I spend a lot of time talking to designers about the do's and don'ts of kitchen design and decor. And if there's one thing everyone agrees on, it's that a kitchen lamp is a must-have.
But it's not quite as simple as adding a pretty light to your kitchen – embracing the countertop lamp trend requires a considered balance of style and function. From the size of the lamp to the material it's made from, there are a few things you might not have thought to consider that are quite important.
3 Things to Avoid When Introducing a Kitchen Countertop Lamp
The countertop lamp you choose for your kitchen will depend entirely on what you are using it for. If it's purely a decorative feature on a large island or side table, you can probably get away with any design. But if it's for task lighting and ambiance on your countertops, these are the things to avoid.
1. A Long Cord
Every kitchen holds countertop appliances in some capacity, whether it's a kettle and toaster or a coffee machine. Which means cords. And lots of them. To cut down on the number of wires covering your surfaces and the number of outlets being used, it's best to avoid a plug-in lamp and opt for something cordless instead.
'Cordless is always best; no one needs trailing cables on kitchen counters,' says Jo Plant, chief creative director at Pooky, who says that portable designs are far more useful. You can move them around depending on where you need them, and you can quickly get them out of the way in busy periods.
The market for cordless lamps has really evolved, with a mix of rechargeable and battery-powered lamps on offer. And you can find some truly chic designs that are perfect for kitchens, like the Hive Cordless Table Lamp from Pooky and this Dimmable Brass Table Lamp from Walmart.
2. Materials That are Difficult to Clean
As much as kitchens deserve to be as beautiful and curated as our bedrooms and living spaces, it's still a very functional room. As such, food splatters and marks from heavy-duty cleaners are a risk for your countertop lamp, so choosing hard-wearing materials is key.
'I wouldn’t suggest plain silk or card lampshades in a kitchen, as if they catch an accidental splash, it will be very hard to disguise. Patterned gathered shades in cotton and linen are more forgiving, or a rattan shade is a great option – the choices are endless,' says Jo.
It's also best to avoid any lamps where the base is covered in a softer material, too, as it will quickly end up damaged and looking worn out. 'If your counter is a busy and creative (I would never say messy) space, then a metal shade and base combo would be a good choice, as accidental splashes or spills can be dealt with easily,' she suggests.
Rattan looks stylish and is super durable, so it's the perfect material for your kitchen counter lamp. This design from Wayfair features a rattan shade with a charming scallop edge detail and a classic brass base. Timeless and playful in one.
For something more classic, you can't go wrong with a brass and cream pairing. This pleated cotton shade is much easier to clean than something like silk, and it adds a traditional feel to your kitchen counters thanks to the detail on the base.
For something more contemporary, this domed design is a striking choice. It's form nods to Mid-century modern style, while the bronze finish adds an elegant finish. But most importantly, it's a fully metal design, so it's easy to wipe clean.
3. An Oversized Lamp Shade
In a kitchen, avoid introducing a table lamp with an oversized lampshade. It not only takes up more space, but it can also cause a visual imbalance and, in some cases, it won't fit seamlessly below cabinets or alongside other essentials.
Instead, scale down the lamp shade (our Style Editor shared some chic lampshade swaps for winter) and play with the height of your lighting to best suit your space. For some people, opting for something tall and thin is the best fit – the Ronnie Wireless Touch Metal Table Lamp from Pottery Barn is a perfect example.
'If you are adding a lamp for task lighting, then I’d choose a slightly taller, brighter light with a dimming function so when you’ve finished using your light for cooking, prepping, or reading, you can dim it down for an instant change of atmosphere,' says Jo, who recommends Pooky's Twinky Cordless Lamps.
Kitchen lighting is all about layering – varied light sources provide different types of illumination and atmosphere, and lamps are key to this, as long as you avoid these mistakes. And as Jo says, 'our kitchens are multi-functional spaces these days, and if you’re adding a countertop lamp, then it’s great for it to be as versatile as your kitchen.'
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