Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Kitchen Lighting

Your outdoor kitchen is the centerpiece of your outdoor living area. You put a lot of thought into the appliances, pavers, countertop materials, cabinets, and pergola. Don’t forget about your outdoor kitchen lighting. You want things to be well-lit, but not with harsh lighting. You also want to set the mood. And of course, you want light fixtures with style.

The good news is you have a tremendous number of attractive and weather-resistant options. Select outdoor kitchen lighting that suits your style – modern, elegant, casual, or eclectic.

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Google “outdoor kitchen lighting ideas” and take a look at all of the images. This will give you an immediate idea of some of your options. It will also help you decide what you like and don’t like. Save some of the images so that when you’re discussing lighting options with your contractor, you can show them the look you want.

There are three main types of lighting to consider in your outdoor kitchen. They include overhead lighting, task lighting, and path lights.

Overhead Lighting

We’d say the vast majority of outdoor kitchens we install today are covered. The most common scenario is a pavilion or pergola. This in turn gives you the option of overhead lighting. Some of our favorite options include:

1. Ceiling fan with lights. A ceiling fan above your outdoor kitchen or outdoor dining area is a fantastic (pun intended) idea. A fan will help keep you and your guests cool, and the air movement will deter mosquitoes.
2. If your dining area is on the elegant side, a chandelier will help set the mood and add to the dining experience. You can also choose a more modern chandelier if that suits your aesthetics better.
3. String lights. Add a fun and whimsical feel with string lights near the outdoor bar area, or running along the length of the pergola beams. String lights are easy to change out for different holidays and seasons.
4. Pendant lights. Pendant lights are great for your outdoor bar area, or if you have a large counter area that you like to use to set up outdoor buffets.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is crucial for the outdoor cook. You want to be sure that you have a dedicated light for the grill and other cooking areas. This could be an overhead fixture(s), or a fixture attached to a pole. You will also want to consider under counter lighting for the food prep area. Along with overhead lighting, task lighting helps ensure you can see if the chicken is cooked properly, or if that plate has a speck on it and should not make its way to a guest.

Path Lights

And don’t forget, you need to be able to see where you’re going when you’re cleaning up after a party, or heading over to the pool to join your guests. Be sure to choose a lighting scheme that places path lights and step lights at appropriate intervals.

These can be solar lights or LED lighting fixtures. You just want to make sure the lights come on automatically at dusk so you don’t have to worry about flipping a switch.

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

If you’re looking to add an outdoor kitchen to complete your outdoor living space, we can help. We pay attention to every detail, including helping you choose the best outdoor kitchen lighting. Our team also installs outdoor lighting and landscape lighting anywhere you want to light things up or set the mood.

We work with discerning homeowners throughout the greater Baltimore area, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County. Simply schedule a call to get started on your project.