Uh, where do people's heads go? Or do you have high ceilings, so that the pendants can hang above head height? Remember, over the course of time there will be many different people in that kitchen. There are a lot of people these days who are 6'5", 6'6", even 6'8". And one of the places where people's vision often doesn't see things is right at the level of the top of their heads. Low-hanging light fixtures are seriously dangerous for tall people.

I have ceilings that are 7'10" with schoolhouse pendants over the sink that look great, or so I think. ;-) The key does seem to be getting the right proportion for the shade, but I certainly wouldn't let 8' ceilings stop you.

Vith, she needs (or I guess I should say 'needed') to install the pendants, not just change the bulbs. This got me thinking though ... shouldn't the overhang technically be able to hold the weight of a person? Otherwise, it seems like a hazard to me. I imagine during normal usage, somebody might lean their whole weight on it to reach across towards the sink. If that would cause it to break then it seems like a shoddy set up.

Rolled into the cost or not, you paid!!! Did he even ask how you wanted them? Did you specify?No........and unfortunately, that IS your DESIGNERS job or your job. I'l just say he knows he's wrong not to ask, but that was his sub who may know zero and have bad taste.. You can try for a reorder, and he uses them in another house. Or you can try making it the designers fault, which it rather is, unless the designer was simply writing down your selections, works for the builder, and in that case? I wish you luck.: ( Nothing will happen. Change them after the move in? Cry? I guarantee they will not go to the trouble to re wire and get chain, unless the builder is your BROTHER. You can however, find a good lamp repair to re wire, order additional chain, and do this yourself. Make them eat the take down and re install, and EVERYONE has learned a big lesson. Haven't they ? : )