A lot of people [including me] do 3 over a 6 foot island, so it's doable. In terms of spacing, I'd probably go with [in feet]: ---1.5---3---4.5------7.5---9---10.5--- 18 inches isn't uncommon, but works better if the lights are fairly small. We are talking 18 from center to center, not clear space in between. But the sheer number of lights might seem a little much, even a little busy. Less so if they are plain and white, more so if they are complex and colorful. Honestly, I think I'd go with 5 instead: ----2----4--------8----10---- Seems like a more manageable number, with more breathing room.

Depends. If the lights are for specific tasks, such as illuminating a work area, it should be as close to directly above the work surface as possible. An eating area does not need such direct light, so I would tend to make sure you have sufficient light on the areas where you will be working -- food prep, cooking, etc. -- and not worry too much about the eating area. If they are dim-able (which I highly recommend) I bet you find you will turn the lights up for cooking, and down for eating. On the other hand, if you don't plan to use the counter top as a work area, I'd probably center the lights on the overall structure, as I think that would look better. Don't worry about what's "generally accepted." If you like how it looks and works, it's good.

I have a 10 ft island that is placed off center and perpendicular to the pitch ceiling of my kitchen. There is a beam running the length of the ceiling at the apex. To hang 3 pendants centered over the island, one of the pendants has to be hung from the other side of the beam. Is this ok? I haven't been able to find any pictures online to help. Thanks!

Just confirming I understand: 27” from the wall is the first one, and 27” from that is the second one? Will this allow the cabinet door to clear? And then Centered on countertop including the overhang?