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Advice on light fixture above kitchen bar

3 years ago

Hello!

Looking for guidance on a light fixture for above the eating area on our kitchen counter.

We live in a small ranch near the beach. Ceilings are 8’ and the vibe is very casual beach-ish. The kitchen is pretty open to the rest of the house and this spot is viewable from the living room.

Working to find the right mix of size and style. Budget is flexible. While I’d like to keep it within $2k, I would spend more on the right
light fixture.

Some of the ones I’ve considered are posted in the comments.

Thanks in advance.

Comments (19)

  • 3 years ago

    Some of the fixtures I’ve considered and another pic.

  • 3 years ago

    And 2 more.

  • 3 years ago

    And one more picture. Lighting is obviously bad 😂 but hopefully it gives a better idea of the space.

  • 3 years ago

    All of those fixtures look large and out-of-scale for that cute counter. You need smaller and more streamlined. Or even just a can light centered over the circle.

  • 3 years ago

    Thanks Patricia- the electrician is coming next week to put all of the lighting in. I’d appreciate any of your recommendations on lighting in the rest of the kitchen. I was planning for recessed/can lights throughout the rest of the kitchen with the one hanging fixture over the table, but if you recommend something else, I’d happily listen. Otherwise, I’ll hold off until the rest of the lighting is in.

  • 3 years ago

    Mcarroll16- thank you! Maybe that’s why I was struggling. I wanted something a little more exciting over the table but just can’t envision what would work best. Any specific fixtures/styles in mind?

  • 3 years ago

    Lighting isn't my strong suit, so I'm hoping one of the great Houzz designers will come along and help you. But here's one of my favorites. You could do white with gold interior for subtle, or gold exterior for a little more warmth and flair. https://www.aerin.com/agnes-small-pendant/18122324.html. Overall I like the idea of something gold or brass to bring a little warmth, in a smooth surface that will be easy to clean.

  • 3 years ago

    examples

    how beachy do u want to go? how much wattage do u want? do u want a 'down' light? size? color of fixture?

    lots of questions, help us narrow it down.

  • 3 years ago

    The recessed lights for your kitchen can be placed above work zones inboard 6" from the edge of the counter so you don't shadow the workspace as you cut something. That's task lighting. Ambient lighting in the open space depends on the entire space. I'd choose a recessed can for the searing area because of the size of your space and your model cabinet design language.

  • 3 years ago

    Thanks mcarroll16! I do like that one - thanks for the link!

  • 3 years ago

    Sprtphntc7a - I love beachy! Not sure about the wattage and I don’t really want the down light (I don’t want to look up and see a bulb if I can help it, although I am
    Not totally opposed).

    Based on what I read, the fixture should not be more than 1/2 the size of the table, so I’m shooting for something around 24-32 inches.

    Color wise, I would prefer something neutral - you can kind of get an idea in the pics I posted in the comments.

    We’re pretty casual, so nothing fancy, but something beachy and fun would be great.

  • 3 years ago

    Dan1888 - thank you for that help!

  • 3 years ago

    Because this isn't a separate table but an extension of the kitchen counter I think a chandelier is too large. Even a pendant is going to look strange in isolation. So I would just plan your recessed lights accordingly. I have a small island and I don't have pendants over it - and I don't miss them. I didn't design my kitchen but when it comes time to remodel I won't be adding any. Sometimes less is better. Get your hood installed and choose an attractive backsplash. If you're interested in beachy then how about blue or green glass? Once you do that I don't think you'll feel the need for more bling. Also, the fixtures you're interested in are the same color as your cabinets so it would blend in anyway. You should think about adding some contrast.

  • 3 years ago

    I think some sort of downward focussed cone or drum would create a warm glow at you counter eating area

  • 3 years ago

    Im very confused at where the rest of your kitchen lighting is? Where is the lighting plan? I also think anything too fussy would be too large as your ceilings are not that tall. In this situation I would be looking at a pendant light that is subtle but picks up on the theme, I would save the 2k light for a dining table or a stunning entry light.

    Because this isnt a table and is a peninsula the standard "sizing" for a table is not the same math.

    for example one of your fixture is 24 inches tall, that looks like a nine foot ceiling, mean at best you would have about 6 inches of chain.

  • 3 years ago



  • 3 years ago

    Thank you RL relocation llc - we’re having all the wiring for the lighting done next week. We just finished a renovation and I had hoped to have the fixture determined before the electricians arrive. Sounds like I need to scale back. I appreciate your feedback on size - makes sense. And thank you VERY MUCH for the mock ups. Those help so much!