9 outdated kitchen lighting trends designers urge you to avoid, plus what to try instead

Kitchen lighting has to marry style and functionality. Unlike the living room or bedroom, this practical space needs bright ambient lighting to cook by, yet it should still feel warm, welcoming, and well-curated. Relying on overused trends, however, will instantly make your kitchen look dated.

Of course, knowing which fads will fall out of favor isn't easy, and none of us would invest in lighting that we didn't once love. The problem is, what was once an en-vogue kitchen lighting idea can become unpopular and passé in a heartbeat. The great advantage of lighting, however, is how easily you can switch up your designs or add to your scheme to elevate an entire space.

If you're in the market for some stylish new kitchen lighting ideas, we asked designers what outdated trends we should be avoiding right now and what styles to opt for instead for a space that's as beautiful as it is practical. Here's what they had to say.

1. Track lighting

Track lighting is often the default choice for kitchens. With multiple fixtures that are often adjustable, you can understand why this practical choice was once a popular kitchen lighting trend, but designers say it falls short on style.

'Despite being functional, track lights often seem bulky and outdated compared to the sleek designs trending in modern kitchens,' says interior designer Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo.

Instead, opt for a more standard ceiling light and add sconces to your walls so you have some atmospheric lighting that doubles up as task lights, too. 'This allows for flexibility in lighting different areas while enhancing the traditional charm of your kitchen,' adds Isy Jackson, owner of Cheltenham Interiors.

2. Harsh overhead spotlights

Search the ceiling of any home built in the past 20 years and you'll probably find spotlights. Once a marker of modern interiors, designers usually steer clear of this lighting idea these days, particularly excessively bright bulbs which can make kitchens feel clinical and sterile. 'Spotlights often create a harsh, uninviting atmosphere that doesn’t align with today's focus on warm, welcoming kitchens,' explains Elana Mendelson.

Instead, the best lighting for a kitchen is more nuanced and layered. 'Introduce portable table lamps or wall-mounted sconces for softer, ambient lighting that complements other fixtures,' says Elana. 'These types of light fixtures also add a unique, personal touch that enhances a homey vibe.'

3. Florescent tube lighting

You probably don't need us to remind you of this one, but bright fluorescent tube lighting always detracts from a beautifully designed space. A common option in offices and industrial space, these lights emit a harsh, cool light. 'They can make kitchens feel cold and uninviting, clashing with the warm, cozy ambiance many homeowners desire,' says Lauren.

To avoid washing your kitchen of color, opt for warmer kitchen pendant lighting instead. 'Consider fixtures with glass shades or soft finishes that diffuse light beautifully,' suggests Isy. 'Vintage-inspired fixtures can add character while creating a cozy ambiance.'

4. Single overhead fixtures

Not so long ago our kitchen lighting ideas would comprise one single fixture. These days, however, one mode of lighting, or just one shade or mount, can look outdated.

It's also not a practical choice for such a busy space. 'Relying on a single overhead fixture creates uneven lighting and shadows in key areas like countertops and stoves,' Lauren says. 'Instead, contemporary kitchens use layered lighting, incorporating under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights over islands, and recessed ceiling lights for even illumination.'

Besides your flush mount or paper shade, picture a cozy kitchen with sconces either side of the stove and a decorative table lamp nestled on open shelves. 'As well as these, incorporate task lighting with bluer light to chop or prep foods with under-cabinet fixtures to illuminate countertops and prep areas,' says Isy.

5. Too many matt black finishes

We're all aware of millennial gray's downfalls, but you might not be as wary of its close relation - matt black hardware. The finish was popular for lighting trends throughout most of the 2010s, but like all overused decor ideas, it's fallen out of favor with designers.

'It's seen as overly industrial or heavy due to the darkness of the black,' explains Isy. 'Instead, color palettes are shifting from dark, moody grays and blues to light and bright neutrals.' She suggests opting for matt white on textured and painted metals for a soft finish.

This isn't to say you can't use matt black at all. A little here and there can add drama to your space, but consider pairing with finishes like pewter and copper to add warmth and patina.

6. Single pendants above an island

Pendants aren't on the list of outdated lighting trends and we doubt they ever will be, but the number you use can instantly date your home. These drop lights are especially well-suited for use over the kitchen island, but relying on one alone is never a good idea.

According to Elana, one large pendant can feel outdated and doesn’t always cast even light. It will instantly make your room look imbalanced, especially if you have a larger island. 'Instead, consider clusters of smaller pendants or a trio of lights over the island,' notes Elana. 'These not only create more balanced illumination but can also add a layered, collected-over-time feel that’s visually inviting.'

7. Pendants that are too symmetrical or 'matchy'

For a classic and timeless look, a trio of simple pendants will always endure. But, if you want a kitchen lighting idea that's more visually interesting, a trend we love is asymmetrical pendants or ones hung at different heights.

'Pendants no longer have to match perfectly and be the same dimension and shape. Rather, they can have unique character, adding overall charm into the space,' notes Alexis Woodbury Earman, interior designer at The Woodbury Home. 'Kitchen lighting has shifted to create more of an intimate setting, thus why organic-shaped pendants with warm lighting are now the choice of many.' A modern rustic kitchen lighting idea comprised of wicker or rattan pendants shades (like these, from Lulu & Georgia) makes a great focal point, plus it injects much-needed warmth to a kitchen.

Alternatively, think out of the box and don't go for pendants over your island at all. 'Instead, opt for something streamlined and minimal,' says Francis Francis Toumbakaris, owner of Francis Interiors. 'I always enjoy something more architectural that directs the light to the working surface of the island or counter. I also really like a cluster of tubes, like the ones above, at different angles.'

8. Recessed lighting

'Out with turning a kitchen ceiling into "Swiss cheese" with can lights or high hats, even if they are high-end,' says Francis. Like spotlights, too many recessed lights create an overly modern, sterile look which can wash out the space.

Instead, try introducing some kitchen cabinet lighting ideas to cast a glow across the ceiling. 'Install lighting that emanates a beautiful glow inside, above, and below the cabinetry instead of excessive recessed lighting,' says Francis. 'If the kitchen cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling, consider installing a strong strip LED light above the cabinets. The ceiling is now becoming a light reflector, which will bounce off lighting beautifully into the space.' He adds that every light should be on a dimmer and have separate switches. 'You can blast them when you need lots of light for working but dim them when entertaining or want a nice ambiance.'

9. Heavy Chandeliers

Chandeliers can make a kitchen feel grand and make a great vintage kitchen idea, but exaggerated chandeliers are an outdated kitchen lighting trend that designers want you to steer clear of. 'Heavy, ornate chandeliers, once common in formal kitchens, now seem excessive,' says Lauren. 'They're being replaced by more streamlined fixtures that suit contemporary or transitional styles better.'

To achieve a more subtle look, Isy recommends more delicate chandeliers or glass pendants that have a more weightless movement. 'Look for smaller, more intimate chandeliers or clusters of pendant lights that blend style with function,' she says. 'Ensure they are at the right height to provide soft, ambient lighting without obstructing views.'

Choosing the right kitchen lighting poses more of a challenge than, say, the living room. You want it to be stylish and functional, as well as easy to clean and maintain. For example, while the odd paper or fabric shade works well, it's generally best to choose metal fixtures that can withstand the steam and grease that build in kitchens over time.

For an on-trend lighting idea, Isy says layering is the most important takeaway. 'Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a versatile and inviting space,' she says. 'Also, look for lights that can be easily adjusted or moved, allowing you to adapt the lighting based on your needs and activities.'

Follow this advice and the heart of your home will be lit with warmth, making it a comforting and welcoming environment for the whole family to gather.