apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Love lamps in the kitchen!
Masks bad rental lighting like that overhead fluorescent fixture!

Lamps in the kitchen are great. With all that hardscape a lamp can bring a softness and humanity to the area.

I dunno...
...Nothing says "I don't cook" more than a table lamp in the kitchen.

I have a lamp left on in my kitchen every night so if I go in to just put the kettle on or get something out of a cupboard I don't have to wait for 5 minutes for the eco-bulb in the main light to heat up (the lamp also has an eco-bulb, of course). It's lovely to have a warm glow in there all the time, it makes it feel really welcoming.

The light cast by a lamp can mask a multitude of ugliness in a bad kitchen. I grew up in an overhead light averse household, so we always had lamps in the kitchen. It can also be useful if you don't have task lighting to illuminate your work space.

I like lamps in a kitchen--it makes the space feel cosy.

I can get with the idea in theory for the reasons already posted (more flattering light source, decorative interest, task lighting), but I could never bring myself to sacrifice the counter space. Then again, I'm utterly ruthless about counter clutter and have always been lucky enough to have adequate task lighting, including under-cabinet lighting.

I have a perfect spot for a lamp in my kitchen. I'm just not sure I'm capable of working it in as nicely as needs to be done.

I don't have under-cabinet lighting so I love this idea. However, I want something I can clean easily. If I used lamps like the ones shown above, I know I would eventually splatter cookie dough or spaghetti sauce on those lovely fabric shades.

I love a small lamp in the kitchen. It's less about lighting and more about ambiance.

Next post please: Lamps on the bathroom counter. I've been noticing (and wondering) about that a lot lately.

I *need* a lamp in my kitchen. It is a rental and although the overhead lamp is very pretty (it is a stylish hanging pendant lamp with nickel hardware and a frosted glass shade) it doesn't give off enough illumination to light the whole room well at night (there is plenty of natural light during the day). It is an eat-in kitchen, but the light fixture is hung closer to the appliances rather than anywhere near the dining area. I just can't decide what kind of light to add; I have limited counter space for a table lamp, and limited floor space for a floor lamp (there are doorways, closets, trash can and dog dishes stategically arrayed around various walls). I have also been considering adding a second ceiling fixture over the table. I think my reluctance stems from the fact that I really want better general illumination and a single lamp isn't likely to fix the problem. I do like the look of lamps in the kitchen, though.

Sunnyblue, that would be my reason. The shades do tend to attract dust and grease though.

Well, you could just keep the shade covered in plastic, call it a nod to grandma decor...

Kidding. I have a little glass lamp (including shade) that I got from Ikea, since discontinued. It wipes up easily.

Mlle Kate, I am a Grandma.

hrhprincessfiona, no offense meant. Feet are good eating, ha.

Most of my kitchen design clients are very zealous about their counter space. Many also have kids, and lamps on counters would stand a real chance to get knocked over. I think they're a pretty option, but not necessarily a practical one.

Here are some practical kitchen lighting tips from a lighting pro who shared her insights on my blog:

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2009/10/lighting-101-guest-post-kitchen.html.