I just posted about this question too in my Lighting Advice post! We are leaning towards 3 pendants, and keeping them 12"-16" each; these are the ones we chose, and our island is 4' x 8' which is similar to yours (and close to the one pictured, which is not mine).

Only the island size and ceiling height matter. A 96 inch island is perfectly fine with two larger pendants, and by larger I mean no more than about 15/18 inches in width. You can also do a linear fixture at about 48 to even 54 inches in width! The tinier threesome has "sailed" to a degree : )

Circa lighting, three finishes below

Thanks Laura & Jan!

@Laura - I'll check out your post! Also, what's the spacing between the lights and between the lights and the end of the island?

@Jan - Those boxy fixtures look really nice! What spacing (between lights and from the ends) would you recommend?

Leave 12 to 18 inches at the ends : ) open depending light.

Example...... two 15 inch wide fixtures with 18 open at both ends, would mean you have 30 open inches between the two lights.A nice proportion.

I agree with Laura. I have always liked 3's. 2's just annoy me I guess. :) My personal taste is at least 10" - 12" pendants. No smaller tho