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Design Dilemma Lighting

Formula for Pendant Placement Over Table

Christine Elder

6 months ago

last modified: 6 months ago

Hello! I am wanting to replace a dated "bird cage style" pendant light over the table in the dining area of our family room. The table is 42" by 72" and seats 6 comfortably. I am currently considering the Folk Abigail Soft Cone Pendant from Rejuvenation. I am thinking of getting two of them. The dilemma I have is whether I should get two at 10" wide or 15" wide and, depending on which size I get, is there a formula as to the spacing between each pendant and how to center them over the table? In other words, should there be 10 inches or 15 inches on either side of set of lights (over the table) and how many inches apart should the lights themselves be? I hope my question is clear. Alternatively, should I just go for one that is 15" wide?

Thank you so much for your help. I do appreciate it!

Edited to add - Has anyone had experience ordering lighting from Rejuvenation? I have ordered a kitchen flush mount schoolhouse light from them in the past and was happy with the product and service, but reviews lately, are pretty bad. Makes me hesitant to spend so much on a couple of pendants now... What do you think?

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Comments (5)

PRO
JAN MOYER
6 months ago
I can't think of a 72 inch dining table that needs two lights. One single important light? Better . It's NOT a kitchen prep island: )

At any rate, if bound and determined?

Two 10 inch, each electrical mounting spot at about 15/18 inches in from table ends.

But again........I would NOT do two.

Not wild about the light, but you have your reasons: )
Christine Elder thanked JAN MOYER
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 months ago
I agree no need for 3 pendants over that size table and as for the choice you need to post a pic of the space . Post here in a comment DO NOT start another post . IMO the formula is a guide like almost everything in design the look drives the bus.
Christine Elder thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
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PRO
CDR Design, LLC
6 months ago
I'd use 2 of the 15" pendants, placing each 14" from edge and 14" between.

It will have more of a feel of an island. If you already have an island in the vicinity, I would not use 2 pendants on the table.

Also, the final decision depends on other factors in the space. Design decison cannot happen in a vaccuum.

So, my suggestion is given, without further info.

I haven't had issue lately with Reguvenation. However, to your question, for the price, I feel you could buy something at a lower cost that would still look good. Not a bad thing.....but it is a simple design, so many similar ones at lower price point.
Christine Elder thanked CDR Design, LLC
Christine Elder
Original Author
6 months ago
Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I really do appreciate it. You are going to think I am daft, but believe it or not, I don't know how to load photos onto my macbook where I am writing this from. I do wish I could, but I am not techsavvy in the least!

I agree with CDR Design and your suggestion that I get something less expensive and now that seemingly everyone here agrees that I only need one pendant/chandelier over my table, I will save even more money! I just kept seeing photos of the Folk light from Rejuvenation that used multiples over tables and thought that was what I had to do. It will be much simpler to have just one, so thanks to all of you for that advice. In fact, I have now reconsidered and am looking elsewhere for a Scandinavian-looking pendant. Something simple and clean lined. I appreciate all of your input!
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
6 months ago
I would not use one dome pendant light. The appropriate light is really something linear. I would buy something in the range or 47-54" wide. If you like the look of dome lights, you could buy one with 2 pendants on one unit. Those are common in black, but not in an off-white color.

I would need a photo of your space to actually make a recommendation.
Christine Elder thanked CDR Design, LLC

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