We've long believed that the right light fixture can be like jewelry for your home—a glamorous finishing touch that makes every other detail come together in perfect harmony. But even we can admit that kitchens often get the short end of the stick. While formal dining rooms get dramatic chandeliers and even powder rooms enjoy more than their fair share of fun sconces, kitchens rarely get the first-class treatment when it comes to lighting.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Whether you want an eye-catching centerpiece or just need a little extra task lighting that's aesthetically pleasing, focusing on the lighting in your kitchen can do a lot. From modern sculptural designs to vintage-inspired chandeliers to understated accents, we rounded up our favorite scene-stealing light fixtures that might make the kitchen your favorite room of the house.

Click through for our favorite kitchen lighting ideas, and soon you'll see your prep space in a new light. (Sorry, we had to do it.)

01 Add a Rustic Touch

This clean and cohesive kitchen is what we'd call "new traditional", but we love the subtle nods to more rustic elements—seen here in the unique light fixture, bar stools, and accessories. These small touches add another layer of character to this charming space. The metallic accents on the light fixture help tie the whole look together.

02 Opt for Something Natural

Boho-Chic Jute Ambience Pendant Light - Elegant Relaxed Jute String Design, Boho-chic and Contract Grade - Ideal for Hanging Lights for Bedroom, Island Kitchen Lights, and Pendant Lights for Living Room

While we'd obviously never pass up a great brass, copper, or oiled bronze light fixture, a rattan or woven jute option can be a great way to bring the outdoors in—especially if you're leaning toward a Scandi decorating scheme with lots of cane and light wood tones.

This sculptural pendant lands somewhere between Japanese-inspired and subtly Nordic—in other words, it's high-design and statement-making while remaining understated.

03 Add a Lantern

Modern Industrial Forged-Iron Pendant Light - Adjustable Height Hanging Light Fixtures, Suitable for Dining Room And Living Room

Opposites attract—which may account for why we're so smitten with these vintage-style lantern lights in this muted, contemporary space. Their oversized scale and light-catching brass accents make them the centerpiece of the kitchen and reference the historic elements elsewhere in this home.

04 Keep It Simple

Industrial Pendant Light Over Kitchen Island, Adjustable Hanging Light Fixture with Conical Lampshade, Modern Ceiling Lighting for Dining Room, Bathroom, Restaurant, Bar

A transformative kitchen lighting design doesn't have to be overly bold. Here, two simple  pendants maintain the subtle, minimalist look of the rest of the kitchen while still acting as a focal point.

05 Opt for Mini Pendants

Sometimes the best lighting ideas are the most out-of-the-box choices. Instead of going for traditional recessed lighting or a pendant over the kitchen island, consider hanging a handful of mini pendants throughout the center of your prep space for a fun, playful lighting idea.

06 Go For Something Contemporary

Less is not more when it comes to eye-catching chandeliers. This multi-bulb fixture is perfect for creating a contemporary focal point in your open-concept kitchen/dining room and helps to delineate the space.

If you don't have a dedicated dining room, a statement fixture is a great way to carve out a more formal look and feel in the room.

07 Add a Little Playfulness

Crystal Fluted Finial Pendant with Tumbled Brass Finish - Hand-Blown Cut Crystal Clear Glass Shade with Fluted Effect and Finial Details for Living Room, Bedroom

Here, a pendant light with an oversized glass shade offers a fun touch to the otherwise traditional kitchen. The clear glass shade is subtle enough to provide just enough personality without clashing with the rest of the space.

08 Embrace the Beach

Whether or not you are close to the beach, you can still incorporate a nautical decor look in your kitchen through the use of lighting. Look for pendant lights made of driftwood or shell details to add a beachy vibe to your prep space.

09 Pick Clear Shades

If you want the lighting (and not the fixture) to steal the show, pick a shade that is understated and almost blends in with the rest of the kitchen. A clear glass cover allows the bulb to be the focus so you can pick a warm light such as an Edison bulb to fill the space with a glow.

10 Add Light Over the Sink

If your sink is on the kitchen island, consider placing your hanging pendant directly above it to frame the space. Not only does this provide task lighting, but it also helps to center your kitchen add scale against the appliances.