4-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Size for Kitchen Pendant Lighting

Imagine this: you have found the perfect pendant light for your kitchen, but it comes in four different sizes. How do you determine the best size for your space? How many should you install? How should they be spaced? Our pendant lighting guide simplifies the process, helping you make the right choice. With thousands of pendant styles available, getting the sizing and placement correct can make all the difference in enhancing your kitchen. If you need further inspiration, check out our blog on ‘How to Light Your Kitchen’ for additional tips!

Step 1 – Calculating the Pendant Diameter

1. Measure the length and width of your kitchen island or breakfast bar in feet.

2. Subtract 12 inches from both measurements.

3. Add the adjusted length and width together.

4. The total gives you the approximate allowable diameter for each pendant in inches.

Example Pendant Styles: Goodman | Voronoi | Shiek

Step 2 – Determining the Number of Pendants

1. Measure the length and width of your island or breakfast bar in feet and add them together.

2. Subtract 12 inches from the total.

3. Divide this number by any value less than the allowable width calculated in Step 1.

4. Divide the result by 2 – this is the number of pendants you can install.

Remember, pendant lights come in various forms. Depending on your space, a single linear or circular pendant might be a more suitable choice. Visualise different styles and seek advice from our lighting experts if needed.

Example Pendant Styles: Utopia | Abbacus | SpaceB

For linear pendants, ensure they do not obstruct your line of sight when seated at your island or table, as this could be distracting when socialising. Additionally, the total pendant length should not exceed the length of the surface beneath it.

Step 3 – Spacing Between Pendant Lights

1. Measure the total length of your island, breakfast bar or table.

2. Decide on the number of pendants and add 1 to this figure.

3. Divide the length of the island by this number.

4. The result is the distance between the installation points for each pendant (measured from the centre of each fitting).

Example Pendant Styles: Filipa | Ray | IC

For an odd number of pendants, locate the centre of the island by dividing its length by 2. Install the first pendant directly in the middle and then space the remaining pendants evenly on either side. If installing an even number of pendants, divide the calculated distance by 2 and hang the first two pendants equidistant from the centre line.

Step 4 – Hanging Height for Pendants

To ensure the pendants do not obstruct your view or movement, they should generally hang 30–36 inches above the worktop, table, or island. This measurement is taken from the lowest point of the light fitting.

Always test the height before final installation. Ask someone to hold the pendant at different heights to gauge the best positioning. This small adjustment can make a big difference in achieving the ideal lighting balance.

Example Pendant Styles: Crown | Storm | Flat

Final Considerations

While these guidelines offer a structured approach, they are not strict rules. Every kitchen and design scheme is unique, and small adjustments might be necessary to achieve the best result. The images in this blog illustrate a variety of pendant styles, sizes, and arrangements, all carefully calculated for optimal effect.

If you have any uncertainties regarding your kitchen lighting, our team of experts is here to help. Get in touch today for personalised advice!

For more kitchen lighting ideas, explore our Pinterest board.