"width", not "length"

this ideabook might help you decide (make sure to read the comments as well) -- click on "ideabook: Hang the Perfect Light Over ..."

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hang-the-perfect-light-over-your-holiday-table-stsetivw-vs~784385

What is the size of the table?

The table is 100" x 42"

And the size of the light?

The light is 30.5"w x 14.75"d x 15.5"h ( http://www.westelm.com/products/large-rectangle-hanging-capiz-pendant-white-w696/?cm_src=E:chandeliers-pendant-lighting)

Katiembr2--I think one would work, with some small cans around the perimeter, equally spaced, 2 along each side and one at each end, and dimmable. Also, to seat 8 comfortably, your table is 20" too short--you'll feel crammed putting 8 guests at a slightly oversized 6 person table. The rule of thumb is 27" per place setting for the long sides, which is 81" for 3 people. Both ends can be 18" deep, because of the 42" table width, which totals 117" in length, which I round up to 10', which is a nominal length. Also, you need 42" around each side to comfortably sit, serve and circulate. So, for the purposes of a dining room that serves 8 comfortably, you'll need a space that is 17' long x 11' wide min., PLUS, any room you need for a china hutch and or a buffet. I will post an example for your visualization purposes. I hope that your home is sized appropriately in this area. Happy Houzzing.

Thanks DMH--its an open floor plan and I only want to put three chairs on each side.

Hello,,,,look at our projects,,,,,,J, K and R's Residence Renovation you can see in our client's dining room we did a series of pendants over a dining table for 12.

I think two would look great as long as you are willing to hang them high enough to not interrupt the open floor plan.

Katie, I just want to make sure that your plan would accommodate your table. This is often a 'faux pas' in new construction, that the dining room isn't as large as yours.

Fred S -- I agree, I think I would definitely hang them a little higher than the 36"-39" suggested for a 9' ceiling. Good call.
Thanks DMH, good suggestion, and thanks for the visualization.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions--I think I'm going to go with two lights!

Post a picture when done.

Thought I'd share the finished product!

Looks great. The only thing you need is a dimmer switch if you don't already have one.

I believe going with 2 small ones are definitely your route, it'll break up the long look you'll get with the big table, thats a very nice light but it takes up alot of visual space, especially if it was 1 long one. Pretty cool!

Looks great! Go big or go home, right?!

Definitely need either a dimmer switch or lower wattage bulbs--good suggestion