comScore
CASACOR
Design

Hanging lights for the kitchen: 13 inspirations combine beauty and functionality

The pendants for the kitchen go far beyond aesthetics: they directly influence comfort, functionality, and the mood of the projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jun 24, 2025, 4:32 AM

10 min de leitura
In the kitchen, the color Cold Night covers part of the walls and also appears in the custom cabinetry. The lighter hue of the dining table and chairs acts as a point of light in the projects.

In the kitchen, the color Cold Night covers part of the walls and also appears in the custom cabinetry. The lighter hue of the dining table and chairs acts as a point of light in the projects. (@THEGGRAU)

More than a decorative element, kitchen pendants play a fundamental role in lighting and defining the atmosphere of the projects. With various shapes, materials, and styles, these lighting fixtures can transform the perception of space and create different scenarios according to each project's proposal.
Ana Lívero – Ancestral Kitchen. Project of CASACOR Mato Grosso 2024.

Ana Lívero – Cozinha Ancestral. Projeto da CASACOR Mato Grosso 2024. (Gilberto Galdino/CASACOR)

Whether to highlight the countertop, illuminate the dining table, or bring a point of interest to the décor, pendants offer versatile solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality. The secret is in choosing the right model for each use, taking into account the kitchen size, ceiling height, and desired decor style.
Julia Faria Espaço Áurea CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022 kitchen countertop lighting

Julia Faria - Espaço Áurea. Projeto da CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022. (Henrique Queiroga/CASACOR)

Advantages of using pendants for the kitchen


Pendants are valuable allies when it comes to directed and decorative lighting. They create a focus of light on specific areas such as islands, peninsulas, and preparation countertops, avoiding unwanted shadows and contributing to visual comfort.
dlp Architecture - Living Kitchen. CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul Project 2025.

dlp Arquitetura - Cozinha de Estar. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2025. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)

In addition, pendants serve as focal points in the project. In integrated kitchens, for example, they help delineate spaces without the need for walls or partitions, reinforcing the proposal for fluid and multifunctional projects.

Foolproof tips for choosing the right model


Besides aesthetics, the ideal pendant should consider aspects such as functionality, proportion, and harmony with the rest of the projects. Evaluating the kitchen size, furniture layout, and decor style are key points to ensure a balanced and efficient result.

Consider the lighting function


Before choosing the design, think about the function of the light. If the idea is to illuminate a work surface, the ideal are pendants with directed light beams and neutral temperature bulbs. To create a more intimate illumination over the table, it is worth opting for models with lampshades that soften the focus.
Amanda Miranda - Chef's Kitchen - Roots. CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2023 Project.

Amanda Miranda - Cozinha do Chef - Raízes. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2023. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Observe the size of the kitchen


In compact kitchens, smaller pendants with lighter designs avoid the feeling of excessive volume. In larger spaces, it is possible to invest in bigger fixtures or even a set of pendants arranged in a line or at different heights.
Anna Malta and Andrea Duarte - Living Art&Gourmet. Project of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024.

Anna Malta e Andrea Duarte - Living Art&Gourmet. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Pay attention to installation height


The ideal height to install pendants over the countertop or dining table usually varies between 70 cm and 90 cm from the top. This ensures visual comfort, avoids glare, and guarantees efficient lighting.
Natural stone wall takes center stage in a 904 sq. ft. apartment. Project by Woho Architecture. In the photo, corridor kitchen with black granite countertop and backsplash.

Projeto de Woho Arquitetura. (Ivan Araújo/Divulgação)

Harmonize with the decoration style


The market offers kitchen pendants in various materials and styles: metal, glass, wood, ceramics, and even natural fibers. For a contemporary décor, models with straight lines and matte finishes are good choices. For a kitchen with a more rustic or industrial atmosphere, weathered metal or copper pendants are popular.
sabrina salles architecture design tuscan corner decor decoration casacor sao paulo 2022 countertop bench lamp dining room cabinet

Sabrina Salles Arquitetura | Design - Canto da Toscana. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2022. (Gabriela Daltro/CASACOR)

Main pendant models for the kitchen


With different shapes, materials, and finishes, pendants offer countless possibilities to enhance lighting in the kitchen. Each model brings a specific visual and functional proposal, allowing for everything from focused solutions for countertops to options that create a more decorative and diffuse effect in the projects.

Metal dome pendants


Classic and timeless, pendants with metal domes offer direct and concentrated light. They are perfect for illuminating preparation countertops or tables, in addition to fitting well in modern or industrial kitchens.
Andréa Buratto - Cave kitchen. Project of CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. In the photo, kitchen with countertop, dining table, lighting fixtures, shelf, and wine cellar.

Andréa Buratto - Cozinha cave. Projeto da CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. (Daniel Mansur/CASACOR)

Glass pendants


Translucent or colored, glass pendants create interesting effects with light, in addition to adding lightness to the projects. They are indicated for those who desire a more diffuse and decorative lighting.
Aline Cangussú Alive Space by Aline Cangussú CASACOR Bahia 2022 apartment living room kitchen table chair lamp

Aline Cangussú - Espaço Alive por Aline Cangussú. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2022. (Gabriela Daltro/CASACOR)

Line of pendants


This configuration is ideal for kitchens with islands or long countertops. Arranging two or three identical pendants in a line creates a striking visual effect and ensures even light distribution.
Stay Kitchen. Adriana Fontana - CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2021

Cozinha de Ficar. Adriana Fontana - CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2021 (Felipe Araújo/CASACOR)

Pendants with natural fibers


For projects seeking a touch of coziness and proximity to nature, pendants made of straw, rattan, or bamboo are great options. They bring texture and create a soft lighting, perfect for living areas.
ARQTAB | Maycon Fogliene - The House of Being. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2023. In the photo, kitchen with an integrated countertop to the living area with fiber lighting and glass dining table.

ARQTAB | Maycon Fogliene - A Casa do Ser. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. (Amanda Bibiano/CASACOR)

Pendants with geometric design


Models with cut-out geometric shapes are a modern and impactful choice. They work well as a highlight piece and can be combined with other elements of minimalist or Scandinavian style.
Danish kitchen projects

Projeto de Linda Martins e Cris Araújo. (Lio Simas/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.