Charlie Holland
It can lift moods, shift ambiance, increase the warmth of your home and even impact your productivity. From sizing to spacing, height and number of fixtures, consider this your go-to pendant lighting guide. Not only do pendants offer an alternative and often warmer glow to ceiling cans or overhead fixtures, they also serve as spotlights for your kitchen’s focal point or primary gathering spot. Additionally, your island pendants can be an eye-catching design element that makes your kitchen pop – when they’re done right, of course. Before you choose size, shape and height, you’ll want to know how many pendants you should hang above your island. Keep in mind that 18 inches is the minimum space you’ll want between pendants, regardless of size.
A single fixture should be on the larger side (we recommend a rectangular or linear shape) but should not be longer than 2/3 the length of your island. Whether you’re throwing a festive dinner party or enjoying an intimate family dinner, your dining room ambiance hinges on your lighting – and we understand that choosing the right fixture can be intimidating.
A good rule of thumb is to select a pendant that is one-half to three-quarters the width of your table.
For oval and rectangular tables, this rule also applies, but you can go for a more elongated pendant or chandelier.
For high ceilings (9 feet and above), 36 inches between the table and the bottom of the pendant is ideal. While your dining room might incorporate other elements – a sideboard or china hutch, for example – your table should serve as your focal point, with your lighting enhancing that focus.
Choose fixtures that share common characteristics – whether that’s the style (midcentury, coastal, transitional, etc. For example, if your kitchen knobs are brass and your faucet is matte black, you might select elements of either for your pendant lighting. While it might be tempting to find a one-stop shop, you can keep your space from feeling monotonous by not selecting fixtures from the exact same collection.
That’s why we always recommend our clients use a dimmer switch and dimming bulbs on pendants – both over the island and the dining room table. Also keep in mind that not every pendant is adjustable, so if you have a short – or very high – ceiling, you’ll want to make sure the length works in your space prior to purchasing.
