If you want fluorescents get the ones that take them. The bulbs that go into incandescent fixtures are ugly and have ugly light.

I disagree that the pin-type fluorescent bulbs have "uglier" light than the screw-in fluorescent bulbs. I think it is about the same. I still prefer the look of incandescent lighting, but here in California we are required to use fluorescent or other energy efficient lighting for over 50% of our total wattage in kitchens. I also feel a moral obligation to conserve where I can. If you get the "warm white" color spectrum bulbs, they are okay.

In my kitchen, I have mostIy 5" diameter can lights with 26 watts each. They take the pin-type bulbs. I would recommend them. I would definitely not go lower to the 13 watt fixtures. I do have a 5" can over the sink that uses a PAR bulb, and it puts out MUCH more light. I wasn't happy with the amount of light I got over the sink with even a 26 watt fluorescent bulb. The advantage of using 13 watt fluorescents is that you can use a 4" can, but then you will just need more of them. You trade off smaller holes for the swiss cheese look, so I don't think it is worth it.

In my office, where I am usually in a seated position, I put in 6" can lights that take screw-in fluorescents. I am happy enough with them.

There are fluorescents that dim, but they usually dim to an ugly shade. Think about whether you will want to dim your pendant lights over your island. Also, with a pin-type fixture, you only have one option of wattage to put in it.

I don't see any advantage at all for you in choosing island lights that take the pin-type fluorescent bulb. You will be paying more and limiting your options. The fluorescent bulbs do use mercury and may be replaced some day with an even better technology. I would just buy regular fixtures and put fluorescent lights in them.

i cant believe that ca has outlawed incandescent. ?Dont you guys get to vote out there anymore? This is nutso in my opinion. I hear they may outlaw plasma TV's too out there. no offense but everyone needs to relax about this stuff. Get the bulbs that make the room and you look the best and dont worry about the energy efficient part. You won't be saving money or the planet by buying 'energy efficient' bulbs. It is all a racket.

California requires the pin socket fluorescent lights--probably because the screw base fixtures would make it too easy for folks to switch back to incandescent by just swapping out bulbs.

Here are some things to consider--

CFLs need air circulation around them to keep heat from building up and reducing their life. Pendants that are popular nowadays tend to be small so there may not be enough air circulation. CFLs work best in fixtures where they are installed base down for best air circulation, a pendant will probably have the base up.

CFLs tend to be slightly wider and longer than regular light bulbs. Be sure your pendants are large enough to accommodate them.

CFLs are not recommended for high humidity situations. Over a sink there may be a lot steam from draining pasta, washing dishes etc.

One assumes that these problems would be solved in a pin type fixture that is designed for fluorescents, but I have my doubts. If you go this route, make sure the fixture you choose is rated for a high humidity situation.

Another thing to consider is relamping and repair-- if the bulb burns out can you get a replacement? What about 5 years from now? If you go with a fluorescent fixture what about replacing the ballast? If it goes out can you replace it or do you have to get a whole new fixture?

Hope this helps.

What style pendents are you getting? Mine are open at the bottom, but because the shade is fairly deep the bulb is not visible unless you are sitting on the floor (you can't even see it sitting at the island or table). I have fluorescent bulbs in there now and the only difference is they take a minute to warm up (they are the cheap ones, I should get the better ones). I turn them on when I get home and they stay on until I go to bed. The shades are cream colored, there is no difference in the light quality. I eventually plan to switch these lights out for closed schoolhouse pendents from Rejuvenation (or something similar) and will use the CFLs in those also. I have CFLs in schoolhouse lights in my mudroom and you can't tell. Once they are inside a shade like that it doesn't matter. You just have to use the bulbs that say they can be enclosed and upside down. Now, I have a CFL in a regular table lamp and there I do see a bit of adifference, but in that case the shade is gold silk and hides much of the difference. I have a CFL in there because it is on a timer so it's on 4 pm to midnight. In my walk-through pantry I have another short pendent with a milkglass shade with a CFL, no issues. The bulb lasts about 2 years and it's on 24/7 (we leave 2 CFLs on 24/7, that one and the one to the basement so the kitties don't have to go into a dark basement).

Now, I do have areas where I wouldn't use CFLs. In the two bathrooms with open light fixtures, for example. The bulb would be visible and might affect complexion appearance. I also have regular bulbs in the can lights. I almost never use them.