How To Update Fluorescent Lighting in Kitchen

Outdated fluorescent lights, known for their harsh flicker and buzzing hum, can instantly date a kitchen. Fortunately, upgrading your kitchen lighting to modern, energy-efficient LED technology is easier than you think. You have two main routes: the simplest involves directly swapping the old tubes with "plug-and-play" LED tubes, while a complete style change requires removing the entire fixture for a sleek new LED unit or discreet recessed lights.

Regardless of your chosen method, always prioritize safety by cutting power at the breaker before you begin. Use this Rowabi guide to banish the glare and install beautiful, warm, and efficient lighting.

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• Recessed Light Fixtures: The Ultimate Guide for Choosing
• [2025 Data] How Much Does It Cost to Install Recessed Lighting

Key takeaways

• Safety First: The essential first step for any lighting project is to turn off the power to the fixture at the main electrical breaker.
• Simple Tube Swap (Type A LEDs): For the easiest upgrade, use "plug-and-play" LED tubes that work directly with the existing fluorescent ballast.
• Maximum Efficiency (Type B LEDs): For better efficiency and longevity, use "ballast-bypass" LED tubes, which require removing the old ballast and direct wiring.
• Complete Fixture Replacement: For a modern aesthetic, remove the entire fluorescent fixture and install a new ceiling light (like a flush mount) or multiple recessed lights.
• Installing Recessed Lights: This complex option involves removing the old fixture, cutting new holes, running wiring to each new location, and connecting the fixtures.
• Wiring Basics: When installing a new fixture, always connect the corresponding wires: white (neutral) to white, black (hot) to black, and green/bare copper (ground) to ground.

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How to update fluorescent lighting in the kitchen

Fluorescent lighting, once a go-to solution for its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, has fallen out of favor due to its harsh glare and limited design appeal. While it provides ample brightness, it often lacks the warmth and flexibility modern kitchens demand.

Understanding these pros and cons will help you assess your current setup and plan effectively for your lighting upgrade, ensuring the result aligns with both your functional needs and aesthetic goals. Check out our guide to choosing the right lighting fixture for your kitchen.

Assess and plan

• Functionality: Evaluate your kitchen’s lighting needs based on key activities like cooking, prepping, and dining. A well-lit kitchen ensures you can perform these tasks efficiently while creating an inviting atmosphere for family and guests.
• Design preferences: Consider whether you’re going for sleek minimalism, with clean lines and modern touches, or cozy farmhouse vibes that bring warmth and charm to your space. Your design choice will guide the lighting style and fixture selection, ensuring your kitchen feels uniquely yours.
• Budget and complexity: Determine how much you’re willing to spend, balancing cost with desired results. Decide if you’ll tackle the project yourself or hire professionals for a smoother, faster upgrade.

Source: Rowabi's customer. 

Identifying kitchen ceiling types

Understanding your kitchen ceiling type is the first step in choosing the right lighting solution. Whether it’s a flat ceiling or a fluorescent soffit, your ceiling’s structure will influence how you approach your lighting upgrade for a seamless and stylish finish.

Flat ceiling type

A flat ceiling offers a clean and versatile canvas for modern lighting solutions like recessed lights or flush mounts, providing even illumination while keeping a sleek and unobtrusive look.

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Fluorescent soffit type

Fluorescent soffit ceilings are a common feature in older kitchens but often feel outdated. Modernizing them can transform your space. Whether you choose to flatten the soffit for a clean look or leave it open with updated lighting, each option lets you tailor the design to your kitchen’s personality and function:

• Option #1 – make it flat: Flattening the soffit gives your kitchen a sleek, contemporary vibe. By removing the soffit entirely, you create a clean, open canvas perfect for modern lighting options.
• Option #2 – leave the soffit open: Retain the soffit structure and simply modernize the lighting within it. This option allows for updated fixtures without significant construction, blending functionality with the original kitchen design.

Identifying the number of recessed lights

Choosing the right number of recessed lights ensures balanced and effective illumination. By considering both general and task lighting needs, you can achieve a kitchen that is functional, well-lit, and aesthetically pleasing.

General lighting

Aim for even light distribution across the room. A good rule of thumb is one recessed light for every 4-6 square feet, ensuring uniform brightness without creating shadows or dark corners.

Task lighting

Add focused lighting over counters, islands, or sinks. Aim for one task light for every 2-3 feet of counter or island space to ensure proper illumination where you need it most.

Make sure the lighting doesn’t miss any corner. Source: Rowabi's customer. 

Layout, presentation according to the shape of the room

Good advice is: you should make sure to arrange lighting to follow the natural shape of your kitchen because it can affect the whole layout of your room as well as the lighting function, whether it’s galley, L-shaped, or open-plan. For example, place recessed lights along the length of a galley kitchen or focus on key areas in an open-plan space.

Determine the type of recessed light

One equally important thing: choose directional recessed lights for focused, targeted lighting, such as highlighting countertops or cabinets. Opt for non-directional lights if you prefer uniform illumination across the entire kitchen for a softer and more balanced ambiance.

Determine size and brightness

Lastly, match the size and lumen output of the recessed lights to the size of your kitchen. This is something you really have to pay attention to if you don't want the room turn to dark, or stuffy because the lights are too bright (oops!). For example, larger kitchens benefit from higher lumen lights and larger fixtures, while smaller spaces work best with compact lights and moderate brightness.

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How do I replace a fluorescent with a flush-mount?

Replacing a fluorescent fixture with a flush mount is a straightforward way to modernize your kitchen lighting. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can transform your space without a significant renovation.

You will need

• Screwdriver
• Wire connectors
• Flush mount light fixture
• Ladder

Instructions

Before diving in, please make sure you have prepared thoroughly and taken all safety measures carefully. Then follow the steps below:

• First, make sure the power is off at the circuit breaker to ensure a safe and shock-free start to your project.
• Carefully remove the fluorescent fixture by unscrewing it from the ceiling and disconnecting the wires, keeping track of how they’re connected.
• Carefully connect the wires from the flush mount to the existing wires using wire connectors, ensuring a secure and snug fit for safe operation.
• The last step, secure the flush mount firmly to the ceiling. Once in place, turn the power back on and admire your upgraded lighting.
  

Source: Rowabi

Replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes

Upgrading your kitchen lighting doesn’t always mean a complete overhaul. Replacing old fluorescent tubes with energy-efficient LED tubes is a quick, cost-effective option that instantly modernizes the space while improving brightness and reducing energy consumption:

• Turn off the power at the circuit breaker to ensure your safety. This simple first step is crucial before handling any electrical work.
• Remove the fluorescent tubes by carefully sliding them out of the sockets, ensuring you handle them gently to avoid any damage or breakage.
• Install the LED tubes by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions for retrofitting. This ensures proper installation and helps you enjoy an energy-efficient and brighter kitchen in no time.
• Test the lighting by turning the power back on. Take a moment to enjoy the transformation—your upgraded kitchen lighting is now ready to shine!

LED tubes can provide both warm and cool color temperature, that you can easily customize for your favorite ambiance. Source: @wirestock via Freepik: https://www.freepik.com/author/wirestock

Another option: install LED retrofit kits

LED retrofit kits offer an easy and affordable way to update fluorescent fixtures without replacing the whole unit. These energy-efficient kits come in various designs, making it simple to match your kitchen’s style while improving brightness and efficiency.

What are the styles of lighting in kitchen?

From functionality to flair, kitchen lighting comes in various styles to suit every need and aesthetic. Check out 15+ beautiful ideas for kitchen lighting, trending in 2025.  Let’s explore popular lighting options that can transform your kitchen into a well-lit, stylish space.

Recessed lighting

This is a sleek and modern option that provides even illumination by being installed directly into the ceiling, making it perfect for maintaining a clean and clutter-free aesthetic in your kitchen:

• Ambient lighting: This type of lighting ensures a soft, even glow across the entire space, creating a welcoming and functional atmosphere for everyday kitchen activities and gatherings.
• Task lighting: provides targeted illumination for key areas like counters or islands, ensuring visibility and precision for activities such as cooking and meal prep. Under-cabinet LED lights are a practical choice, offering a bright yet unobtrusive solution tailored to functional kitchen needs.
• Accent lighting: draws attention to architectural features or decor elements, such as artwork or shelving, adding depth and a layer of sophistication to your kitchen’s overall ambiance.

Source: Freepik via https://www.freepik.com/author/freepik 

Pendant lighting

This piece adds charm and functionality by hanging fixtures from the ceiling, making them ideal for creating focused light over islands, dining areas, or as stylish statement pieces in your kitchen. Check out our guide to layering lighting fixtures with pendant light to create a cozy ambiance.

• Island pendant lights: perfect for illuminating larger areas, like kitchen islands or counters, combining functionality with style. They create focused light while doubling as a design element to elevate your space.
• Mini pendant lights: ideation for smaller spaces like breakfast nooks or compact islands, offering focused light while adding a subtle decorative element to enhance the cozy charm of your kitchen.
• Statement pendant lights: they are bold fixtures that draw attention as a centerpiece, adding drama and style while providing functional light to any space.

Lotus rattan pendant lighting add a touch of luxury to your home by the handwoven shade and inviting glow. Source: Rowabi

Under cabinet lighting

It plays an impressive role in brightening workspaces, enhances visibility, and adds a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen. It's perfect for illuminating counters while keeping light sources discreet and out of sight:

• LED strip lights: they are sleek, versatile, and easy to install, making them ideal for task lighting under cabinets. They provide a continuous, even glow that enhances workspace visibility and adds a modern touch.
• Puck lights: small, circular lights that provide focused lighting under cabinets, perfect for illuminating specific areas while adding a modern and stylish touch to your kitchen design.

Source: Freepik via https://www.freepik.com/author/freepik

Faqs

How to modernize fluorescent light fixtures?

• Replace them with LED tubes, install flush mounts, or use retrofit kits for an updated and energy-efficient solution. For added style, consider adding recessed or pendant lighting to elevate the space.

What can I replace my kitchen fluorescent light with?

• If you're willing to redo the ceiling, you could get recessed can lights and install LED bulbs, or you could install modern look-alikes: canless LEDs, which are recessed but don't have replaceable bulbs and are therefore much more compact, or round flush-mounted LEDs, which extend about an inch down from the ceiling

What are my options if I hate the fluorescent lights in my kitchen?

• You can do a couple of things, get a cover for the light (they sell them at school supply stores or Staples, they are magnetic and will diffuse the light) , change the wattage of the bulbs, or get under cabinet lights (hop on Amazon, there are some cheap options!).

How to change a fluorescent kitchen light?

• Turn off the power: always start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker to avoid any electrical hazards.
• Remove the cover: if your fluorescent fixture has a cover, carefully remove it by either unclipping or sliding it out.
• Take out the tubes: gently twist or slide the fluorescent tubes out of the sockets. Dispose of them properly, as fluorescent tubes contain mercury.
• Remove the Fixture (If Needed): If you’re replacing the entire fixture, unscrew it from the ceiling and disconnect the wires. Take note of how the wires are connected for easier reinstallation.
• Install the new fixture or tubes
  • For a new fixture, connect the wires as per the manufacturer’s instructions using wire connectors, then secure the fixture to the ceiling.
  • For just replacing tubes, insert new fluorescent or LED tubes into the sockets as per instructions.
• Test the light: turn the power back on and test your new light. If using LED tubes, ensure you’ve installed them correctly for proper illumination.

Conclusion

Updating fluorescent lighting in the kitchen is easier than you think. From swapping out tubes to exploring LED retrofit kits or recessed lighting, there are plenty of stylish, efficient options to choose from. Remember, Rowabi is here to guide you through every step of your kitchen light replacement journey. Your kitchen deserves the glow-up!