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    Home » Home Remodeling » Lighting

    Published: Apr 25, 2022 · Modified: Feb 21, 2023 by Rachel

    How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Island Lighting

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    How to choose the perfect kitchen island pendant lighting based on style, size, and finish. We’re sharing all of our secrets from spatial planning to stunning, affordable options. Create your dream kitchen with these trendy kitchen pendant lighting ideas!

    Traditional Kitchen Remodel with grey floors, white granite, brown cabinets, marble backsplash, and a two-level island.

    Whether you’re shopping for a new kitchen light, installing an entryway light, or updating a bathroom vanity light, there are many factors to consider before making your purchase. Style, size, budget, and light output all play a key role, including when selecting lights over a kitchen island.

    The number of options can get overwhelming. Fortunately, I am sharing some simple guidelines I’ve used over the years to make the process of selecting the perfect kitchen island lighting easier. Read along for handy tips and answers to the most common questions, as well as stunning options for every style and budget.

    Kitchen Island Lighting FAQs

    Quick answers to the most common questions.

    How many lights do I need for my island?

    For a 15-square-foot island, you need between 535 — 750 lumens. A 60-watt bulb produces about 800 lumens. So, 60-watt bulb above your island will give you enough light, while two provides a brighter glow for tasks. Islands under six feet should have 2 pendants and islands above six feet should have at least 3 pendant fixtures, depending on the size of your fixtures.

    How far down should pendant lights hang over an island?

    The general rule of thumb is to hang pendant lights between 30-36 inches from a countertop or island. Take the height of the fixture and the height of your ceiling into consideration as well. The goal is to see across the counter without your light impeding your view.

    How big should your light be over your island?

    If you’re using your island for cooking and as a preparation area, choose a pendant light that is bright enough for your tasks. If you’re using your island exclusively as a dining and socializing area, choose ambient lighting suitable for a breakfast nook.

    Is it necessary to install pendant lights over island?

    No, but recessed lights are great options. However, if your space allows it, pendants add extra style and function to your kitchen.

    Should I match the finish on my pendant lights to my other kitchen finishes?

    You don’t need to match the finish of all other items in your kitchen. In fact, mixing metals can add balance and interest. However, try not to use more than 2 metals or finishes in a space. For example, if your appliances are stainless and knobs are black, you will most likely want to choose a chrome, stainless, or black light fixture.

    How To Space 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 countertop by how many lights you want to add +2. Then you know approximately how to space them.

    Here’s a handy guide to how to space pendant lights over an island.

    Graphic explaining how to properly measure and space pendant lighting over an island.

    But rules are made to be broken…

    During our kitchen remodel, I was determined to find the perfect light fixture to showcase our newly custom-built island.

    Our bar lights hang a bit lower at 26 inches, because the bar is already raised 7 inches from countertop height. I also gravitated toward over-sized lights, so I used two and spaced them further apart than the standard rule of thumb. Ours are 12 inches from the edge.

    The takeaway here? Design is art. While we provide basic guidelines to simplify installation, not all kitchens or fixtures are the same. At the end of the day, follow your aesthetic instinct for the most polished and practical solution.

    Kitchen remodel after photo including pendant lighting above breakfast bar.

    Quick Fixture Sizing Tips

    • Large kitchens and open concept homes can accommodate larger pendants.
    • A beautiful bar is often the focal point of the kitchen, so I opt for larger fixtures to make the lights stand out more.
    • Lights usually should reflect the size and shape of the room. For example, tall light fixtures work best in a tall room. Wider light fixtures work in a wide or long room.
    • Open style pendants block the least amount of visual space in any kitchen and work best for enclosed or small kitchens.

    Check out a few of other easy DIY projects for your kitchen here:

    • How to Paint Oak Kitchen Cabinets like a Pro
    • 10 Stylish Ideas for your Kitchen Remodel
    • Adding Trim to a Kitchen Island
    • Kitchen Makeover Reveal

    Kitchen Island Lighting Styles

    We’ve covered finish, size, and placement, but what about style? While there are a million choices out there for kitchen island pendant lighting, most can be categorized down to their shape and a few basic styles to help you search for your perfect light.

    The most common shapes:

    • Globe
    • Teardrop
    • Square
    • Bell
    • Lantern
    • Drum
    • Conical
    • Dome
    • Cylindrical – like the shape of a roll of paper towels.

    Cage Pendants

    Caged pendant lighting is a versatile choice for any sized kitchen. A cage light is any type of light that has a shade that you can see through. It’s an ideal option for small spaces or for adding a touch of glam.

    Kitchen island lighting with gold pendant lights over white farmhouse island.
    Source: @NinaWilliamsBlog

    Basketweave

    Whether you lean towards modern farmhouse or a more boho aesthetic, basketweave is flexible enough to fit into your design plan. The open style means it will work in tight spaces where pendant lighting would otherwise be considered a faux pas.

    Three neutral basket weave style pendant lights placed above kitchen island and dining area in black and white modern kitchen featuring natural elements.
    Woven Bamboo Pendant Light- Amazon

    Glass Pendant

    Glass pendant lights are crisp, modern and versatile enough to introduce into any design aesthetic. You can find these in a variety of shapes that add a noticeable punch of style without overwhelming your island or kitchen.

    Three glass pendant style light fixtures with brass hardware over white and black island in modern traditional kitchen.
    Teardrop Bubble Glass Pendant Light

    Bell Pendant

    Bell pendant lighting adds a classic element with a modern twist. The beauty of this design is found in the shape itself: a simple arc that complements traditional and modern decor styles. With many options to choose from ranging from bold colors to bright metals, you truly can’t go wrong with this classic.

    Two large brass bell style pendant lights over white island in modern farmhouse style kitchen.
    Industrial Farmhouse Style Dome

    Traditional Lantern

    Traditional lantern style pendants are a near perfect balance of geometric angles and delicate beauty. The traditional tiered canopy and glass panes are elegant without being too fussy. Faux candles are most commonly featured as the lighting element, adding a touch of rustic sensibility. Lanterns are highly structured but can also be quite whimsical, depending on the surrounding decor.

    Silver traditional lantern style pendant lamp with candle style lights centered above marbled island in country French kitchen featuring grey and white backsplash.
    Geometric Lantern Pendant

    Shaded

    Draw attention from the floor to the ceiling with a light, airy look. By allowing light to pass through, shaded pendants efficiently disperse illumination for soft ambiance throughout your space. The result is elegant simplicity. This style is versatile and can include drums or conical shaped pendants.

    Concrete shaded pendant lights hanging above white island in modern coastal style kitchen with marble backsplash.
    Wood and Concrete Shaded Pendant

    Multi-Light Pendant

    Multi-light pendants or suspensions traditionally include three or more mini pendants attached to a single canopy in a linear, circular, or rectangular formation. Think of it as a contemporary alternative to chandeliers.

    Multi-light pendant fixtures are cost effective and easier to install. Whether you’re searching for a unique geometrical concept or a traditional linear style, a multi-light pendant adds a splash of flavor to your kitchen.

    Modern kitchen with waterfall island in white granite and grey cabinets with large light fixture overhanging bar.
    Modern 6-Light Linear Pendant Fixture-Overstock

    Kitchen Island Pendant Lighting Ideas

    I’ve done some of the homework for you and rounded up a few of my favorite kitchen pendant lights. Bonus- most cost less than $200!

    Click the images in the gallery below to find their sources: (Affiliate links are provided below for convenience.)

    Did you find a new favorite? Share your fabulous lighting finds with us below. I love to see what projects readers are up to at home!

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

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    Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    More Design Ideas

    Traditional style kitchen with coastal inspired accents featuring white cabinets and countertops with a stunning blue island and rattan fixtures and bar stools.
    Best Kitchen Design Trends
    Collage of cabinet lighting ideas for how to put lights under cabinets.
    Under Cabinet Lighting
    Modern Farmhouse bathroom with white walls and black accents.
    The Best Bathroom Lighting
    Collage entryway ideas for lighting and ceiling light design with post title.
    Entryway lighting ideas

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

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    1. Skylor says

      October 19, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, I adore the stools. Do you know where you got them?

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        October 21, 2019 at 9:54 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Melissa Kolasa says

      June 05, 2019 at 8:11 pm

      5 stars
      Love the wood colored cabinets and the granite. Can you tell me anything about them? I would love to recreate this in my home.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        June 05, 2019 at 11:31 pm

        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.

        Reply

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