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How many lights over island 3x5 island?

13 years ago

We are getting ready to start our mini remodel on our kitchen, and I'm already stuck on how many lights to put over our island.

The island is 3x5 and will have a 30" cooktop (not centered). There is no seating at the island.

This is the light I want to use

It is 12" in diameter. Do you think three lights will be too much? We have four can lights and a light over the kitchen table (which is 5' from the island). I know it comes in a smaller size, but it doesn't have the same look as the medium and large size.

If I just do two lights, should I center one over the range and then install the other one an equal distance from the end of the counter? Hope that makes sense.

Oh....and one more question. If we go with the old bronze color on the lights, do the sink faucet and cabinet hardware have to be bronze too??

Thanks for any input!!

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Comments (6)

sparklekitty
13 years ago
I think two 12" lights would be good, 3 sounds like too many if they are 12" in diameter but I am not a fan of many large lights unless the space is very large. I had some luck with hanging balloons in my space to see how the lights would work - spacing and how far to drop.

I think the location should be based on how you want them to function - if you want one over your burners for light, then you can balance the other one to be in the same "position" from the other end (I think that is what you meant.)

I do not think your hadware has to match, but I have three different hardware finishes in my kitchen :) I think it just based on your taste.
chrisa62401
13 years ago
I just ordered 3 of the exact same lights for over our 9' island. I think 2 will be good for yours.
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Kiwi, the last one you linked IMHO, is one that solves many of the problems yet for me it is out of bounds for budget. I initially was not going for the silver/chrome family as I wanted some contrast, but I finally bought a chandy that I need to coordinate with. Going back to what BeesNeeds said, so many factors have to be taken into account. It is a very frustrating process, especially if you forget to take scrupulous notes while searching and have a strict checklist of what you need. I initially look at bulb type and will only consider LED or LED adaptable, then diameter, max wattage, whether there is a reflective material for the interior, whether it is opaque with some transparency and/or upward openings, and if there is a diffuser. My island is black walnut and sucks up light so it is imperative I get this right. I chose a cluster of clear globes for over the dining table so that dictates that I need to continue with a globe shape or similar. Though they are glass, there are chrome embellishments. I've wanted glass pendants but the light will be ambient unless there is an interior fitting to reflect some of the light down. Most that I have found are very small or if the size is close they are very expensive. What style and color family are you looking for? I think there are many of us that are having a difficult time with lighting and hope others chime in. I believe I have read every GW thread regarding lighting and have learned a lot, but maybe we should start a thread asking for examples of excellent pendant lighting.
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formerlyflorantha
13 years ago
I think lighting is more about light than about looks.

On my peninsula, I will clean and pare vegetables and read the newspaper. I'm going to have two 100 watt incandescent hanging fixtures on a single dimmer. Additionally, there will be a ceiling fixture behind the peninsula on each side of it for general lighting. I feel I will need all this at times.

Will you only be cooking at a stovetop or will you be also doing other things? Are there other lights nearby? How many watts is this pendant?

Go find a pair of lights somewhere that have that wattage and the right hang distance and ask yourself, "Is this sufficient light?" Determining this is cheaper and easier now than it will be after you buy and install.
countrydi
13 years ago
What light is that? Brand or source? I've seen similar chrome, but not that finish option.
Thanks!
plllog
13 years ago
I agree on the two.

I have a custom fixture over my similar sized island that has both down light and bounce light, that lights up the whole kitchen. So my question to you is are you getting enough general light elsewhere? (Cans or something?)
onedog3cats
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone. I'm thinking two is the number! I'm not a fan of even numbers, but I think in this case it makes sense.

Love the balloon idea...may have to try that!

This light is 100w max (I can't remember the CFL conversion). We have four cans in the kitchen, a can over the sink and a light over the kitchen table. We will prep and cook at the island. No seating at the island. So I think two will be enough light.

Countrydi....the light is Kichler 2665. I've linked the lightingdirect site below.

We are just doing a mini remodel (counters, floor, sink, wall ovens, cooktop and lighting). I can't imagine making all of the decisions that go into a complete remodel!!

Thanks again everyone :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Kichler 2665

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