there is no min for celing height for pendents.....i'd stick to the low volatge pendents they look much better also hang on a thin coax cable as compared to a thick rod or thick wire....check out some of the applacation shots at lbl lighting web site and tech lighting web site.....pm with any questions i'm a lighting designer so can help out.....remember that pendents hang about 2.5 ft off a counter top....just above eye level.

Thought I would update the thread I started when I was trying to figure out what type of light to get for above the island with an 8 foot ceiling. Well here are some pics. We chose a pendant light we found (Juno onyx) at Design Expo. With our GC's help we got a flat ceiling mount/transformer (the one at the store was more conical) We wanted something with a low profile, because of the 8 ft ceiling. We love it. Thanks to all of you for your invaluable help. Here are some close up pics of the lights.

Hi Michelle, This thread has had no action in two years; it is unlikely you will get an answer this way. Although only two days old, your comment is already 5 pages back, because there is so much posting here. The best thing is to begin a new thread asking about the size you are considering. Be sure to give more details, the size and layout of the kitchen, etc. so the good people who answer will already have that info and be able to answer more quickly and accurately instead of having to ask you (which will add to the time for you to get answers) or say 'it depends; give us more information.' The other reason to begin a new thread is that the current one asks about the size of the island lights. I think you are asking about the practicality of the size of island itself you are considering. Anyone searching for a thread on your topic would not find it easily because it is a different topic than the original one. A new thread would allow you to get answers tailored to your question and situation. That would be most helpful for you when trying to make decisions. It would also help others who want to know! I hope that makes some sense.

Hi S, You're ahead of most that post questions - you hired an architect and the plans are professional. How refreshing! That said you have not posted the reflected ceiling plan to see how the vaulted ceiling is in relationship to the kitchen. Also you should post some images of that area to additionally fully grasp the existing condition. I come from a 4 year degree in interior design with a minor in architecture, as well as years, of experience with construction in all areas of design. Yours is an architectural/interior design question not a decorator question. The plans you posted are easy to read BTW. Also sometimes an existing condition can be a pain that impacts the plan to not be 100% ideal but other times it can create an unexpected opportunity that is unique and actually offers an interesting/great result that would not have happened in new construction. But without the full picture no one can truthfully call it.