Properly hung kitchen island lighting is essential for both function and style. Afterall, why go through the trouble of creating your dream kitchen if you can’t see anything while you’re trying to use it! Whether you’re illuminating a prep space, dining area or family gathering hub, choosing the right placement, fixture size and design will ensure your kitchen is both practical and beautiful.
We’ve already covered The 5 Main Types of Kitchen Island Lighting, so today we’re exploring different lighting styles so you can make the best decision on what’s right for your Seattle home. We will also dive deeper into how to hang kitchen island lighting correctly, ensuring optimal placement, ideal sizing and a cohesive kitchen design for your project. Let’s get started!
The way you position your kitchen island lights impacts both aesthetics and functionality. Poorly placed lighting can create shadows, glare, or an unbalanced look, while well-planned lighting enhances your task areas and provides a nice ambiance. Here’s a quick overview of best practice tips for height, quantity, and spacing:
The general rule of thumb for pendant lighting above a kitchen island is to hang fixtures 30 to 36 inches above the countertop. This height allows:
For higher ceilings (10 feet or more), consider hanging lights slightly higher. We recommend aiming for around 40 inches above the island to maintain a good visual balance.
The short answer is that there isn't a ‘right’ number of lights because there are so many factors since every kitchen is different. For example, the number of pendant lights you should install depends on the length of your island and the size of the lights themselves. You should also factor in the other lighting in the space so that the lights all complement each other.
Here’s a general rule of thumb that we recommend:
For a well-designed, balanced and symmetrical look, we recommend that you follow these spacing guidelines:
Just like placement is a crucial factor, so is the size of your lighting. Too big and your light fixture could dominate the space. Too small and it could feel out of proportion. Our team has a few really helpful recommendations on how to choose the best size for your kitchen remodel, so let’s discuss further.
Selecting the right light fixture size is crucial for achieving a well-proportioned look that is visually appealing. We recommend that you consider these factors:
Single Large Fixture:
If you’re using a statement chandelier or oversized pendant, make sure it is no wider than two-thirds of the island’s width to maintain a visual balance.
Multiple Pendants:
If your island is larger, you should install a grouping instead of a single fixture so that it also looks well-proportioned. For this look, each pendant should typically be 10 to 15 inches in diameter for a standard-sized island.
When determining how to space multiple pendant lights over a kitchen island, this simple formula can help ensure proper balance and illumination:
Island Length (in inches) ÷ Number of Fixtures + Fixture Width = Total Spacing
Start by dividing the total length of your island by the number of fixtures you plan to install, then add the width of each fixture to determine the total spacing between the centers of each light. For example, if you have a 6-foot island (72 inches) and plan to hang two pendants, you would divide 72 by 2, then add the width of each fixture. If the pendants are 12 inches wide, the lights should be spaced approximately 48 inches apart from center to center.
This approach will help you maintain even lighting while keeping the design visually appealing and proportionate to your overall kitchen space.
Your kitchen island serves multiple purposes, so selecting the right brightness and bulb type is essential to making sure it works as well as possible for your household. Here are our recommendations:
As obvious as it sounds, the style of your kitchen lighting should complement your overall kitchen design. This will ensure a cohesive aesthetic that feels intentional and well-designed. Here are our recommendations for some of the most common design styles and which materials could work the best:
For a well-lit kitchen, be sure to give yourself options and create a plan. A well-balanced lighting plan ensures your kitchen is both practical and visually appealing. While brainstorming, factor in all the different ways your family uses the kitchen such as kids doing homework at the island while dinner is being prepared or entertaining large groups and using the island as an appetizer hub.
We suggest that you combine different lighting layers to achieve depth and function, including:
And don’t forget to factor dimmer switches into the mix so that you can have even more control over the ambiance your lighting creates!
Keep them 30–36 inches above the countertop for the best illumination, while also maintaining functionality of the space.
Avoid lights that are too big or too small for your island size. Be sure to reference our helpful formula above while you’re choosing fixtures to make sure you select the best option.
Aim for proper spacing and enough lumens for functionality. While multiple light sources may feel like a lot, you’ll be glad you have options for all the different ways you use your kitchen.
And lastly, dimmer switches are the key to customizing your kitchen’s brightness and ambiance!
As you can see, selecting the perfect lighting for your kitchen island requires careful consideration of placement, size, style and function. Here’s a quick checklist to help you during the process:
Lighting is a key element in any kitchen remodel, and at CRD Design Build, we specialize in creating beautifully designed, functional spaces. Whether you're updating your kitchen lighting or planning a full remodel, our expert team will help you choose the perfect fixtures to match your style and needs. Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact CRD Design Build today and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life!