I’ve been designing kitchens for the last couple of years as my side hustle in addition to teaching, and I get so many questions from clients in regards to island lighting.

FAQ

How many pendants?

It really depends on two factors: the size of your island and the size of the pendants your choosing. Smaller pendants? 3 if your island is at least 6 feet long. Larger pendants? 2 if your island is at least 6 feet long.

How far apart should they be spaced and how high from the countertop?

Again, this question is really dependent upon the size of your island and would be best left up to your designer and electrician. If you go with glass pendants, they can be lower than metal pendants, as you’ll be able to see through them and they won’t block your view. However, a while back I put together a post entitled: A Guidebook to Heights & Spacing which included an awesome diagram from Rachel over at www.cravingsomecreativity.com which is a great start off point for the conversation with your designer or electrician.

A Guidebook to Measurements + Heights + Spacing

Don’t have a designer and having a hard time choosing what light is best for your island?

I decided to compile by top favorite island lighting chandeliers and pendants to help complete your kitchen look. Like any below? Just click on the number associated with the picture and you can do one stop shopping.

Classic Glass Pendants

Classic Glass Pendants pair well with any kitchen and work in kitchen design when you don’t want your lighting to be your focal point, but you still want everything to look tied together.

Pros: Subtle, Classic, & Doesn’t obstruct views of kitchen details

Cons: Hard to keep clean

Check out some of these beauties below. *Note, many of them come in different finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, gold, bronze and black. Many just show in black because that’s my favorite finish :) Also please check the size, some are smaller and would require 3 pendants on longer islands.

Linear Island Lighting

Pros: You don’t have to run through the questions of how many island pendants should you purchase and how far apart should they be spaced. Purchasing one light and having it centered on the island is an easy route to make a statement in your kitchen.

Cons: Down the road if your style changes, you’ll likely have to purchase another, different linear chandelier, as you won’t have the electrical set up in your ceiling for two pendants above.

Check out some of these beauties below. *Note: many of them come in different finishes from brushed nickel, gold, to matte black, and bronze. My recommendation would be to either match your hardware on your cabinets or match your stainless steel appliances.

Mixed Material Island Pendants

Some people want to make a statement and draw the eye to the island lighting. Purchasing a mixed material island pendant is the perfect way to do just that. For most of these pendants I would recommend purchasing (2) depending on your island size. Three might be pushing it unless you have an enormous island.

Pros: Statement making

Cons: May go out of style over time and may have to change it out sooner than the classic glass pendant look.