Are these pendant lights too low?

9 years ago

Hi we just had our kitchen redone and I am thinking that these pendant lights are too low but the contractor said they are at the normal distance. Looking for another opinion. Thanks

Featured Answer

PRO

CDR Design, LLC

9 years ago

There is some flexibility when it comes to island lighting. The bottom of the lights should be 30-36" from the top of the island. One question you should ask yourself:

-what is the use of the island?---more of a work space (that is what it appears, so lights on the higher side 36" ) or more of a seating island (lights on the lower side)

Also, consider the spread on the lights. It appears to me that these lights are place awkardly toward the outer ends of the island. Many contractors use a 30" standard spread (center to center). However, with the island being not very wide, they pendants feel spread too far apart. Instead, if you are using 2 lights, you should divide the island in half and center each pendant on each half.

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Comments (11)

User
9 years ago
They look a little low to me too
PRO
JAN MOYER
9 years ago
If the bottom edge of the light fixture is less than 36 inches from the counter top.......yes, they're low.
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
It looks like you would hit your head if you bentover to do anything on the counter
PRO
JAN MOYER
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It appears he has exactly divided island in half and split the distance, and they appear to hang at 30" and they appear too low. The island isn't large enough for a thirty inch hang distance from the counter. Frankly, I'd have chosen a double light from a single center hang at about 65 or 70% of island length, or just a larger single. It's prep space/hang around space. Multiple sizes and finishes below. JMHO and a bit more significant presence as well.......the original selection appears to need a third in the middle, it's a bit too light and small in scale for the room
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
9 years ago
Yes....that was my thought.... a single pendant with double light would have looked better. Are you okay with the glare from the clear shades? This might be the time to make a different choice, if so.

Your options at this point for the spread:

-leave as is

-change the light fixtures to a narrow, cylindrical shape shade. Add a fixture in the center.

-move the existing pendants to be centered on the "halfs" (if they are not already)

-buy a double-pendant/single outlet pendant and hang in the center.
PRO
Michelle Yorke Interior Design LLC
9 years ago
Notice the height of the pendants over our kitchen design? It might help to look at a few photographs.
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Issaquah Kitchen · More Info
decoratingdeb
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you everyone for your opinion I am going to change out the lights but I'm afraid it's too late now to change it to a single light are there any options to have two lights that come together in the middle as one?
acm
9 years ago
I have no problem with your two pendants, other than height.
decoratingdeb
Original Author
9 years ago
Here is another angle
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
9 years ago
What is the width of your island?

The photo and like below I have posted only to serve as an example. I am not sure what type of light you want. This particular light is 24.5" wide. You could look for a light with a linear mounting bracket with one piece that would cover both outlets. You'd need to check with an electrician first to see which particular light could work. Only one of the 2 outlets you have is needed.

https://www.lightingdirect.com/et2-e30603-three-light-down-lighting-island-billiard-fixture-from-the-brahama-collection/p913947#techspecs