Kitchen lighting over island

13 years ago

Dear designer friends....I need your help! Electrician is getting ready to install lights. I ordered 2 Fitzjames Currey and Co. lanterns to go over our kitchen island (each measures about 2 ft. diameter and hang 3 ft). We only have 9 foot ceilings and the island is 2 levels. My husband is 6' 5". Do you think these lanterns are too large? What is the traditional measurement of between the bottom of the lantern/light fixture and the island top? Please give me your opinion. This area is open to a keeping room....

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Kathie Karsnia Interiors

13 years ago

Darly. I do think you should trade in those oversized lights for something more to scale of the room. I don't believe in "rules" when it comes to design. How high/low to hang your fixtures depends upon sightlines, size/scale, lighting needs,etc. We want to see that gorgeous kitchen; and the lighting should enhance rather than take away from its space. Try fixtures about 1/2 the size of what was selected.

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Comments (12)

sally smith
13 years ago
36 inches from counter to bottom of light is what I read recently. Love the lanterns though! Planning on doing the same on our renovation but you appear way farther along! LOL! Looks amazing!
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J Milner
13 years ago
Hi darley - I am not a designer, BUT I definitely agree with Kathie. I've been looking to pendant lighting also. Love the lanterns but scale has to be appropriate. BTW, what is a "keeping room"?
sally smith
13 years ago
http://www.shadesoflight.com/heritage-hanging-lantern-2-finishes.html The scale of this might work better.And they look similar in style to the ones you chose.
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Barnhart Gallery
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Actually Darley, I love the scale of this. Yes, it's a bit overscaled, but it's airy enough to work anyway. I don't care for skimpy statement pieces -- I'd break the rule and let it be the star! Love your other choices here as well.
darley
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you a million for all advice. After measuring and lots of pondering we found that the lantern would hang almost at eye level when sitting at the bar. I think we r going to look at the eufala rectangular fixture for this area and put one fitzjames in the breakfast area.
User
13 years ago
You should try these lanterns from Lantern & Scroll (www.lanternandscroll.com or find them on Facebook). I know they can customize the sizing for your exact needs they are beautiful, and a lot less expensive!
darley
Original Author
13 years ago
what do you think about this fixture instead?
darley
Original Author
13 years ago
it is 19"h and 36"long...can't tell from the picture how it hangs at the top, though.
PRO
User
13 years ago
They do seem a bit large. Light over the bar need to be above your line of sight. It gets irritating trying to look around them all the time.
PRO
Barnhart Gallery
13 years ago
I don't love this one, probably because I loved the other one. It didn't come in a slightly smaller size? I'm looking back at my notes from a while ago and Horchow had something similar and my note to myself said -- can duplicate cheap -- not just price but size and color were an issue -- but of course now I can't recall what I had in mind to alter. I'll pass it along if I find it.
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Studio Dearborn
13 years ago
I would defintely advise going much smaller, either square or round, or a single long rectangular fixture. I think having a raised counter emphasizes the linear aspect of the island, and a more linear lighting arrangement should follow. I think the fixture you chose would look fantastic over a round breakfast table...I love the Tom Dixon fixtures for this space, because you have the dark island--just a thought.