one in my guest bathroom, it's really nice looking and provides a good amount of light, each one of the lights can be moved to focus where you need the light. I put led daylight bulbs in it for nice bright light.

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-3-Light-23-87-in-Brushed-Nickel-Fixed-Track-Light-Kit/3353828

    Chessie thanked ravencajun Zone 8b TX
  • 9 years ago

    pattisue72, I love your kitchen!!

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    missindie, I'll express what I am sure is not the consensus opinion, but I would keep the original trim detail over your sink! I think its wonderful that these details are still intact in your kitchen. Part of why we bought the house we did, was due to how many original details were still in tact in this house. We love the 100 yrs of history our home has.

    When we remodeled our kitchen we made a point to keep an old wall of open shelves with (what some would see as "dated" or "out of fashion") hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind mill work, as well as the wood details/arch over/around the sink area.

    I vote that you embrace the history, and make if a feature! It is the original detail we preserved that everyone always gushes about in our house. (apologies for poor lighting in photos, ...I just quickly snapped a few phone-photos without any "staging" of our kitchen)

  • 9 years ago

    You can get dimmable A19 led bulbs at Costco or HD. These are floods with plenty of throw in a can to light up the work area around the sink and more of the room as general lighting.

  • 2 years ago

    Maybe try the LED track light system above your kitchen sink for both functionality and style. It offers flexibility in lighting angles and intensity, ensuring you get the brightness you need without sacrificing aesthetics. Plus, with the updated cabinets, it’ll complement the new look seamlessly.


    When I revamped my kitchen, I found a great range of options and competitive pricing using this comparison site. It made the process of finding an affordable service much easier and helped me choose the perfect fixtures to match my kitchen’s new vibe.