Expert Advice: How to Pick the Best Lighting for your Kitchen Island

What’s the Best Size?

It really depends on the size and layout of your kitchen. If you happen to have a great room, where the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all open to one other, I’ll often stay minimal with the kitchen island lighting, so as not to distract from the main living spaces or the view.

But if you have a kitchen that doesn’t have any other competing light sources, it can be a lot of fun to pick something with a bit more character.

Making a Statement

You don’t only have to go big to make a statement. You can also stay minimal and streamlined.

Design by Kate Lawrence

Functional or Decorative?

I usually prefer to make sure that the architectural lighting in the room will take care of all the functional lighting. For example, if you have recessed cans, you should position enough over the island to light up the work surface. Then, you can select something more decorative for the pendants or chandelier to allow for the ambient light.

Mounting Heights?

As a general rule of thumb, position your light fixtures so that the bottom hangs around 36” above the surface of the counter tops. This will usually guarantee that you won’t hit your head on the fixture, and that you’ll be able to see past it easily. But if you’re a bit taller, you could increase this to ensure the pendants won’t block your view.

Is One Enough?

Yes! You can definitely use just one fixture if you’d like! Here’s a great example designed by Workstead - the single fixture adds character without being too overwhelming. With two bulbs, it helps to light the space evenly.

Design by Workstead.

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