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Kitchens Lighting Design Dilemma

kitchen island SINGLE pendant sizing

4 years ago

I’ve read through lots of threads on Houzz for pendant sizing, but can’t really find one that addresses sizing a single pendant for an island.

My island is 7’10 long and I think x42” (Can’t remember exact width dimension but it’s 24” of cabinets underneath and I asked for 18” of overhang). Ceilings are 9’. I’d like to do the visual comfort Darlana or similar. Darlana Sizes are 40” or 54” long (24” high/18” wide). See first pic. There is a similar one I like that better that is only 39” long (second pic). Can someone give me good guidelines for how to size a single (oversize) pendant?

I fear 39” (which is the one that is my favorite) might be too short (and 54” perhaps too long?).

Featured Answer

cubby14

4 years ago

I'm no designer but I think the 54" size would be better.

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Comments (8)

Kim
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi - just looking for quick input - I didn't realize it but I must decide one big pendant versus two smaller pendants by tomorrow! Anyone have advice on how to size one large pendant for an island?
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It all depends on how many pendants you want to have. for a 90" island you probably want 3-5 pendants. An odd number of pendants over an island works best. Let's say in your case the island is 90" and you want to have 3 pendants- 10" diameter each. Combined all diameter will be 30"... 90"-30"=60" 3 pendants+1 =4 (number of spaces in between the lights and ends of the island. Now take 60/4=15" that will give you the distance between each light. This is just an example: Layout How it will look in reality. You can go with 3-12" pendants and reduce space in between, or put smaller pendants over the overhang area if you have it and add a few recessed lights over the main area, or you can put 2 larger pendants but that would be more like mini chandeliers, over the entire area. There is a few ways this can be done depends on the look you want to have. Good luck
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I agree, if you can install for a 3rd light, I think those sizes would work. If you have only 2 sockets, then I would do a pendent that is about 21 to 24" like below, with about a 30" space between. Good luck!
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Your island is long so I'd suggest 3 pendants about 18-20" in diameter. Lots of people on the board suggest blowing a balloon to the size you want and hanging from the ceiling to see what you think of the size.
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What kind of bulb is that ? It looks like Edison type light which BTW IMO is horrible everywhere and for sure to light an island . Post a pic in a comment here of your kitchen that is how you get help. I like the looks of the fixture but IMO an LED 4000K bulb is a must. But I need to see your space .
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megs1030
4 years ago
I would do the Darlana that is 54". Your island is 94 inches long. You want clearance on either end so that no one bangs their head. You'll have 20 inches on each end, so you should be fine. I agree, the 39 (and the 40) will be too short.
Kim thanked megs1030
Kim
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for the input - much appreciated!!
tsjmjh
4 years ago
No comment on size, just a quick question about how much light you will get from candelabra bulbs. Will it be enough?
Kim
Original Author
4 years ago
Good question! I did think about that. The kitchen has a double window on the working side of the Island and a triple (just about as wide as the Island) on the non-working side (about 10' away) and is open to the family room, which has additional sources of light. I was thinking that would be ok, although I do understand it would be different at night. I'm open to criticism on that point if you think I'll regret it....
tsjmjh
4 years ago
I try my best to never criticize, lol. Just that my experience with candelabra bulbs has always been "not enough light" but I don't know what wattage that fixture can use and how often you will have it on.
Kim thanked tsjmjh
Design Girl
4 years ago
My island is 8 1/2 feet long and my one pendant measures 50 inches wide. I would think the 54 would be fine.
Kim thanked Design Girl

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