Last fall, The Kitchn asked its readers what they thought about lamps in the kitchen. We've since noticed them more and more, and find the effect generally useful, warm, and a little odd (in a good way). We especially like the way Kelly and Brian combine whites and porcelain in both their kitchen and dining areas. A few more examples below, as well as some lamp selections we'd love to see put to use while cooking or eating:
Lamps in the Kitchen: What Do You Think? Jesse's Tuned-in Space
Kitchen Spotlight: Carla's Grand Ave. Home
The Kitchn: Three More Rental Kitchen Ideas from Domino
Other lamps we think could be great in the right kitchen:
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Four-P...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
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.
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.
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.