For several months, I have been filling virtual shopping carts full of lovely pendant lights only to have so much trouble narrowing it down. That seems to be a theme when shopping because I love great kitchen accessories like beautiful bar stools, night stands for small bedrooms, and vanity lighting ideas that I put together. Just so many beautiful options, but I was on the hunt for something very specific in size.
Of course, I finally did find the perfect size and shape (on sale!) and I knew that they were THE pendants. They look soooo gooooood!
But if you are thinking about adding some new pendant lights over a kitchen island that are not super expensive, I thought you might like to see a few options that I have found. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite pendant lights for under $150 in case you’ve needed some direction with new lighting in your house too. There are so many the coordinate deliriously with a variety of home styles but all are gorgeous!
How To Space Pendant Lights Over A Kitchen Island
There are a few basic design rules to spacing pendant lights. First, they should be around 30-32 inches off the top of the bar. Lights should be placed about 12-18 inches from the edge (go at least 6 inches minimum).
How to space the lights depends on how many lights you have. To make a basic guideline, divide the length of your counter top by how many lights you want to add +2. Then you know approximately how to space them.
Here is a handy guide to how to space pendant lights over an island.
But I’m such a rebel (ha!)…
Our bar lights hang a bit lower, 26 inches, because the bar is already raised 7 inches from counter top height. I also gravitated toward over-sized lights so I used two and spaced them further apart than one usually would. They are 12 inches from the edge.
So if you’ve been on the hunt for some pendant lights that aren’t outrageously priced, I have rounded up my favorites below $150. Just click the images in the gallery below to find their sources: (Affiliate links are provided below for convenience.)
Do you have a favorite? It was a really tough choice for us, but I think we made the right one for our budget and style.
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Skylor says
Hi, I adore the stools. Do you know where you got them?
Rachel says
Hi Skylor! Thank you, they are really comfortable! Here is a link to the barstools we purchased which are bar height but there is also counter height. Actually, I put a list together of the best bar stools in both heights here.
Melissa Kolasa says
Love the wood colored cabinets and the granite. Can you tell me anything about them? I would love to recreate this in my home.
Rachel says
Thank you for such a sweet comment, I am so flattered! Most of the info about our kitchen remodel is in the kitchen reveal post. The cabinets are original, so unfortunately I don’t have information on the color, but they are made by Kraftmaid. The countertops were purchased through Lowe’s and I believe the color was called Blanco Gabrielle. I actually wanted solid surface, but this was more affordable had a similar look.