skip to main content

Guidelines for a light over the kitchen sink?

16 years ago

Hello all:

I'm "visiting" from the kitchens forum. I am having a horrible time deciding on what kind of lighting I should place over my kitchen sink.

The sink I have is an IKEA Double Domsjo: a white farm apron double bowl sink. It's in front of a window, which is 4 wide and 4'9" tall, with a 12" deep sill. I really want a pendant, and since it's a large sink and a large window I feel like it should be a pretty good size. My electrician told it should hang about 17 inches from the ceiling.

Some pieces, like mini pendants, look too small. Others, like schoolhouse fixtures, I am afraid will be too large. This piece is supposed to be both decorative and functional. Is there a guideline for how wide or large a fixture should be for a space? My DH wonders if we could use a 2 light fixture, but I worry that will look awkward, and will light the wrong areas. Does anyone have any advice to share?

Thanks in advance,

Emmie

Featured Answer

ilitem

16 years ago

I don't know what you are looking out over but you could also use a recessed light if possible. This would not obstruct the view out of the window. The other question is how high is the ceiling. In my case, a pendant hanging 17" from the 8' ceiling would be in my way over the sink.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

emmie9999
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks! The ceilings are 8', or just under by an inch. We had it wired for a pendant or ceiling fixture because we have so many recessed fixtures already. I want to have one light that hangs. It serves a purpose for lighting, but also acrts a little like jewely, adding a little something.

17" is the lowest the electrician suggesteed we go in that spot. I might look at flush mounted fixtures as well, though. You make a very good point that it might be too low, and I don't want to be whacking my head. I found a lovely looking piece which is about 9" in diameter: enough to be visible, but it won't block the window.

Any other thoughts on the subject?

Thanks again,
Emmie
Related Discussions
light over kitchen sink
Q
Comments (10)
This is one of those things I never gave any thought to. My saved kitchen inspiration photos all have different styles. I suppose I'll need to go through more pics to figure this out. Fun2be - I did think about a can light as it seemed like a simple solution, but I don't have any other can lighting and don't want to start adding a bunch (I'll have to make more decisions where to put them, lol). This project has already morphed into something bigger than I planned, IYKWIM. Would one can light, or two smaller, look strange above the sink if they were the only ones? Oakely - I need to look up the placement guidelines for lighting above the sink. I'm finding out there are some pendant styles I don't care for and other styles that just won't look right in my house. I also need to take my other lighting into consideration. I've been thinking of changing those out too, but can't justify it. I don't think that's going to happen unless I stumble upon something second hand I fall in love with. Ah, decisions! Annie - Thanks for posting those photos! Looks good!
...See More
Wall light or bar light over kitchen sink??
Q
Comments (1)
I think I agree with you. I wouldn't want a wall light or a bar light either. Trailrunner has a wall light over her sink, but she is doing a very specific look, an 1890s kitchen
...See More
Using vanity lights over a kitchen sink with cabinets above it
Q
Comments (5)
'Vanity' lights just means that the finish will hold up in high humidity locations. Use a vanity light anywhere you please but don't use non-vanity lights in a bathroom or other high humidity locations. You are right to be concerned about the glare from clear shades. I would steer clear of them.
...See More
Need suggestions for kitchen lighting over off center sink
Q
Comments (6)
I have three windows over my sink in my kitchen which was remodeled 15 years ago. The sink is NOT centered on the middle one. We recessed all the lights above that counter. You might try to arrange the recessed lights so that at least one is located right above your sink. I would not draw any more attention to the asymmetry of your sink location by installing a pendant over the sink. (I had to go and look at where the recessed lights were located above my sink and they appear to be located on either side of the double sink.)
...See More
Jon1270
16 years ago
When you say it's a 12" deep sill, do you mean one of those greenhouse bay windows or something similar? If you have more than the standard 24" cabinet depth to work with, you might be able to hand the pendant far enough from the counter edge that it wouldn't be right there in your face.

Four feet wide is a largeish area. You may not want to rely on the pendant as the primary light source, because a pendant bright enough to light that area might be blinding and/or comfortably warm to have so close to your face. You could let it be primarily decorative, and supplement the light with a couple of small cans.
emmie9999
Original Author
16 years ago
Jon:

Sorry, I lost track of this thread! It is similar to a greenhouse window. Basically, they took a casement window that is 4'9" by 4" and installed it in a boxed in area...I'm sure I am explaining badly, but it's like a garden window 12" deep with ONLY the front window, and not the side lights.

I have cans on either side of the area, so I can use a smaller wattage fixture for this piece. However, I'm sure it will help cast some light on the sink area when I am washing dishes and such.
0
wodka
16 years ago
We are building a new house (after Katrina) and today we met with the lighting folks to pick out fixtures. It took a long time, but I'm very happy with our selection. We also have a big kitchen window over the kitchen sink and I chose a Minka Lavery mini-chandelier. We have 3 mini-pendants over the island and I wanted something different for the sink area. It was not expensive and will create a beautiful glow.
0
victoriandream
16 years ago
We have a similar situation and will be hanging a pendant in the center of our window area. What is the recommendation for how far away from the wall it should hang?
cookie8
16 years ago
I put up a pendant light over my sink and love it. It is def. lower than 17", my husband is 6'2" and has adjusted fine with it! He does most of the dishes but I have more decorating say in the home. They are cute ornamental ones which everyone comments on how nice they are. Can't wait until the kids are older and one grabs one another grabs another and smash. It's gonna happen I'm sure, at least I'll get a good 5-10 yrs out of them - the lights, not the kids.
0

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Making Over a Rental for About $1,500

By Becky Harris

Fresh paint, new hardware, added storage, rugs and unexpected touches breathe new life into a Los Angeles apartment’s kitchen

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Dashing Lighting for Over the Kitchen Island

By Two Story Cottage

These single-connection pendants and chandeliers will cover your island lighting needs no matter what your kitchen’s style

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Taking Over a Hallway to Add Needed Space

By Becky Harris

A renovated kitchen’s functional new design is light, bright and full of industrial elements the homeowners love

KITCHEN CABINETS Colorful Ways to Make Over Your Kitchen Cabinetry

By Twinkle and Whistle

Try these inspiring color updates to spice up your kitchen a little — or a lot

KITCHEN DESIGN Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Do you love perfection or patina? Here's how to see if marble's right for you

REMODELING GUIDES From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget

By Erin Carlyle

We asked kitchen designers to tell us the most common budget-busters they see

KITCHEN DESIGN So Over Stainless in the Kitchen? 14 Reasons to Give In to Color

By Becky Harris

Colorful kitchen appliances are popular again, and now you've got more choices than ever. Which would you choose?

KITCHEN STORAGE Move Over, Soup Cans — the Kitchen Appliances Are Here

By Tiffany Carboni

Design a pantry with room for mixers, coffeemakers and more, for less countertop clutter and handy access

LIGHTING Hang the Perfect Light Over Your Holiday Table

By Love Your Room LLC

Make everything look better with the right chandelier or pendant light for your dining room

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Award-Winning Kitchens from KBIS 2013 to Drool Over

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

See top-rated designs from this year's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and get details about the designers' visions

Sponsored

Rodriguez Construction Company

1 Review

Industry Leading Home Builders in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Lighting over double vanities with two mirrors.

2

Need ideas for a light for our kitchen table to compliment our island

3

Vanity light in small bathroom too much - yes or no?

28

Recessed LED Lighting vs. Flush-Mounted LED Fixtures

3

living area ceiling fan

8