Walk into any modern kitchen, and you’ll quickly notice one thing: the lighting makes all the difference. We’ve interacted with hundreds of customers and seen countless kitchen transformations, and here’s what we’ve noticed: there are certain trends that people are gravitating toward when it comes to light fixtures for kitchen spaces.

The El Segundo Kitchen Light

The kitchen has become so much more than just a place to cook. It’s where families gather for breakfast, where friends chat over coffee, and where many of us now work from home. With all this activity happening, the right lighting has gone from being an aesthetic contraption to a necessity.

What Our Customers Are Buying

Based on our sales data and customer feedback, there are a few styles that consistently fly off our shelves. Bowl pendants have become incredibly popular, especially over kitchen islands. They provide focused task lighting while adding a clean, modern look that works with almost any design style.

Our team has noticed that customers are moving away from the ultra-trendy fixtures that might look dated in a few years. Instead, they’re choosing pieces with classic shapes but contemporary finishes. It’s a smart approach that keeps kitchens looking fresh without requiring a complete overhaul every few years.

The Rise of Industrial-Meets-Farmhouse Style

One trend that’s really taken off is the blend of industrial and farmhouse elements. We are talking about clean lines with warm finishes, or matte black fixtures paired with brass accents. This combination works particularly well in kitchens because it’s both practical and stylish.

The Carson Kitchen Light

An all-time favorite from our collection is the Carson pendant. The 12″ dome gives you that industrial edge. It has enough warmth to keep things from feeling too cold or commercial. We’ve had customers install these over islands in both modern farmhouse kitchens and sleek contemporary spaces, and they work beautifully in both settings.

The versatility factor is huge here. Many of our customers initially buy these fixtures for their kitchen islands, then come back for more to use in entryways or dining areas. It creates a cohesive look throughout the home without being too matchy-matchy.

 

Size Plays a Lead Role

Here’s something we’ve learned from customer feedback: people consistently underestimate the size of the fixture they need. A small pendant over a large island can look lost, while an oversized fixture in a compact kitchen can overwhelm the space.

For standard kitchen islands (around 6-7 feet long), most customers are happy with multiple smaller pendants or one larger statement piece. The Westwood, our 24″ bowl pendant, has become a go-to for customers with bigger islands or those who prefer a single, substantial fixture rather than multiple smaller ones.

The Westwood Kitchen Island Light

The key is thinking about both the visual weight and the actual light output you need. Cooking requires good task lighting, but you also want enough general lighting for the times when the kitchen becomes a social hub.

Color Trends That Have Stuck Around

While we see color trends come and go, certain finishes have proven their staying power. Matte black remains incredibly popular because it works with both warm and cool color palettes. It’s also practical. It doesn’t show fingerprints or water spots the way polished finishes can.

Brass accents are another trend that seems to have real staying power. Our customers love the warmth it adds, especially when paired with cooler exterior finishes. The Melrose with brass interior has been one of our top sellers for good reason; it gives you that pop of warmth without being overwhelming.

The Melrose Matte Black and Brass Bowl Pendant

White fixtures continue to be popular, particularly in kitchens with darker cabinetry. They help balance the visual weight and keep spaces feeling open and bright.

What Works for Different Kitchen Styles

Modern farmhouse kitchens benefit from fixtures that blend clean lines with warmer elements. The Laurel, with its 8.5″ dome design, hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s modern enough for contemporary spaces but has the simplicity that works well with farmhouse elements.

For more traditional kitchens, customers often choose fixtures with classic proportions but updated finishes. The Brentwood has that timeless bowl shape that feels familiar, but with contemporary materials and finish options that keep it current.

The Brentwood Kitchen Island Light

Industrial-style kitchens call for fixtures with more substantial visual weight. Our customers in this category often choose larger pendants or opt for multiple fixtures to create a more dramatic impact.

Beyond the Kitchen Island

While kitchen islands get most of the attention when it comes to pendant lighting, we’ve seen customers getting more creative with placement. Over-the-sink lighting has made a comeback, particularly in kitchens where the sink is positioned under a window with a nice view. You will find the Laurel working perfectly well here.

The Laurel Over The Sink Light

Some of our customers have also started using smaller pendants in breakfast nooks or over peninsula counters. It’s a great way to define different zones within an open-concept kitchen without walls.

The Practical Side Nobody Talks About

All the style in the world doesn’t matter if your fixtures aren’t built to last. Kitchen lighting takes a beating: heat from cooking, moisture from washing dishes, and constant use. That’s why we focus on quality materials like 18-gauge American steel and durable powder-coat finishes.

Our customers appreciate this attention to durability, especially those who’ve dealt with cheaper fixtures that start looking worn after just a year or two. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you’ve experienced a fixture that doesn’t hold up.

Take a Cue From Our Customers

Through time and experience, our customers know that the best light fixtures for kitchen spaces are the ones that work with your lifestyle, not against it. If you do a lot of cooking, prioritize task lighting. If your kitchen is primarily a social space, focus on fixtures that create good general lighting and visual interest.

Consider your ceiling height, island size, and overall kitchen style. But also factor in application and usage. The most beautiful fixture in the world won’t work if it doesn’t provide the light you need where you need it.

The kitchen lighting landscape keeps evolving, but the fundamentals remain the same: choose quality pieces that provide good light and complement your space. Everything else is just details. Take a cue from our customers and drape your kitchen in thoughtfully crafted and chosen kitchen lights!