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Need track/pendant lighting over large island, suggestions? PICS

14 years ago

I have a flat kitchen island that measures 4 feet by 9 feet. The sink is in the island. We use the countertop on either side of the sink for food prep. The other side of the island is a breakfast bar with 3 barstools, where we eat breakfast and dinner.

I have shopped exhaustively for a light fixture to go over this island and have not found one that I love. They are either too small or not bright enough or the wrong style for my house. I keep coming back to the idea of track lighting with multiple pendants shining light on the breakfast bar side of the island and the sink/workspace side of the island. I want alot of light here - the intensity and quality of task lighting, really. We would like to put a dimmer on the light so that we can turn it up when prepping food or reading a magazine on the counter and turn it down when we don't need as much light.

I've seen examples of track pendants that have a curved rail on the ceiling and some with straight tracks/rails. Most of them are more contemporary in appearance than I need.

Does anyone have any suggestions of lights to consider or photos that could provide inspiration?

For your reference, I have included photos of my kitchen. You will notice some track pendants above the island - they are a disaster. They are from Pottery Barn and broke as they were being installed and don't give off enough light. That is the fixture I'm trying to replace.

My kitchen table light fixture:

Thank you!

Try_Hard

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Comments (2)

justgotabme
14 years ago
Here's what we have. I think finding something along this idea to match the chandelier over your table would work great. That's what we did. (Pic was taken shortly after we moved in.)

I realize your island is longer than ours, but it might still work. Just make sure to check the fixture you get to see what the max watt bulbs are allowed.

~Becky {{!gwi}}
Valerie Noronha
14 years ago
I think you are referring to monorail lighting. It definitely has a more modern vibe and is not for everyone. The reason I think what you have now does not work well is that the shades are very small/narrow and you probably have lower watt bulbs in them. It looks like you have recessed lighting as well. Is that not working for you as far as lighting the sink/prep side? I can't quite tell, but the spacing may be too far apart for the size--plus it looks like you have tall ceilings and all this has an impact. Do they cast a shadow when someone is working on the prep side?

What I'd do is make a scaled drawing of your kitchen with the light fixtures and wattages and take it to a good quality lighting store that helps with lighting design and see what they recommended since you already spent money on one solution that is not working. When we remodeled our kitchen the place I ordered my lighting from did our lighting design. In many cases, their recommendations differed than my electrician's and most cases I went with their recommendations and am very happy that I did.

The kitchen forum is another source you can solicit feedback for your lighting problem.

I'd love to see something like this in there

Here is a link that might be useful: Schoolhouse pendants
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We used hanging pendants made by Roost. They only sell to wholesalers who then retail them. We bought ours locally, via our builder, from a design center so got a deal. Don't know hwat you can find in your area, but I have provided an online link below. We also used the Edison-reproduction, multi-filament bulbs they show in the pic. They are about 11 bucks each w/ shipping, but look waaaaaaay cool, esp. when dimmed, and provide all the light you need when at full power. If you go that way, order some spares. We have not had a burnout in 4 years, but we do not use them daily. Also, we did not want a track sitting across our ceiling to steal the eye away from the task lighting hanging below. Close-up of pendant: http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/details.php?classid=2575&productid=20072&defval=images_products/20072-Cylinder_det.jpg&title= Edison bulb: http://www.antiquelampsupply.com/product/3690 This isn't the greatest pic, but will give you and idea what they look like on our large island. There is seating for 3 on the right side of the L. Here is a link that might be useful: Roost retailer link
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Do you want a similar shape? How about color? I was thinking just a single shade (fabric) pendant. However, that won't play as nicely with your chandelier pendant in the dining. You could get a number of different types of pendants (urn style, mini lantern, mini chandy without shades) or just a simple glass pendant in a similar shape as your current pendants. Maybe if you give us more info on what you are going for and like.
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I'd rather have the higher lumens -- that's like the difference between a 40W and a 60W bulb, and three of the latter feels like it will be better in a kitchen.
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This is why I always have the electrician run the supply wires in the ceiling, with plenty of slack. We wait until after the drywall is done to cut the holes and use remodel boxes. People can’t visualize. Even when you draw them diagrams. Or, do an actual real completed DESIGN from the beginning, with all choices measured and specified, and SET. Instead of winging it without the ability to visualize. Design BEFORE you do any demolition or building anything. Then the boxes and lights go where they need to go with no angst.
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