The 5 Outdated Kitchen Lighting Trends Designers Are Quietly Retiring for 2026
Lose these outdated trends for a lighting scheme that feels layered and timeless
Opinions have never been stronger when it comes to kitchen lighting as they are right now, so it comes as little surprise that a few trends that were once hailed as most stylish are now beginning to feel rather outdated.
And it's not just that kitchen lighting ideas and trends are changing each year, but also because the way we design and use our cooking spaces has evolved. And this change means the way we integrate lighting has, too.
5 Outdated Kitchen Lighting Trends Designers Don't Want To See in 2026
There are so many ways to refresh your kitchen with lighting, but it really depends on the styles you introduce. So, whether you're trying to navigate kitchen lighting rules or simply want to ensure you update your kitchen more timelessly, these are the trends to avoid.
1. A Kitchen Lit By Just One Lighting Style
Vintage lighting adds charm and character in abundance here, with a traditional chandelier and matching sconces to blend style and function.
If you've been doing any research around kitchen lighting, you'll have probably seen the word layered just about everywhere. The truth is, a well-lit kitchen requires more than one style of lighting – a single style approach just feels outdated.
'Committing to a single type of lighting in the kitchen, whether it’s only using one style of pendant throughout the space or installing a grid of recessed lights and calling it done. A kitchen lit by only one source ends up feeling unnecessarily cold and one-dimensional. It’s something you can feel the moment you walk into the room, even if you can’t immediately name exactly what’s off,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
'Layered lighting is a total game changer in the kitchen. It’s the best way to create a sense of warmth and intentionality in an otherwise utilitarian space. When you bring together ambient light, task light, and accent light, the kitchen stops being a room you work in and starts being a room you live in. Think a sculptural chandelier above the island, under-cabinet lighting that casts a gentle glow over your countertops, and a picture light to illuminate vintage plates on a wall.'
For a modern take on a classic chandelier, this design is a showstopper. With elegant brass arms and grasscloth shades, it adds a sense of warmth to your kitchen.
Picture lights are an unexpected way to light a kitchen, but an effective one. This antique brass design adds a vintage-inspired detail to your scheme.
If picture lights aren't quite right for your kitchen, classic sconces are a great alternative. This design is adjustable, too, which makes it extra functional.
2. Ornate Farmhouse-Style Pendants
This two-light fixture is a chic wayto add curvaceous silhouettes while keeping it classic. It adds movement and interest without feeling overstated.
Farmhouse kitchens dominated trends for a long time, with those large lantern lights the most coveted feature. But it's a look that hasn't aged so well, and leaves a kitchen feeling themed rather than curated.
'One kitchen lighting trend that feels dated heading into 2026 is the use of overly ornate farmhouse-style lantern pendants, especially when repeated uniformly over a kitchen island,' says Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley.
'Design is moving toward intentionality and warmth. The fixtures that once felt charming or edgy now often read as theme-driven rather than timeless. Kitchens have become more architectural and tailored, and lighting needs to support that evolution,' she explains.
So, what should you choose instead? 'For 2026, we are recommending lighting that feels integrated, sculptural, and material-driven. Think pendants in hand-blown glass with subtle opacity, plaster, aged brass, woven textures, or textured ceramic. Softer silhouettes and organic forms feel more current than rigid geometric cages.'
If you want something that feels a bit industrial, this brass pendant is a striking choice. It's simple in form but packs plenty of stye, perfect above an island.
If you love the look of a two-light pendant, this design from McGee & Co. is truly sophisticated, with a pared-back palette to suit any scheme.
Few materials give you more texture than rattan, and this scallop-edge pendant has it in abundance. It's still statement and playful, but in a more timeless way.
3. Clear Glass Kitchen Lighting
These white kitchen pendant lights have a textured, organic form, creating a more sculptural feature that's far more interesting than clear glass.
A brief look at lighting trends this year, and you'll know that shade finishes are having a moment. But it also signifies that we are all getting a bit tired of kitchens filled with clear glass pendants.
'Another element that feels tired is clear glass shades used everywhere. For years, clear globes were the default because they felt light and versatile. Now, when overused, they can read as generic and overly exposed, especially when paired with decorative filament bulbs,' says Cathleen.
'Clear glass shades, while beautiful in the right application, can create glare and visual clutter when multiplied. They also put pressure on the bulb to carry the design, which rarely feels elevated,' she explains.
'When it comes to shades, we are seeing a shift toward diffused or lightly tinted glass, fabric-wrapped shades, or metal shades with a warm interior finish. These options control glare and create a more flattering light, which is especially important in a space where people gather.'
Glass pendants don't need to be clear. This design has a tinted brown shade, which brings warmth and an almost antique feel to your lighting scheme.
This set of two kitchen wall lights from Wayfair features a striking green glass shade, perfect for flanking a range or to illuminate a cozy eat-in area.
Amber glass is a real classic, creating a more moody vibe. This fluted pendant is a charming choice, adding so much texture to a kitchen.
4. Small Singular Pendants Over an Island
A timeless pendant above the island in this kitchen pairs with wall lights to create a layered and highly functional lighting scheme.
Kitchen pendant lighting has proved to be a real workhorse over the past few years, often forming the basis of a lighting scheme. But practically and aesthetically speaking, it doesn't factor in a lot of the room's workspaces, and generally feels a bit tired.
'Small singular pendants over islands are outdated in kitchens. They are often not arranged or sized proportionally to either the island or overall kitchen space,' says Kelly Emerson, senior designer at Aidan Design, who explains that scale really does matter.
'Instead, consider layering different types of lighting in kitchens: recessed, under-cabinet lighting, decorative ceiling and wall-mounted. Layered lighting helps kitchens feel more like living spaces, which softens all the hard surfaces found in kitchens.'
Ceiling lights don't have to be boring. This flush mount pairs porcelain and brass for a timeless look. Plus, the curved silhouette feels very on trend.
Wall lights are functional, but they can also double as kitchen decor if you choose the right design. The candy stripes on this shade add a playful detail.
No layered lighting scheme is complete without a countertop lamp. This historic-inspired lamp has so much textural interest and adds a striking focal point.
5. Sconces That Serve As Purely Decorative
Wall lights are far from performative in this kitchen. The sconce here might be a pretty detail, but it also creates much needed focused lighting above the sink
A big part of layering kitchen lighting effectively is to pair ceiling lights with sconces, but performative placements don't create the look you think they will. In fact, adding lights for decoration's sake is a fast track way to make your kitchen feel outdated.
'I have found clients are opting not to have decorative sconces or light fixtures where they are not needed. Five years ago, we wanted decorative sconces above every window and flanking every hood, but trends and styles are changing. These styles aren’t forever gone, but paired with more fun and whimsical aspects to bring some levity into the design,' says Maggie Goodrich of Third Street Architecture.
'When looking at light design and style, don’t separate them into decorative and standard. Look at them all together and see how they speak and complement each other. Maybe a simpler design with a bold finish, paired with an extravagant design fixture that’s all glass. Making all light fixtures decorative while working together as a whole.'
If I were adding wall lights to my kitchen that blend decor and function, it would be these. They are simple in design and create the perfect lighting over countertops.
If you don't already have hard-wired sconces in your kitchen, this plug-in design from Target is a great, low-cost workaround to add function to your scheme.
If you're looking for a wall light that merges pretty and practical, look no further. This enamel sconce is compatible with a dimmer to adapt to your needs.
Kitchen lighting is a multifaceted detail, blending function and aesthetics in one small package. While it's usually easy to change fixtures as you style does, it helps to choose something timeless, as well as expertly layered to cater to all of your needs. And to help you find the best designs, we've curated an edit of the best places to buy kitchen lighting.
