Our Top 5 Picks for Stunning Kitchen Pendant Lights
A kitchen is a multifunctional space that requires different types of lighting. The kitchen island is often the center of attention, so carefully select the pendants above it. To pick the right pendant lights, you must consider three main factors: size, material, and purpose. You must also consider the placement, especially the height between the light and the countertop.
1. The Huntington LED Island Light
For a more modern aesthetic, the Huntington is a great choice. It may be pricey at $2195.09, but remember you are only buying one! At 60" wide, this two-lamp polished nickel linear fixture will enhance a room, not dominate it. I recommend that your island be 84" long for this to work, which, if hung in the center, would leave 12" on each end. Find yours here.
2. The Fulton 3 Light Black Pendant
The Fulton is a beautiful transitional pendant that adds uncomplicated beauty to any kitchen island. What I love about the sleek black framing is that it can mix with all metals, from stainless steel to chrome. If your faucets are chrome or polished nickel, I recommend you tie in the black with matching cabinet hardware or black framed barstools.
These fixtures are somewhat hefty at 20" in diameter, so two should be hung 30-36" above your countertop. Grab yours here.
3. Castle Pendant Extra Small
This little guy reminds me of the fixtures I used in my NYC loft designs. The concrete shade is in tune with the industrial style or concepts of green living. In addition, concrete is exceptionally energy efficient compared to shades made of metal or glass.
A rule of thumb for placing these pendants would be keeping them triple-width apart. For example, the Castle is 4" in diameter. The canopy (the plate attached to the ceiling) should thus be hung 16" in the center from its neighbor. Make it yours here.
4. Loris 1 Light Flush Mount
I'm obsessed with this! An alternative to the long dangling pendant is the semi-flush mount, which is very trendy! Maybe you don't want fixtures hanging and disrupting your view. The Lori (yes, it’s mine) is a great alternative and adds just the right amount of pizazz to a ceiling that might otherwise be filled with canned recessed lighting.
The alabaster shade is only 6.30" in diameter, so the same rule of thumb is applied of placing them triple-width apart, which is 18-20". Get yours here.
5. The Corbett Dark Grey Pendant
If you have sufficient ambient lighting in your kitchen, the grey polished metal finish globes give off a perfect reflective and gentle glow. In addition, the Corbett makes a great retro statement with its vintage-style charm. The width is 53.50", so make sure your island is around 77-80" long so that it will feel balanced in your space. Purchase yours here.
Ready to make a statement in your kitchen? Pendant lights are the obvious answer! The slight change can truly elevate your space in a big way. Remember to measure your island first. It's always a calculation when placing your fixtures, so if you follow my rules of thumb, you will be fine! If you need more clarification about size and proportion, make a few mock-ups with string and Amazon boxes that are the general size! I do this all the time! Have fun!
Ready to design a kitchen that is a beautiful reflection of you? We can help. Reach out to us, and let's chat.
Cheers,
Lori
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