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Island lighting - pendants or chandelier?

12 years ago

We are in the midst of a new build and we're down to the wire on the lighting plan for the kitchen. Need some help, please!

The kitchen is 24' x 16' with an island that is 4' x 7' with a curved radius, seating for 4. Cabinets are cream, perimeter will be light/white granite and island top will be black walnut with prep sink.

Large window over the sink with transom and sconces on each side, supplemented by some recessed lights and under cab lighting. French door to porch, all glass. Breakfast area with double windows and transom where I will put a drum chandelier.

Should I go with 3 pendants or a chandelier over island? I'm all "decisioned" out, please help. Suggestions greatly appreciated.

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Comments (5)

kateskouros
12 years ago
picture please!
brianadarnell
12 years ago
Down to the wire...hehe. I second Kate's request for a photo or a rendering of the kitchen.

In my new build, which is almost done, we decided to go with 2 larger pendants over our 4 1/2 ft X 7 ft island. We had a really difficult time finding pendants that met our criteria and size needed. Our pendants ended up being about 24" tall and 14" wide (see link), and the two of them look great from afar even though our island is not yet installed. What kind of pendants are you looking for? Have you found something you like? If its time to decide, it may be easier to do a chandlier for wiring purposes. If you have the pendants in mind or ordered (and don't have to search), that makes the pendant route easier for you.
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I'm getting ready to purchase pendant lights for our kitchen island and a chandelier for our dining room (open to the kitchen). I love the lighting choices in this inspiration photo: Do you think the light fixtures complement one another? We have darker countertops than the inspiration photo; ours are blue pearl granite. Our cabinets are white shaker, and our floors are dark (50/50 jacobean and ebony mix). Will these light fixtures work as well with our kitchen, considering the darker countertops? I would think so but have a hard time envisioning. We are planning to do three mini pendants above the island instead of the two larger pendants shown in the inspiration photo. I've already sourced those lights. I'm looking for a glass (not crystal) chandelier similar to the inspiration photo and have found the following options thus far: Pottery Barn, Lighting Connection, Shades of Light, Restoration Hardware, [Houzz[(https://www.houzz.com/products/visual-comfort-george-ii-chandelier-prvw-vr~4275301). Do you know of any other glass chandelier options? I believe I've exhausted my Google capabilities. I would prefer to stay in the Pottery Barn/Lighting Connection price range ($600-$650) as opposed to spending thousands of dollars. Thank you!
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The first light you posted which is the one I looked up is small for a 9 foot x 7 foot island. It's only Canopy Diameter: 5.5" is far too small for a 9x7' island IMO... I do two large or 3 pendants at approximately 14" ea. depending if they are glass or more obstructed as in a solid metal light. You could go to 14" easily with a nice glass light. https://www.shadesoflight.com/products/reproduction-glass-cloche-pendant-largeA real beach home light... however, not a lot of light so cans necessary, more aesthetics! Good Luck!
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Hi there, What style are you thinking for your kitchen pendants? I would definitely go for minimalist style, something that isn't too big in size and elegant. Also, if you could also add a photo of your kitchen space, that would really help in order to provide you with the best advice. Here are some recommendations for your kitchen pendant lights. Please visit our website on Colville design to view our wide range of designer lightings! Filament led bulbs Mek Pendant light Alba pendant light
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I don’t know the sizes of the lighting you posted but here is a mock up showing them. It is hard to get orientation and sizing right with the photos you posted. If you could post a photo straight on to kitchen and island I can do a better job. Width and height of the pendants and beaded chandy is important.
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brianadarnell
12 years ago
oops.

Here is a link that might be useful: pendants
lavender_lass
12 years ago
Brianadarnell- Very nice pendants!

Gayled- It's difficult to say, without a picture, but normally I would think the island lighting would not be fancier than the breakfast table lighting. If you were planning to use a chandlier with the breakfast table, than a chandelier over the island would probably work. With a drum shade, pendants might be a better choice. Of course, if you're looking for the unexpected...a chandelier might work in the space...as a bit of whimsy. Can you post a picture? :)
blfenton
12 years ago
What are your ceiling heights and kitchen style? Is there a great room attached, fireplace? A chandelier to me, although I know that they come in different levels of formality, always says grand, sparkly, look-at-me sort of style.
If your kitchen space is just kitchen/eating area I would suggest not, but if it includes other spaces then maybe and if there is no other bling in the area.
I think this is one of those questions where, and this to me is a copout response, it really is up to you and what you want the space to say. Just make sure that the space can hold it visually.

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