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.

Update - ok, the 3 pendant lights are growing on me! My first thought when I say them was "nooo, that's not what I envisioned!!" - just as deedles said I thought it looked too crowded. I thought it would drive me crazy and I'd want it changed NOW, but I'm glad I'm giving it some time. Not to say that I won't want it changed, but it def doesn't seem like the "emergency" get it changed NOW that it was last week. deedles - no, can't slide the island down - it's already in place as is the floor so that would be a HUGE deal. But thanks for the idea. kellied - I agree, I need to set a time. And summer sounds like a good time to reevaluate! I am so ready to be done w/ this remodel that I don't even want to think about changing it anytime soon! EMH107 - thanks! And I do think the 38" height is perfect - I thought it would be too high, but it looks great and isn't in anyone's line of sight when in the kitchen. And the pendants def gives off enough light and do not glare in anyone's eyes. I'm thinking too that it would be a BIG pain to change the pendant holes. Funny how last week it seemed like such an issue and I wanted it changed right then, and now it's not so much an emergency! mpagmom - thank you for the compliments! So very true - 2 might not look like enough! I couldn't imagine going through the work of getting them changed to 2 and then not liking that! The more I keep responding to msgs, the more and more I am leaning on keeping them as is. And I guess it goes to show that there isn't a "normal" height for pendants!! linelle - that seems a little low, esp if you have taller people in the kitchen since the pendants would be right in their line of sight. I do like the height that our pendants are - but I guess it all depends on what type of pendants you have. Our pendants do have good light output and the way they are designed you wouldn't have bulb glare in your eyes unless you mounted them really, really high. I do like that we don't have to "dodge" around the pendants to see and talk to others that are in the kitchen and family room. Thanks for the compliment, linelle. The faucet is Moen Arbor w/ the new reflex technology - LOVE it!!

They typically are fine with having customers buy their own stuff. It's just their labor is tremendously expensive or something. Depending on the case, I didn't want to know how much every detail of the cabinets were for example. I figure their prices are their prices. It sounds like you are on the back end of a poor front end. If the contract gives the contractor carte blanche to price things at whatever he wants, then it is a poor contract, as there is zero goal alignment there. If you are too far into this contract, and it is legal in your state (which it would not be in several states) then you are going to have to just ride it out and make a hundred little decisions like this. I can't tell you what you should contract out yourself as the entire reason for having a contractor in the first place is to select subs that match the job, so that clients can pay a small fee to have someone knowledgeable select subs. --- I watched my contractor measure and mark with small pieces of painters tape, where the holes would be. Then he used a laser level, before making the holes. A laser level might work if the floors are level but it could just as easily cause problems. You want pulls that are visually level and not actually level. Your contractor basically used a time consuming way to do something that would have been fast with the right tool. Grab one of the True Position jigs and it is not a difficult install but that is an expensive jig for a single kitchen install and could wipe away any savings and mistakes are still costly. I really hate that he was trying to work fast and didn't bother wiping off the front of the cabinets before installing hardware, but you get the idea.

Hey there! It's great that you're considering light fixtures for your kitchen island. I understand that you want to make a statement with larger fixtures, but it's important to consider the overall balance and aesthetics of your space. With your 11x4-foot island and your 10-foot ceiling, your designer's recommendation for two pendants that are 21 inches in diameter seems reasonable. There are a few factors to consider: Proportion: Larger fixtures might overpower the space and create visual clutter, while appropriately sized pendants maintain balance and focus on the island. Clearance: The recommended distance between the bottom of the light fixture and the countertop is typically 30-36 inches. This allows for adequate headroom and ensures the light is distributed evenly. Visual weight: Larger fixtures can make the ceiling appear lower, while appropriately sized pendants can create a more open and spacious feel. However, it's essential to trust your instincts and explore various styles and sizes to find the perfect fit for your kitchen island. You can also try experimenting with different arrangements, such as three smaller pendants, to achieve the desired impact. In addition, you can check out idealamps.com, where we offer a variety of lighting options for your home. We have a wide range of light fixtures that might fit your requirements and help you find the perfect piece for your kitchen island. Good luck with your project! Best regards,