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dhaller10

Kitchen update - Small Island - What to do with lighting?

12 years ago
I am updating my kitchen. I will be getting all stainless appliances, granite counter tops, subway tile backsplashes, adding trim/side panels, etc to cabinets to make them look more upscale, and staining my island ebony. My island is small. The counter top is 44" wide and it will be 33" deep once I add more trim & 6" more of counter top to the back of it. I currently have 2 can lights about the edges of the island. I would love to put some small, charming chandelier/pendants instead of the canned lights but I'm afraid it is too small. I think one light will look strange. How can I get that charming look w/ the small island?

Comments (19)

  • 12 years ago
    There's already a lot of busyness in the charming kitchen so sticking with the can lights is probably best.
  • 12 years ago
    I'd go with a mini chandelier. You love it, why not? I'd balance that out by taking top of cabinet decor off to let chandy be. ...pardon the pun, the spotlight.
  • 12 years ago
    http://houzz.com/photos/9052088

    Here's a two light pendant over small island.

    Do a houzz search on " small kitchen islands" for lots of ideas!
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Unfortunately you guys are missing the problem, it's how to make the mini chandeliers work since the island is so small. I want them but as it stands the canned lights are over them side edges of the island. If I were to hang them there, ideally spaced apart, you'd bang your head on them walking around the sides of the island.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Beach lily, thanks for your idea. My concern is I want charming chandeliers and I don't want it to look like a pool table light. I will do a search as you suggested.

    By the way, all the top cabinet stuff is going away during the redo
  • 12 years ago
    Do you want crystal? Mini shades? We just purchased the 5 light halina chandelier ( Home Depot!!!!) and I love it! It also comes in a drum shade type....
  • 12 years ago
    http://houzz.com/photos/90462

    Here's a gorgeous crystal mini, Just use one!!
    Denise Haller thanked beachlily
  • 12 years ago
    Here's an idea. The canned lights are in the wrong spot to convert into pendants therefore you have two options. either move the electrical boxes to be situated over the island involving patching the holes left behind. or hang pendants over the raised eating bar and leave the canned lights over the island.
    Denise Haller thanked Gina P
  • 12 years ago
    I'd just stick with the canned lights. I think your upcoming changes sound very nice.
    Denise Haller thanked Ann
  • 12 years ago
    Gina, I have no problem with the process of moving the canned lights it's just then they may then be too close together since the island is only 44" wide. I want the look of two mini chandeliers but need a creative way to get the look in the limited width/space.. The most recent photo above from beachlily is what I'm looking for but that island is big. Here's some lights I love but I'm afraid I won't be able to make them work in my kitchen. The traditional one is 14" wide bad the globe one is around 9"
  • 12 years ago
    If you are replacing the countertops anyway, ad some width and depth to the island to make it more substantial and practical too. You may need brackets for supports. In the end you may have the width you need for the lights you want.
  • 12 years ago
    Take a peek at this small island with the countertop extended beyond the base for added width.
    http://houzz.com/photos/1162727
    Denise Haller thanked regina5697
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you all. Some good ideas!
  • 12 years ago
    IKEA 365+ BRASA
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hi, please take a look at my website www.customfibreoptics.Co.uk I design and make modern fibre optic and led lighting features including chandeliers. I hand build chandeliers to specifics such as base size and drop length. I havnt put many photos on here yet but there are more examples on my website. I could make something perfect for this situation. Not only would it be a perfect custom size, it would have some amazing effects. Thanks
  • 11 years ago
    Thanks for all of your input. Here's what I ended up doing and I love it! Took out the island and had a new one made in black. Took out canned lights and added two small chandeliers. Added lots of trim to cabinets. Moved microwave and cabinet up to make room for tile work and give the same look as having a hood. Refreshed cabinet finish. New hardware and fridges. New granite counter tops and new crackle ceramic tile backsplash. Very pleased with results!
  • 11 years ago
    It looks fantastic!! What you chose to do made a world of difference. Nice job!
  • 11 years ago

    what do you mean when you say you "refreshed" the cabinet finish? Sounds like something I might want to do. My cabinets are similar to yours in good shape except some worn areas around handles, etc.