I’ve received a few questions lately about how to choose coordinating light fixtures in the kitchen. I’m not sure there’s any magical method, and open kitchen/breakfast room concepts can make things a little tricky since you see everything all at once.
I thought it might be fun for us to help Kara, a reader who’s trying to make her own lighting decisions. Here’s her email:
I am about to pull the trigger on a lantern light for my kitchen. I can’t decide if I want to put it over my farm style table or the small island. My question is should I put two of the same, complimentary ones, it something different? I can’t figure out how to make it work and I love the lantern look over both places. My table and island are close together.
She sent me a couple of lantern options that she was considering, but my favorite was this cleaner one:
I do think that using two of the same lights can work in certain spaces—but the right scale is key. In Kara’s kitchen, I would probably keep the chandelier over the table, but possibly give it a coat of spray paint (oil-rubbed bronze?) to coordinate with the lantern over the island. (I also think using the round bulbs goes a long way in making a transitional fixture feel more modern.)
I had considered using two of the same pendants in my own kitchen, but went with a similar look that I think would work in Kara’s kitchen, as well. Even though they’re completely different styles, I think the mix of straight and curvy (plus being similar colors and materials) works well together:
What are your thoughts on Kara’s kitchen lighting dilemma?
And, a couple of other thoughts on possible ways to coordinate kitchen lighting. . .
Samantha Pynn
Using two (or more) of the same lights: As mentioned earlier, I do love this look, but I think the scale has to be right. There’s something about the uniformity of the same fixture in the line of sight that feels so clean to me. (And, I’ve just always loved this kitchen. . .)
Windsor Smith
Coordinating with color: A fun color can also be a great way to unify two very different light fixtures. I also like how they repeated it on the chairs in this space, keeping everything else neutral.
What other tips do you have for choosing kitchen lighting that complements one another?
(If you have a photo of how you’ve done this in your own kitchen, feel free to post to my Facebook page.)
I like the first option you mentioned. I always find coordinating lighting really tricking (same goes for fixtures and cabinet hardware), so I appreciate the tips!
Matching Color or finish is a great way to compliment lighting. In my kitchen, I went for the ‘bling’ factore – meaning a chandelier with chrome island fixtures! If you have time, please check it out here…http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/2013/09/kitchen-finally-done.html. Good luck to your reader!
I love the idea of coordinating with color. I think have two separate lights add a bit of character to a space and is less cookie cutter.
Camila
http://blog.effortless-style.com
I think they just need to have a common element. For example, in my kitchen, i have a mercury glass pendant over my sink, and a crystal chandelier over my island. It works because they both have a sparkle factor.
See photos here:
http://www.astoriedstyle.com/index.php/2013/07/our-mini-kitchen-makeover/
xoxo
We have a lantern over the island, and a chandelier over the dining table (and pendants over the bar-so much lighting in our space!). They don’t match, but are all orb with the exception of the pendants. We toiled with our lighting decision, not wanting it too matchy matchy, but wanting it to flow.
I used this large lantern over my dining table:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/eldridge-pendant/209472
And 3 pendants over my island:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/basic-pendant-kit-glossy-metal-bell-shade/?pkey=cchandeliers-pendants&
It took me forever to decide on what would work best together. They are both ORB finish so they complement each other well, but also provide a nice contrast.
Great advice….I’m crazy about the combo you used in your kitchen!
I love the lantern. I would probably put it over the table and use two pendants in the same color for the island so outlets wouldn’t have to be changed. The cheaper option always has my vote!
Great advice and I love that lantern you recommended. I actually just had one delivered yesterday ;) I like the idea of coordinating lights with color and scale.
Thanks for sharing.
Kristi
Would you mind sharing the source of the lantern option that she had? It is fun!
I like the option of coordinating different lights thru color. Love the look!
When it comes to decisions about what decor items, I am a fan of trying things out in the space. Either digitally or just purchasing and returning as needed. Emily you definitely have a good eye for these things – I wish I could look at a room and know what would look best.
Perfect timing. Going thru lighting selection process for new construction home. It has a pretty open floorplan so lights are pretty visible from one room to the next. Love the lanterns you show here! I am already running way over the builder’s budget but worth splurging for special fixtures in the most used spaces…at least that’s what I keep telling myself, hahaha
I totally agree on the round bulbs – makes a huge difference!
Great post! I am in a similar situation, but it’s a little bit bigger problem as I’m looking to coordinate lighting in our new open concept home. When you walk through our front door there is an entryway lantern overhead, a dining room chandelier to your immediate right, our great room area is straight ahead with nothing, but just to the right of that you can see our kitchen table chandelier and four pendants over the kitchen bar area. Oh, and you can see one of the hallway wall sconces and can see more as you walk in and get a better angle on the hallways. Every single fixture in the house is punched tin and I’m itching to make changes! I’m liking oil rubbed bronze for our kitchen fixtures, but am not sure if I need to then do the same finish for our entryway and the dining room too. Or if I can do ORB for the entry too and something different for the dining room. I can send pictures if you want to tackle this one too.
Great inspiration! I’m trying to talk my husband into switching the fan for a nice fixture in the kitchen…. But he likes the fan too much. Sometimes you just have to give the man what he wants… dun dun dun.
I like to work through color coordination. I like the idea of using the round bulbs, too. That’s what I used with my coral chandelier.
I think as long as the fixtures are in the same style (ex: I wouldn’t mix traditional and contemporary) you’re fine. Keeping them in the same color/ finish is a good idea as well.
Oh…and that kitchen by Windsor Smith is INSANE!!
Elizabeth, sounds like we have the same layout in our homes. I am going with either polished chrome/nickel or black metal such as foyer sconces and dining room lantern. Kitchen island pendants are going to be similar to the Harmon pendants from Restoration Hardware (shiny industrial looking) but I am stumped about lighting over breakfast easting area which is directly beside kitchen and wide open to kitchen and living room area. Considering the Thomas O’Brien Hicks pendant (silver and white one) but really unsure what to do. Anyone have ideas?
So I have a question… if you keep your light over the island the same as your dining table light, do you want to match your kitchen cabinet hardware to the lights finish color too?
Thanks! Great advice. I am getting ready to build & would love the help!
I wouldn’t try to match it. I like a mix rather than everything looking too uniform.
Emily, love your lantern – where’s it from?
Thanks for all the great tips! Your pairing has some similar elements. I don’t see anything really square/rigid with anything dome-like/circular, for example, a Darlana Lantern Pendant with a Harmon Pendant (RH). Would you advise against such extreme shape differences? Thanks!