Kitchen Island Lighting: 3, 2 , 1!
You may remember that EVERY island had a set of three pencil thin pendants hanging over the island. Sadly, it's still the default when it comes to builder homes, as if 3 is the magical number of lights. But, that is rapidly changing.
Lighting is moving to the more dramatic side. Instead of threes, we are seeing more long linear pendants come into the marketplace along with medium sized lanterns and pendants that make more of a dramatic presence over an island.
For an extra long linear island, I like using two medium pendants between 16-18" wide. These oversized pieces add the drama! For smaller islands, I like the longer, linear pendants we used to only see over pool tables in game rooms.
In each of these homes, we've either matched the metals used or MIXED metals! Yes, we can mix and match.
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TIPS FOR SELECTING A PENDANT LIGHT
FOR YOUR ISLAND
SCALE
Make sure the space can handle the size. General rule of thumb? If your kitchen is 15x20 feet, you can add the two numbers together 15+20=35. Look for a pendant (linear) about 36" long. If you are doing two, divide by 2 and look for something 16-18" in width.
WATCH YOUR HEIGHT!
Watch your height! Make sure you measure, measure, and measure again. Look at the height of the ceiling and make sure your fixture is more narrow in height to accommodate your island.
MAKE ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES
3. Hang your light fixture about 34-36" above your counters for clear views to your guests. Also, remember, if you have young kids that like to throw balls, I would stay away from glass and look to some metal lanterns that will be less vulnerable to attack. Also, if you are a big cook, and have a cooktop on your island, think about how much glass you really want to clean. :)
SEE OUR FAVORITE LIGHTING IN ACTION
