1. Although they bring to mind images of surf, sand, and pina coladas, island lights are named for the kitchen islands they typically hang over. But they work just as well over a butcher block, dinette set, or any sort of nook you might have in your home. But if you still insist on that pina colada, we certainly won't stand in your way.
2. Add extra light, not extra glare. Island lights use an array of lower-wattage bulbs to spread warm, soft light, without shadows. Proper lighting in warm finishes such as brass, bronze, brown, or rust only enhance the kitchen's reputation as the most comfortable room in the house. Ever notice when you have a party, nobody's hanging out in the garage or laundry room?
3. Knives are sharp. And in dim lighting, a human finger can be indistinguishable from a ripe carrot or slender potato. But with the bright, glare-free glow of island lighting installed above your butcher block or kitchen workspace, you'll have no problem making the right cut.
4. Always install a dimmer switch in your overhead lighting. It makes it easy to adjust the lighting level for any situation. Big party with lots of guests? Light it up. Intimate evening with a couple of close friends? Keep them low. End of party and too tired to clean up? Turn them off.
5. The laundry room is a perfect place to cast some extra light in clean, simple styles such as Mission or Craftsman. Island lighting over your utility room workspace can illuminate ironing and folding chores, and help keep your detergent honest. "Three times the stain-fighting power," eh? We'll just see about that. It breaks our hearts to think our whites just might not be that white.
6. Not only is island lighting great for direct illumination on small spaces, but it can also be great for bashing your head into, unless you hang it at the right height. Try to keep it about 30 - 40 inches above the surface. Low enough to provide enough light and keep it out of your eyes; and high enough so your husband isn't hilariously slamming his head on the thing every time he makes a sandwich.
7. Some kitchen islands come equipped with a built-in cutting board, a sink, or a wine refrigerator. We've seen them with multiple ovens, warming cabinets, and garbage disposals. There's not really an island lighting tip here; we just saw this really cool show about kitchen islands on television.
8. Since it's right in the center of your kitchen, the style of your island lighting is critical. Contemporary styles incorporate modern glasswork techniques to create beautiful works of art. Traditional island lights showcase decorative, graceful framework with a timeless appeal. Choose something that suits your taste. After all, the kitchen is no place for kitsch.
9. One of the most important considerations is size. A massive fixture over a small table will look awkward. Likewise, a tiny light won't properly illuminate a larger kitchen island. Make sure to measure carefully and figure out the right size for your needs. A light decision shouldn't be made lightly.
10. Keep in mind that island lighting should complement special occasions as well as the everyday. Sure, it'll occasionally be lighting your kitchen island as you hand-roll gnocchi and grind basil into pesto, but more often than not, it'll illuminate those pizza boxes and burger wrappers. Make sure the style, whether Tiffany with art glass in silver or transitional in pewter, works in your kitchen, even if you never do.
