skip to main content

Lighting Design Dilemma Kitchens

Island Lighting- T-shaped Island. HELP

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I'm in the middle of ordering kitchen pendants lights. My island is T-shaped (I've attached a drawing). I'm debating the size of my pendants. The pendant I like comes in a 14" and a 20" size. I keep reading, that people choose lights that are too small more often than too large. I feel like the 20" size is too much for the 8x2 section of the island, but not too large for the 4.5x4.5 square. HELP!

!!

Featured Answer

bjvan
Original Author

5 years ago

I could also do the 14" lights over the 8x2 section, and a larger 20" pendant over the eating area (4.5x4.5). But this may be too busy!?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Chisos
5 years ago
I'm not a pro and don't know any secret formula, but I would prefer the 14" size since you will have 3 of them in a confined area. I think you wouldn't want to be the post called "the lights who ate my kitchen" or whatever it was cleverly named. Just MHO.
0
Related Discussions
Lighting a T-shaped Island
Q
Comments (6)
Hello kfox1101! Just found this post from 2013! Almost 8 years later, I am in the same dilemma with a large T shaped island, steel bar joists and all. Please, let me know what you decided on lighting. I’m thinking 3 drum pendants but afraid, like you, of it being “too busy”. If I did a long rectangular , then which way to run it? And I’d still need another as it wouldn’t be enough. The kitchen door is lower left corner, the range wall is on the right and the sink wall at the top. If I used a long rectangular pendant running parallel to the range I feel it would block that focal point. Ugh! Anyone else out there have some advice? Thanks!
...See More
Island prep sink size/shape -- I just can't decide!
Q
Comments (2)
I have a similar layout, and I chose this sink: The Franke GNX11016 I, too, put mine on the corner of the island to access from both sides, with a corner placement of the faucet. I really wanted it symmetrical. I love this sink! The sink is symmetrical, with a corner drain placement, nice and deep, big enough for my largest stock pots and colanders, but not so large as to hog tons of counter or cabinet space. (Note, put tip out on the false drawer front for a handy place to hide a sponge, drain stopper, etc. This is really handy on the island where you don't want to put a bowl/holder with that stuff on the "back" of the sink . . . which works nicely on a perimeter sink.) I bought mine on Amazon (or somewhere like that) for about $350, but here is a link at AJ Madison since they have great spec details. (But terrible customer service. I bought one thing there, and I'll NEVER buy from them again!) http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/GNX11016.html Hope this helps! Also, I think your layout looks lovely! You're going to have such a great kitchen!
...See More
Lighting for L-shaped island with bar?
Q
Comments (11)
To save money and because I love my granite countertops, we're reusing them. So some things are set in stone (literally). Everything to the left of the sink can't be moved (especially the gas stove). I can rearrange what's under the countertop to the right (so I could switch the dishwasher to be closer to the sink, but when the kitchen was u-shaped, I had put the silverware drawer to the right of the sink and the dishes in the cabinet above it so I could easily put things away - whether from the sink or the dishwasher. I can still move some stuff around because the cabinet maker hasn't come yet to build the missing base cabinet (24") and the new 21" cabinet which I designed to go all the way down to the countertop (like the corner pantry next to the fridge to use as a pantry since we don't have a lot of storage space for food. The countertop on the island is only 14" deep because the bar was already in place when the countertops were installed. I could remove the bar and make the countertop all one height but it would probably leave an ugly seam and the grains would go in different directions. Everyone in the family is tall (except my MIL in her wheelchair) and there isn't that much seating, so the bar stools are/were actually used a lot
...See More
Help for pendant lights on L shaped island
Q
Comments (5)
Curious what you decided. Having the same dilemma with our planned l-shaped island. 113” long on one side, 60” on the other side of the L- whole thing is 36” wide. Looking at 8” pendants _ do we need 4 or 5. The 60” side is essentially our dining spot with stools, the longer side has sink/trash/dishwasher. We will also have 4 recessed over walkways and under cabinets lighting along 2 walls.
...See More
HU-73591374
5 years ago
I don’t have any advice but could you link the pendants? I really like them!
PRO
Lantern & Scroll
5 years ago
Hi,

We specialize in interior, and exterior lighting and would love to help you find the perfect light fixtures for your home! Our lights are USA made at a great price! Give us a call or send us an email, we are here to help!

L&S
0
miss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Is the 4.5x4.5 section going to be used as seating? If so I think the 20" light will be perfect over it, much like a chandelier over a dining table. The smaller size will be good for the longer, thinner part of the island.

I don't think you risk being too busy with it because these lights are very open and unobtrusive. The wire cage part takes up much less visual space than 20" would in a more solid style.

I would put them on different switches though so you have more versatility in their use. For example, if you are grabbing a quick snack at the table you might not need to illuminate the prep zone. And if you're prepping a meal you might not need to light up the table area.
0
Tristan Green
5 years ago
Hello bjvan - I am in the process of designing new island for my kitchen and my designer has suggested a t-shape. How do you like this design? Can you post a photo? TIA!
0

Related Stories

PENDANT LIGHTING Choose the Right Pendant Lights for Your Kitchen Island

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Get your island lighting scheme on track with tips on function, style, height and more

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Islands: Pendant Lights Done Right

How many, how big, and how high? Tips for choosing kitchen pendant lights

LATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALS How the Island Is Shaping the Kitchen of the Future

By Camilla Østergaard Pedersen

Pros weigh in on why the island is turning into the superstar of the kitchen — and where kitchen design is headed

KITCHEN DESIGN See How 1 Kitchen Looks With Different Island Lights and Stools

By Jennifer Ott Design

By swapping out the lighting and seats, you can change the look and feel of your kitchen

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Dashing Lighting for Over the Kitchen Island

By Two Story Cottage

These single-connection pendants and chandeliers will cover your island lighting needs no matter what your kitchen’s style

KITCHEN DESIGN Odd Walls Make Way for a U-Shaped Kitchen With a Big Island

American oak and glints of copper warm up the white cabinetry and open plan of this renovated English kitchen

LIGHTING How to Get Your Kitchen Island Lighting Right

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Here are some bright ideas on when to use chandeliers, pendants, track lights and more

KITCHEN ISLANDS New This Week: 5 Kitchen Island Shapes You Haven’t Thought Of

By Mitchell Parker

Going a bit abstract with your island design can get you more room for seating, eating, prep and personal style

(Kitchen) Island Light

By Becky Harris

LIGHTING Source List: 20 Pendants That Illuminate the Kitchen Island

By Annie Thornton

See the ceiling lighting fixtures that are popular on Houzz and find out where to get them

Sponsored

More Discussions

Chandelier - Schonbek or Fake?

8

How can I soften fluorescent lighting in an office that I'm renting?

5

1 large chandelier or 2 medium?

46

Need ideas for a light for our kitchen table to compliment our island

3

Recessed LED Lighting vs. Flush-Mounted LED Fixtures

3