Why You Most Definitely Need a Pendant Light in Your Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why You Most Definitely Need a Pendant Light in Your Kitchen? ›

Pendant lighting is the perfect choice for areas that need a little extra illumination for work – such as the kitchen. And with so many different styles to choose from you are sure to find the perfect pendant light for your kitchen at Lamps Plus

Pendant lights in the kitchen are a great way to add style, but also, functional lighting. Often used above kitchen tables or kitchen islands, pendant lights offer ambient light that nicely illuminates your kitchen space.

Pendant lights are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve a functional purpose. In areas like the kitchen and bathroom, pendant lights can provide task lighting, making it easier to see while cooking or getting ready in the morning.

While pendant lights are versatile and stylish, they can cast shadows if not properly spaced, and they might not provide sufficient lighting in very large rooms without additional fixtures.

Hanging a Kitchen Pendant Light

As a general rule, pendants should hang 12 to 20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add three inches.

So if your kitchen is “between” rooms, and adding pendants would clutter the view visually, you might do well to consider having no pendant lights in your kitchen. (Do not fear! You won't be alone! You'll be in good company!)

Colorful pendant lights are becoming a new kitchen trend in 2024 because of their attractive appeal. They are often the focal point of a room and play an important role in defining the ambiance through the utilization of lighting and design.

In summary, while pendant lights themselves may not inherently make a room look smaller, their size, design, placement, and how they interact with other elements in the room can collectively influence the perceived spaciousness of the area.

Direct light over the sink can be for function or for decorative purposes if you have a lot of other great task lighting nearby. Depending on your ceiling height, you can either use a pendant or a sconce if your sink is placed against a wall.

A good rule of thumb is to use two pendant lights for islands shorter than 6 feet and three for islands longer than 6 feet. Of course, you'll also need to consider the size of your pendants.

Where do you put pendant lights in the kitchen? ›

Hang the pendants 30 to 36 inches above tables and counter tops. This is the optimal, practical height for over-counter installation, especially when it comes to task lighting over a kitchen island.

Check Your Lumens

We recommend providing anywhere from 35 to 50 lumens per square foot of island. The higher or lower end of that range depends on the size of your space, other lighting in the room, and the ambiance you're looking for.

Hanging your pendants between 30 to 36 inches above the counter ensures that the light source is positioned at an optimal height to eliminate shadows and provide focused illumination for tasks such as chopping vegetables or preparing meals.

Light Color Temperature. Choose the right color temperature for your kitchen light fixtures. Warm white (2700K-3000K) creates a cozy ambiance, while cool white (3500K-4500K) provides a brighter and more energizing feel. Consider the color temperature of other light sources in the kitchen for consistency.

You will need to leave at least six to 12 inches on each side, between the end of the island and your pendant. We recommend that lights should sit centered, around 30 to 36 inches above your island countertop.