This year, I've made it my mission to elevate my kitchen. I want it to feel warm and welcoming, but also to be as chic as it is functional. Which, let's be honest, isn't always the easiest thing to do in your cooking space.
But interior designer Nate Berkus' latest Instagram post couldn't have come at a better time. I've always loved his kitchen – it nails that blend of stylish and functional while feeling like a truly timeless and sophisticated space.
And his solution? Kitchen countertop lighting – a simple, affordable, and (as he describes it) unconventional way to introduce a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere to your space.
And with the right pieces, you can create a beautifully sculptural statement. Here's why Nate loves to adorn his counters with table lamps, and the best designs that will feel right at home in your kitchen.
'One of the things that I also talk about in Foundations, my new book, is how to style different areas in the home, including countertops and unexpected places to use things that you may not have thought of using them,' says Nate via Instagram.
We often think of table lamps as an accessory to add to living rooms or bedrooms, but they can be oh so effective as part of a kitchen lighting scheme, not just from a decorative perspective, but from a practical one, too. For Nate, it's counter lamps that make the difference.
'There's always a lot of plugs, and I really like having a secondary source of light, something that's charming, something that stays on when you first wake up in the morning, something that you have on when you come home at the end of a long day, or come downstairs to et waster in the middle of the night,' he explains.
It's also a feature that can take kitchens from being this purely utilitarian room, inviting a more relaxed, social atmosphere that feels cozier and more intimate. One or two lamps on your kitchen countertops will instantly invite a sense of warmth and symbolize that this is more than just a cooking space. It's somewhere to enjoy and relax, too.
'I love the fact that a kitchen doesn't need just overhead lighting, but something really cool and concentrated on the countertop as a source of light, and a little architecture, like these vintage pyramid stone lamps, is what it's about.'
The counter lamps you choose will depend entirely on your space and style. If you want a lamp on your counter beneath a wall cabinet, consider the height you have to play with. You will probably need something a bit shorter so it looks proportionate.
Or, if you're introducing a counter lamp on either side of your cooktop, something with a bit of height can create visual interest, or something sculptural, like the vintage lights Nate has in his kitchen, creates more of a design statement.
Shop kitchen countertop lamps
This brass design with a white pleated shade is an utterly timeless design. But it's not just stylish – the cordless design is perfect if you don't have enough plugs, or simply don't want cables winding round your counters. It also makes it easy to move around your space, depending on the area of the kitchen you are using.
If you want a counter lamp that brings warmth and texture, this design is a great choice. It's offered in four colors, but I love the beige, not only for its richness, but because it has the look of wood, which taps into one of this year's biggest kitchen trends. This design would fit perfectly with most kitchen colors.
A counter lamp is a fun way to bring in a pop of color, and this crimson design is sure to make a bold statement. It's a playful take on the classic bobbin furniture, bringing in a new form to your kitchen. This design is also available in pink, yellow, beige, and a light denim blue, so there's a color for every style.
Got a marble theme running through your kitchen? Why not continue the thread with this lamp, a classic shape with a tall marble base and a soft white shade. It's also available in travertine and black marble if those materials and colors better suit your scheme. This design is simple yet oh-so sophisticated.
I love how unique this counter lamp is. After its larger predecessor went viral, this more compact size is just as stylish, just smaller! Its curvaceous form is perfect if you want something a bit more sculptural, and its small size is perfect for kitchen counters. Plus, the neutral colorway makes it perfect for schemes of every style.
This lamp is a personal favorite – I love the way the dark wood base contrasts with the lighter, softer tones of the shade. This design is great for bringing in a new texture to your kitchen, with the unique shape and transitional design. I love this for illuminating a coffee station or on a breakfast bar for a cozy vibe.
So, if you're wondering should you add lamps to your kitchen, the answer is absolutely! There are so many beautiful and timeless ways to refresh your kitchen with lighting, and counter lamps are an accessible and affordable option. But as Nate proves, it can also be incredibly chic – it's simply a case of finding the right designs and choosing the right placement in your kitchen.
