1. Avoid downlights for general lighting
Downlights create a shadow to the sides (ironic, I know). Picture a cone of light - narrow at the top and spreads out as it goes down. That narrow light at the top won't light the top shelves of your pantry. Notice how dark the shelves are in the image below.
Pantry with recessed downlight which is not lighting shelves
2. Downlights do work over sinks though!
Notice the two recessed downlights positioned directly over the sink in this pantry (more of a butler's kitchen, really). Downlights excel at task lighting in the right position, and over a sink they're brilliant — especially in pairs, where the overlapping beams reduce shadows. The rest of this space relies on a beautiful decorative pendant for general lighting, which also lets the tongue-and-groove ceiling shine.
Downlights DO work well over sinks
3. Long, narrow space? Use two lights instead of one
This farmhouse pantry uses two ceiling lights — a simple but highly effective approach that spreads light across the length of the space while adding a lovely decorative touch. This principle works across any design style, from rustic to minimal.
Long, narrow spaces benefit from 2 lights
4. Combining Lighting Types
This pantry is on show as a hallway, and they put a lot of thought into the lighting. They've opted for two lighting types - decorative pendants combined with LED shelf lighting. The shelf lighting does the practical work while the pendants add a charming focal point as well as ambient light.
Two types of lighting add lovely layers of light
5. Showcase shelves
If you've had a strong 'ooh, yes' reaction to this pantry lighting, it's because of a brilliant combination of factors: Shelf height — evenly spaced, so the lighting looks fluid. Shelf depth — deep enough for the light to breathe and expand. Shelf lip — hides the LED strip neatly. LED position — to the front of the shelf, not the back. LED direction — pointing towards the backsplash for indirect light. LED temperature — cool white works here because the crockery and backsplash are white. LED repetition — every shelf is lit, not every other one. Backsplash — the white finish reflects the light beautifully but without any glare.
A beautiful example of well-considered details
6. Hide Your LED lights or else ...
This one breaks my heart a little. What started as a sweet pantry with interesting shelves went sideways with the lighting. The vertical lighting is the most obvious issue — if you can't hide it, at least make it beautiful. Long, linear LED tubes with smooth, even output would have made a huge difference over the spotty short ones visible by the doors.
The undershelf lighting is also puzzling — no lip to hide it, spotty output, shining straight down (notice the shadows at the back of the shelves), and only fitted to every other shelf. And then there's the recessed downlight casting harsh shadows at the bottom. Close the door!
Avoid putting your task lighting on show
7. Avoid backlighting your pantry shelves
At first glance this looks impressive — they've clearly invested in the lighting. But look closely at the jars, especially on the top shelf. The LED strips are positioned at the back of the shelves, creating silhouettes out of what should be illuminated.
If you want to see your pantry contents, light them from the front, not the back. On a positive note, this pantry does show how effective shelf lighting alone can be — no recessed downlights needed, and the floor still has decent light.
Don't backlight your shelves if you want to see what's on them
8. Shelf lighting from the front
One of the reasons this small space feels so generous is the uplighting at the top of the unit, which visually lifts the ceiling and prevents the space from feeling cave-like — a great trick in compact pantries. The light is a touch pink for my taste, but all in all, a winner.
Put your LED strips to the front to light shelf contents
9. Front LED lighting with dark shelves
A classic, practical, and beautifully considered pantry. The LED shelf lighting works with the dark finish rather than washing it out — subtle enough to feel intentional, effective enough to illuminate the contents. No recessed downlights in sight. The wall lights on either side are a lovely touch too — very homey.
Dark shelves work with LED to the front
10. Opt for a wall light
This pantry has a real human quality to it — low-tech, unpretentious, and probably lovely in person. Built around a staircase with varying ceiling heights, it uses a pendant in the taller front section to create a welcoming feel, and a small spherical wall light at the back for soft general lighting. The opposite of an intimidating pantry.
Use a wall light when the ceiling is no-go
11. Make it a thing of beauty
Make a vignette out of your pantry by celebrating every detail. The pendant in this small but stunning space finishes it off beautifully — sending ripples of texture across the tiles, making the sink shine, and warming up the tap finish, wooden shelves, and flooring. Love.
Make a feature of the light
12. Use a traditional ceiling light
Sometimes a ceiling light is simply the best solution — especially when shelves vary in dimension and height, making LED shelf lighting too fussy, and there's no room for wall lights or a pendant. A ceiling light provides virtually shadow-free ambient lighting for a small space with lots of nooks and crannies. This one also picks up on the vernacular of the barn doors. A win.
Choose a flush mount ceiling light for all around lighting
13. Cheap but functional
Not every pantry needs to be a showpiece. This one is a workhorse, and the lighting meets the brief perfectly — bright, practical, and inexpensive. Get in, find what you need, get out. Job done.
Bright, simple ceiling light lights everything
14. Classic globe for traditional pantry
Everything about this pantry is tasteful, including the white glass globe light. Looks great switched off and when lit, provides even, glare-free ambient light. Put it on a dimmer for next level lighting design.
Everything is on display, including the light
15. Last but not least - let your light shine!
Pantries have come a long way since they were called larders. As the kitchen has become the heart of the home, the pantry has become an extension of that vital space — somewhere to be enjoyed, not hidden away. In the same way a powder room lets you go a little wild with style, a pantry can be a reflection of your personality. You'll use it every day — make it something you love, and it will love you back. (That applies to all lighting decisions, by the way!)
Let your personality shine through
For more pantry lighting inspiration — and what to avoid — visit my Pantry Lighting Pinterest board.
