✓ Short answer: Hang island pendants so the bottom of each shade sits about 30 to 36 inches above the counter (rule of thumb). Most islands take two or three, spaced roughly 24 to 32 inches apart.
5 steps to planning your island pendants
- Set the height. Rule of thumb: 30 to 36 inches from counter to the bottom of the fixture, on an 8- to 9-foot ceiling.
- Choose the count. Three is the classic balance, and two often suits a shorter island.
- Space them evenly. Rule of thumb: about 24 to 32 inches center to center, with wider spacing for larger shades.
- Keep clear of the ends. Leave at least 6 inches between the outer fixtures and the island's edge.
- Size the shade. Rule of thumb: subtract 12 inches from the island's width for the largest shade, and most island shades run 12 to 18 inches across.
Our top picks
Besa Juni 16 Tall Bubble Glass Cylinder Pendant, Cord Hung
A 16-inch column of handcrafted bubble glass for long islands, bars and high ceilings.
Besa Cierro Tapered Glass Pendant, Cord Hung
A tapered, hand-blown cased glass cylinder in six colors, with three finishes.
Visual Comfort Zenith Pendant – 4-Inch, Dimmable
A 4-inch LED pendant at 3000K and 90 CRI, rated for dry indoor locations.
Visual Comfort Esfera Small LED Pendant by Kelly Wearstler – 4.5-Inch, Dimmable, Damp Rated
A 4.5-inch LED pendant rated for damp locations, with 658 lumens at 2700K.
Artemide Tolomeo Double Pendant Light
A double Tolomeo pendant by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina.
Egoluce Lancia LED Linear Pendant by P. Pepere
A linear LED pendant made to order in Milan, with length and color temperature chosen at checkout.
Egoluce Radar LED Drum Pendant by ABS Studio
A drum-shaped LED pendant by ABS Studio, made to order in Milan.
Santa & Cole Sísísí Cilíndricas Designer Pendant Lamp
A cylindrical Sísísí pendant from Santa & Cole with a warm light.
Besa Tamburo 8 Open Glass Cylinder Pendant, Cord Hung
A glass cylinder on a 10 ft cord you trim to the exact drop, in satin nickel, bronze or black.
Pholc Hans Wide Aluminum Pendant, 14 or 20 in
A wide, low aluminum shade whose edge flows outward like a wave.
Frequently asked questions
How high should pendants hang over a kitchen island?
As a rule of thumb, the bottom of each pendant sits about 30 to 36 inches above the countertop on a standard 8- to 9-foot ceiling. Check the sightline seated and standing.
How many pendants do I need over my island?
Most islands take two or three. Three is the classic choice for balance, and two often suits a shorter island.
How far apart should island pendants be?
A common rule of thumb is about 24 to 32 inches center to center. Larger shades need the wider spacing.
What size pendant is right for my island?
One rule of thumb is to subtract 12 inches from the island's width to find the largest shade diameter. Most island pendants are 12 to 18 inches across.
What color temperature is best for kitchen island pendants?
Warm white, 2700 K to 3000 K, suits most kitchens that double as living spaces. Look for a CRI of 90 or above, and add a dimmer.
Not sure which size or height suits your island? Contact our team and we will be glad to help, whether you are a homeowner or a designer.