Industrial Kitchen Lighting: Complete UK Guide
Factory-Inspired Fixtures for Modern Kitchens
From statement island pendants to practical task lighting, discover how industrial lighting transforms kitchens with authentic factory style and quality construction built to last decades.
- What is Industrial Kitchen Lighting?
- Industrial Kitchen Island Lighting
- Industrial Kitchen Wall Lights
- Industrial Kitchen Ceiling Lights
- Wooden Track Spotlights
- Material & Finish Guide
- Creating Your Industrial Kitchen Lighting Scheme
- Bulb Selection for Industrial Kitchen Lighting
- Where to Buy Industrial Kitchen Lighting in the UK
- Installation Guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Glass Industrial Wall Lights
- Polished Aluminium Fisherman's Light
- Related Kitchen Lighting Guides
What is Industrial Kitchen Lighting?
Industrial kitchen lighting celebrates the honest aesthetics of factory and warehouse illumination—exposed hardware, raw materials, functional design transformed into architectural features. Originally designed for practical workshop environments, these fixtures bring urban sophistication to modern kitchens through materials like aged brass, matte black powder coat, copper, and galvanized steel.
Key characteristics of industrial kitchen lighting:
- Visible metalwork: Exposed hardware, cage guards, adjustable arms
- Raw finishes: Unpolished brass, powder-coated black, weathered copper
- Functional design: Form follows function, no unnecessary decoration
- Quality construction: Solid metal, substantial weight, built to last
- Authentic details: Vintage switches, Edison bulbs, period-accurate fittings
Unlike decorative lighting that hides its mechanics, industrial fixtures embrace their construction—celebrating rivets, welds, and mechanical joints as design elements. This honest aesthetic works beautifully in contemporary kitchens, especially those featuring exposed brick, concrete worktops, open shelving, or stainless steel appliances.
Industrial vs Industrial Farmhouse Style
Pure Industrial: Urban loft aesthetic. Matte black or raw metal. Angular designs. Exposed brick walls. Concrete and steel. Modern edge.
Industrial Farmhouse: Softer blend. Aged brass or copper. Enamel shades. Shaker cabinets. Natural wood. Vintage warmth.
Both styles share industrial fixtures’ honest construction and quality materials, but farmhouse industrial adds warmth through finish choices and complementary kitchen elements.
Industrial Kitchen Island Lighting
Kitchen islands demand statement lighting, and industrial pendants deliver dramatic impact whilst providing essential task illumination for food preparation, casual dining, and social gathering.
How Many Pendants Over Kitchen Island?
2-metre island: 2 pendants spaced 60-70cm apart
2.5-metre island: 3 pendants spaced 60-70cm apart
3-metre+ island: 3-4 pendants maintaining 60-70cm spacing
General rule: Center the arrangement over the island, maintain consistent spacing between fixtures, leave 25-30cm clearance from island ends.
Industrial Pendant Sizing for Islands
Small Pendants (20-25cm diameter): Suitable for narrow islands (under 90cm wide) or when using 4+ fixtures. Creates delicate repetition.
Medium Pendants (28-35cm diameter): Most versatile size. Works for standard islands (90-120cm wide). Provides substantial presence without overwhelming.
Large Pendants (38-45cm diameter): Statement fixtures for wide islands (120cm+) or when using only 2 pendants. Creates bold focal point.
Oversized Pendants (45cm+ diameter): Dramatic single fixtures or pairs for very wide islands. Requires high ceilings (2.7m+) to avoid overwhelming space.
Hanging Height for Island Pendants
Standard recommendation: 70-80cm above island worksurface (measured from shade bottom to countertop)
Lower (65-70cm): Creates intimate atmosphere, better for dining-focused islands, requires fixtures with upward-angled shades to avoid glare
Higher (80-90cm): Better for tall users, maintains sightlines across kitchen, works when fixtures have downward focus
Pro tip: Install pendants on adjustable cables or rods. This allows height refinement after installation based on actual use patterns and sight lines.
Industrial Island Pendant Styles
Dome Pendants: Classic industrial shape. Wide shade directs light downward. Excellent for task lighting. Available 20cm to 45cm diameters. Enamel or powder-coated metal.
Caged Pendants: Metal cage surrounding Edison bulb. Creates shadow patterns. Authentic factory aesthetic. Brass, black, or copper finishes. Dramatic when repeated.
Cone Pendants: Tapered shape focuses light precisely. Space-efficient for narrow islands. Modern industrial edge. Adjustable models available.
Warehouse Shades: Deep bowl design. Maximum light control. Substantial presence. Best for larger islands and higher ceilings.
Matlock Large Vintage Factory Brass Pendant Light 50cm
Elegant Design for Various Interiors
Industrial Kitchen Wall Lights
Wall-mounted industrial fixtures provide essential task lighting whilst adding architectural character. Perfect for illuminating work surfaces, flanking ranges, or creating ambient lighting beside open shelving.
Swan neck Wall Lights for Kitchens
Swan neck (or Gooseneck) wall lights feature a curved arm extending forward from the wall, directing light downward onto work surfaces. The signature industrial fixture, originally designed for factory task lighting.
Kitchen applications:
- Above counters: Mount 40-48 inches above worksurface for shadow-free prep lighting
- Beside cookers: Provides focused illumination where ceiling lights create shadows
- Over sinks: Practical task lighting for washing up
- Open shelving: Highlights displayed items whilst providing ambient glow
Available in brass (aged or polished), matte black, copper, and enamel finishes. Shade diameters from compact 10cm to statement 18cm. For complete guidance on gooseneck kitchen lighting, see our Swan Neck Wall Lights Guide.
Industrial Wall Sconces
Simple wall-mounted fixtures without extended arms. Creates clean lines along kitchen walls whilst providing upward or downward illumination depending on shade orientation.
Best for: Ambient lighting beside dining areas, illuminating breakfast nooks, creating balanced lighting in galley kitchens, flanking kitchen windows.
Mounting height: 1.6-1.8 metres from floor for ambient lighting, lower (1.4-1.5m) for task-focused applications.
Adjustable Wall Lights
Industrial fixtures featuring pivoting joints or adjustable arms. Allows you to direct light exactly where needed—perfect for kitchens where tasks and requirements change.
Features to consider:
- Ball joint pivots for multi-directional adjustment
- Extending/retracting arms for flexible positioning
- Weighted bases preventing unwanted movement
- Quality mechanics ensuring smooth, stable adjustment
Manick Adjustable Industrial Wall Light
Rigale Coolie Industrial Pulley Wall Light
Industrial Kitchen Ceiling Lights
Ceiling-mounted industrial fixtures provide essential ambient lighting, filling spaces where pendant lights and wall sconces don’t reach. Critical for galley kitchens, areas away from islands, and creating even base illumination.
Flush & Semi-Flush Industrial Ceiling Lights
Flush mount: Fixture sits directly against ceiling with minimal gap. Essential for standard ceiling heights (2.4m) or lower. Provides wide, even light distribution without sacrificing headroom.
Semi-flush: Fixture drops 10-20cm from ceiling on short stem. Creates more architectural presence whilst maintaining compact profile. Better for ceilings 2.5m+.
Industrial styles: Caged designs with exposed bulbs, dome shades with visible hardware, warehouse-inspired bowls, porthole-style bulkheads.
Telal Goose Neck Wall Light Black or Brass
Telal Industrial Factory 32cm Ceiling Light
Track Lighting for Industrial Kitchens
Industrial track systems provide ultimate flexibility—position and reposition spotlights as kitchen needs evolve. Particularly effective in open-plan kitchens requiring adjustable task lighting.
Industrial track options:
- Metal track rails: Exposed black or brass rails embrace industrial aesthetic
- Wood track systems: Blend industrial fixtures with Scandinavian warmth
- Adjustable heads: Industrial cage or dome-shaped spots
- Flexible positioning: Slide spots along track, adjust angles as needed
Ideal for: Galley kitchens requiring flexible lighting, open-plan spaces with multiple work zones, kitchens with difficult ceiling layouts.
Material & Finish Guide
Industrial kitchen lighting celebrates raw, honest materials. Understanding finish characteristics helps you select fixtures that will age beautifully whilst meeting practical kitchen requirements.
Matte Black Powder Coat
Characteristics: Contemporary industrial edge. No-sheen finish. Versatile—works with any color scheme. Shows dust less than glossy finishes.
Kitchen suitability: Excellent. Powder coat resists moisture, grease, cleaning products. Durable multi-layer finish won’t chip or fade. Maintains appearance for decades.
Best for: Modern industrial kitchens, contemporary farmhouse, urban loft aesthetics. Pairs beautifully with stainless steel, concrete, white cabinets.
Maintenance: Wipe with damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Extremely low maintenance.
Aged Brass & Copper
Characteristics: Warm metallic tones. Pre-treated for instant character. Natural patina continues developing. Each fixture unique.
Kitchen suitability: Good. Solid brass/copper resist corrosion. Some darkening may occur near heat sources (normal). Lacquered finishes protect against tarnishing.
Best for: Industrial farmhouse, traditional kitchens with modern edge, period property renovations. Complements natural wood, marble, traditional tiles.
Maintenance: Wipe with soft cloth. Polish occasionally if you prefer bright finish. Unlacquered brass develops natural patina (valued characteristic).
Galvanized Steel
Characteristics: Silver-grey industrial finish. Naturally rust-resistant. Authentic factory aesthetic. Slightly textured surface.
Kitchen suitability: Excellent. Galvanized coating protects underlying steel. Handles humidity and temperature fluctuations. Very durable.
Best for: Pure industrial aesthetics, urban loft kitchens, modern farmhouse. Works with exposed brick, concrete, stainless steel.
Maintenance: Simple wipe-down. Coating naturally protects against corrosion. Minimal maintenance required.
Enamel Finishes
Characteristics: Smooth, glossy colored finish. Classic industrial look. Available in white, cream, racing green, navy blue, red. Easy to clean surface.
Kitchen suitability: Excellent. Enamel coating is essentially porcelain—highly resistant to heat, moisture, staining. Food-safe surfaces.
Best for: Industrial farmhouse, vintage-inspired kitchens, adding color accent to neutral schemes. Complements shaker cabinets, traditional tile.
Maintenance: Wipe clean easily. Resistant to kitchen grease. Durable finish that maintains appearance indefinitely.
Creating Your Industrial Kitchen Lighting Scheme
Successful kitchen lighting combines ambient, task, and accent layers. Industrial fixtures excel at all three when properly selected and positioned.
Small Kitchens (Under 10 Square Metres)
Core lighting:
- 1-2 pendant lights (20-28cm) over compact table or peninsula
- 2 wall sconces for task lighting beside work areas
- 1-2 flush ceiling lights for ambient illumination
Design tip: Stick to one finish (matte black or aged brass) throughout. Multiple finishes can overwhelm small spaces. Choose smaller shade diameters to maintain proportion.
Medium Kitchens (10-15 Square Metres)
Core lighting:
- 2-3 pendants (28-35cm) over island or dining table
- 2-3 gooseneck wall lights over counters
- 2-3 ceiling lights or track system for even ambient light
- Optional: Under-cabinet lighting for task illumination
Design tip: You have room to mix finishes—black pendants with brass wall lights creates visual interest. Maintain consistency within fixture types (all pendants same finish, all wall lights same finish).
Large Kitchens (15+ Square Metres)
Core lighting:
- 3-4 pendants (35-45cm) over long island
- 4+ gooseneck wall lights creating layers throughout space
- Multiple ceiling fixtures or comprehensive track system
- Accent lighting highlighting architectural features
- Separate dining area with dedicated pendant lighting
Design tip: Large kitchens need substantial fixtures to maintain proportion. Don’t be afraid of oversized pendants (45cm+) over wide islands. Create distinct lighting zones for different functions.
Bulb Selection for Industrial Kitchen Lighting
The right bulb transforms industrial fixtures from decorative objects to functional lighting. Understanding options ensures your fixtures perform beautifully.
LED vs Edison Style Filament Bulbs
Modern LED (Standard): Maximum efficiency, 15-25 year lifespan, instant-on, dimmable options widely available. Choose for fixtures with opaque shades where bulb isn’t visible.
LED Filament Bulbs: Authentic Edison appearance with LED efficiency. Visible glowing filaments create period aesthetic. Perfect for caged pendants, clear glass shades. 80-90% more efficient than incandescent whilst maintaining vintage look.
Our recommendation: LED filament bulbs in fixtures with visible bulbs (caged pendants, clear shades). Standard LEDs elsewhere. Never compromise efficiency for aesthetics—LED filament bulbs deliver both.
Color Temperature for Kitchens
2700K (Warm White): Cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Best for dining areas, breakfast nooks, ambient evening lighting. Can make food prep tasks slightly harder due to yellow cast.
3000K (Soft White): The sweet spot for kitchens. Warm enough to be inviting, clear enough for accurate color rendering during food preparation. Works for both task and ambient applications.
3500-4000K (Neutral White): Crisp, clear illumination. Excellent for task-focused areas requiring color accuracy (food prep, cooking). Can feel slightly clinical if used exclusively throughout kitchen.
Recommended approach: 3000K throughout for consistency, OR 3500K for task lighting (pendants, wall lights) with 2700K for ambient (ceiling lights, dining area) to create layers.
Brightness Recommendations
- Island pendants: 600-800 lumens per fixture (60-75W equivalent)
- Wall lights (task): 500-700 lumens (50-60W equivalent)
- Ceiling lights (ambient): 800-1000 lumens per fixture (75-100W equivalent)
- Accent lighting: 300-500 lumens (30-40W equivalent)
Pro tip: Choose dimmable LEDs throughout. Bright task lighting when cooking, dimmed ambiance for dining and entertaining—all from the same fixtures.
Where to Buy Industrial Kitchen Lighting in the UK
Finding quality industrial kitchen lighting requires understanding what distinguishes authentic fixtures from mass-market alternatives.
What to Look For in Quality Industrial Fixtures
- Solid metal construction: Genuine brass, steel, or cast aluminum—not hollow tubes or thin stamped metal
- Quality finishes: Multi-layer powder coating, genuine brass (not brass-plated zinc), proper enamel
- Substantial weight: Quality fixtures have heft. Lightweight “industrial” fixtures use cheap materials
- Proper electrical components: CE/UKCA marked, quality lamp holders, secure cable connections
- Attention to detail: Clean welds, smooth edges, quality hardware, period-accurate styling
- Made in UK/EU: Superior construction standards, better materials, longer-lasting performance
Price Expectations
Budget (£60-120): Basic industrial styling. Simpler construction. Limited finish options. Suitable for temporary installations or rental properties.
Mid-Range (£120-250): Quality construction with authentic details. Multiple finish options. Good balance of style and durability. Our core collection range. Suitable for most residential installations.
Premium (£250-450+): Superior materials and craftsmanship. Handcrafted details. Made-to-order UK/EU manufacture. Investment pieces for permanent installations. Features solid brass (not plated), premium powder coating, period-accurate construction.
Our Industrial Kitchen Lighting Collection
We specialize in authentic industrial lighting made in Ireland and Poland. Our kitchen collection features:
- Solid brass and powder-coated steel construction
- Multiple finish options (matte black, aged brass, copper, enamel)
- Made-to-order manufacturing ensuring fresh, quality fixtures
- Comprehensive warranties backing superior construction
- Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £60
- Expert advice on fixture selection and placement
Installation Guidelines
UK Electrical Regulations: Part P Building Regulations require that electrical work in homes must be completed by registered competent persons OR notified to Building Control before work begins.
Always hire a qualified electrician for:
- Installing new electrical circuits
- Modifying existing wiring
- Multiple fixture installations requiring circuit planning
- Any work involving consumer units or RCD protection
- When uncertain about existing wiring condition or capacity
Mounting Heights Quick Reference
- Island pendants: 70-80cm above worksurface
- Dining table pendants: 75-85cm above table
- Wall lights (counter task): 40-48 inches above worksurface
- Wall lights (ambient): 1.6-1.8m from floor
- Ceiling lights: Flush for ceilings under 2.5m, semi-flush for 2.5m+
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pendant lights do I need over my kitchen island?
For a 2-metre island, use 2 pendants spaced 60-70cm apart. For a 2.5-metre island, use 3 pendants with the same spacing. Larger islands (3m+) can accommodate 3-4 fixtures. Always centre the arrangement and leave 25-30cm clearance from island ends.
What size industrial pendant lights for kitchen islands?
Medium pendants (28-35cm diameter) work for most standard islands (90-120cm wide). Large pendants (38-45cm) suit wider islands or create bold statements. Small pendants (20-25cm) work for narrow islands or when using 4+ fixtures. Consider ceiling height—larger fixtures require 2.7m+ ceilings.
What’s the difference between industrial and industrial farmhouse lighting?
Pure industrial features matte black or raw metal finishes with angular designs—urban loft aesthetic. Industrial farmhouse blends industrial fixtures with warmer elements: aged brass or copper finishes, enamel shades, complementing natural wood and shaker cabinets. Both share quality construction and honest materials.
Can industrial lighting work in traditional kitchens?
Yes, when thoughtfully selected. Aged brass industrial fixtures complement traditional cabinetry beautifully. Enamel shades in classic colours (white, cream, racing green) bridge traditional and industrial aesthetics. The key is choosing warmer finishes over stark black metal and maintaining period-appropriate details.
What bulbs should I use in industrial kitchen lights?
LED filament bulbs for fixtures with visible bulbs (caged pendants, clear shades)—they provide authentic Edison appearance with modern efficiency. Standard LEDs for opaque shades. Choose 3000K colour temperature for kitchens—warm enough to be inviting, clear enough for food preparation. Always select dimmable bulbs for flexibility.
How do I clean industrial kitchen lighting?
Matte black powder coat: Wipe with damp cloth, avoid abrasives. Brass/copper: Soft cloth wipe-down, polish occasionally if desired (unlacquered brass develops natural patina—this is normal). Enamel: Simply wipe clean, resistant to grease and staining. All finishes benefit from regular dusting to prevent buildup.
Where should I mount Swan neck wall lights in my kitchen?
Mount 40-48 inches above worksurfaces for optimal task lighting. The forward-projecting arm directs light downward onto prep areas. Ideal positions: above counters beside cookers, over sinks, flanking ranges, or beside open shelving. Ensure fixtures don’t interfere with upper cabinet operation.
Are industrial lights suitable for small kitchens?
Yes, when properly scaled. Choose smaller pendant diameters (20-28cm), limit to 1-2 fixtures over compact islands or tables, and stick to one finish throughout to avoid overwhelming the space. Industrial fixtures’ substantial presence actually helps small kitchens feel more designed and intentional rather than cramped.
Are your lights Guaranteed?
Yes, nearly all of our lights are warrantied against defective workmanship for 5 years. A few are covered for 2 years – these will be shown on the product page.
Related Kitchen Lighting Guides
For comprehensive kitchen lighting advice covering all styles and applications:
- Swan Neck Wall Lights Guide – Detailed guide to swan neck kitchen lighting
- Kitchen Lighting Trends 2026 – Latest kitchen lighting trends including industrial styles
- Browse All Kitchen Lighting – Complete kitchen lighting collection
All our industrial kitchen lighting is manufactured to exacting UK and EU standards with proper certifications. Made to order in Ireland and Poland, ensuring quality construction and materials built for decades of reliable performance.