Pendant lighting guide: over islands, sinks and tables

Pendants do two jobs over an island: light the work surface and set the style of the room. The rules for height and spacing are simple and make a big difference.

How high

Hang the bottom of the pendants 30" to 36" above the countertop, a little higher on tall ceilings. Over a dining table, 28" to 34" above the tabletop. Everyone at the table or island should see across without a shade in the way.

How many and how far apart

• Two pendants over an island up to about 6 feet; three over 6 to 9 feet.
• Space them evenly, about 24" to 30" apart, and keep them 6" or more in from each end of the island.
• The pendant spacing calculator works it out for your island.

Size

Wide pendants (14"+) look best in pairs; smaller ones in threes. Add up the widths: together they should span no more than about two thirds of the island. A single linear chandelier is an alternative on long islands.

Light output

Clear glass and open shades throw light and some glare; solid metal shades send it down onto the counter. Pair decorative pendants with recessed or under-cabinet task light, and put them on a dimmer. The lumens calculator helps with the total.

Over a sink

A single pendant over a sink under a window is a nice touch; hang it high enough to clear the faucet and your head, and choose a damp-rated fixture if it is close to the water.

Common questions

How high should pendants hang over an island?

The bottom of the pendant 30" to 36" above the countertop.

How far apart should island pendants be?

About 24" to 30" apart, and at least 6" in from each end of the island.

How many pendants over a 7 foot island?

Usually three medium pendants, or two larger ones.