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Lighting Design Dilemma Kitchens

How many lights should go above my kitchen island?

last year

My island is going to be 48" x 96" and the pendant lights are 18 inches in diameter. Do I need 2 or 3 lights? It seems that two is not enough but three may be to much. An insight to this dilemma would be appreciated. I've included an image of the light.

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Comments (7)

Maria Friedli
Original Author
last year
Thank you, Maggie May. It's something to keep in mind.
HU-187528210
last year
I think if you pick a smaller light fixture it will look better with three.
These are very large.
And seem more like bedroom lights… 💗
What about one of these?
https://www.crateandbarrel.com/maddox-white-dome-pendant-large-with-brass-socket/s313135
https://www.overstock.com/Lighting-Ceiling-Fans/Chandeliers/29878/cat.html
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/KICHLER-Merriam-8-in-1-Light-Classic-Gold-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Pendant-Hanging-Light-82367/314569558?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D27-Multi-MB-KICHLER-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK597961800-NA-BT3-4044-NA-NA-NA&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D27-Multi-MB-KICHLER-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK597961800-NA-BT3-4044-NA-NA-NA-71700000101159075-58700008089988825-92700073545079508&gbraid=0AAAAADq61Uf3exlDsCL_Gj_1an2UML4UN&gbraid=0AAAAADq61Uf3exlDsCL_Gj_1an2UML4UN&gclid=CjwKCAjwzY2bBhB6EiwAPpUpZtGnzHOa2nijUEYTFLlADebKRLOreRKWU3FwOHRIL34oRTp4qhASexoC6KIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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Breezy is right. If you choose a pendant on the smaller side, three will work. I chose two pendants for my 4.5X 7 ft long island because I chose a larger pendant. I also have can lighting around the kitchen but wanted something that could provide some soft light on my island. My pendants each have four bulbs in them. Is your can lighting directly over the island or around it? If its just around, I think you will still want a pendant that can hold its own and provide adequate light.
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Thank you all for your input! I drew it on paper and the lights look too close together using the 1/3 rule (28" from edge), and they look too far apart centering them on the sides of the sink (13.5" from edge). So, I've decided to split the difference and center them 21" from the ends. This gives 24" between the pendants in the center of the island, and 12" from the edge of the island to the pendant. Even with hubby being 6'5", I don't think he'll hit his head. I drew it out (side view and top view below). Please let me know if there are any fatal flaws in this plan! p.s., our ceilings are 9', so I can easily have the bottom of the pendants 36" from the top of the island - thanks for the tip Jan!
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There is no rule as to how many pendants you should have . I would suggest first finding the pendant that you like and then decide depending on the pendant chosen. Question is why do you think you need brass lamps ? What is the overall design of your home ? J Design Group - Miami Interior Designers 225 Malaga Ave Coral Gables, FL 33134 Ph: 305-444-4611 https://www.JDesignGroup.com
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Hi Lizzie, The bottom of the pendant should be at least 75-90cm / 30” from the surface of the island. Pendant lights should be hung around 72” from the floor to the base of the light fixture. Good proportion practice should be exercised when hanging lights over a kitchen island, with equal space left between each pendant. Approximately 75cm (this depends on the diameter width). Smaller diameters can support a smaller gap between each fitting. To help give a visual reference before installing the fixture, a clever trick is to hang balloons roughly around the size as the pendants, this will help visualize the space more accurately and help determine is the light will look right. https://www.mullanlighting.com/blog/correct-height-hang-pendant-lights-chandeliers/ I hope it works out for you! Your friends at Mullan Lighting.
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Maria Friedli
Original Author
last year
I love the light fixture from Crate and Barrel and had several picked out that resemble that one. However, I really want something open but not the traditional lantern type. The white metal shade also comes in a really nice brass, which I am leaning toward. It's just a really awkward size I think for an 8-foot island. Thanks for your input!
nicoletouk
last year
How high is your ceiling?
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
Honestly these are a terrible choice for a kitchen, no light, massive shadows and dust collectors. Your ceiling height is important here as well. as to spacing find center 4ft and then divide again, so every 2 feet.
Maria Friedli
Original Author
last year
My ceiling is 9 feet. Yes, I love these fixtures, but I have re-thought the issue due to shadows. Thanks for all the input. I'm still looking at pendants about the same size - 17 to 18 inches in diameter.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Those lights are all wring for island lighting the shadows will dive you crazy the light is no where near enogh for proper island lighting , which BTW needs to be task lighting not just a pretty face . I would look for something a bit smaller and have 3 and make sure no Edison bulbs ever and the light should be IMO LED 4000K to light the island well.

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