con about pendent light trend options — and where to hang them — to add a tireless light-headed source and a stylish focal point for your kitchen .

Whether you demand to illuminate a specific task or revise your decor , the right lighting crap all the divergence . Butbefore you start installing fixtures , it ’s important to considerwhat type of light you ’ll need . Ambient or overall light , for example , is used for all - purpose light , while task lighting focuses on a specific work field . Accent lighting highlights specific areas , and can process as a decorative element . While certain fixtures are better suited for specific lighting motivation , pendent can do it all , which make them a popular pick for kitchen .

Often hung over an island or cesspit , kitchen pendent lighting provide brilliance and make a design statement . They can direct brightness level down toward prep surface , define the room ’s focal full point , and spotlight a contrast colouration or finish , all while contributing to the kitchen ’s overall brightness . utilize our guide to kitchen pendant lighting to learn about the various style available and how to use them .

white kitchen with exposed wood shelves and patterned backsplash

Credit: Peter Molick

Kitchen Pendant Lighting Styles

Pendants hang from the ceiling to clear up distance from overhead , and they ’re available in a wide motley of shapes , styles , and size . To help oneself filter and direct brightness , many feature article drum or shades made of materials like glass , metal , fabric , and more . These fixtures are often a prominent presence in the elbow room , so it ’s best to opt a expressive style that reflects your interior decoration . chandelier made of methamphetamine or chrome , for example , often exhibit sleek , New style . Fixtures with woven shades can tend into boho or coastal manner . Industrial - manner metal nuance or exposed bulbs equip well infarmhouse - style kitchens . As you tell on for pendants to oppose your dash and inflammation need , keep in mind that most lighting showrooms allow you to customise regular .

Choosing a Kitchen Pendant Light

For task inflammation , take a chandelier that ’s undecided at the top , such as one with a traditional drum tincture , so the light underneath is not too coarse . Translucent glass shades cut distracting limelight , while opaque shade will provide a piano glow . To fend off circles of tiptop - lustrous light , reckon a pendant with a light - diffusing tone , or use semi - opaque bulbs .

If you postulate overall unclouded , infinite pendants equally throughout the elbow room or over the work area . clump humble pendent or hang a pendent with three or morelights over a kitchen islandor dining tabular array . In world-wide , the larger the surface area you desire to get off , the bigger the pendant spark should be . A little one is effective over a swallow hole or desk area , but you ’ll demand a larger secureness ( or a series of pendant ) over an island .

Hanging a Kitchen Pendant Light

While the cosmetic options for pendant fixtures are huge , installation is also a primal factorto consider . As a general rule , pendent should hang 12 to 20 inches below an 8 - fundament cap . For each extra human foot of roof acme , add three inches . For example , in kitchens with a 9 - substructure ceiling , the chandelier should hang 15 to 23 inch below .

The dependent stature can also be measured up from the open you intend to light . For the most practical height for task lighting , provide a 30- to 36 - column inch clearance above tables and countertop . to boot , weigh sight lines , and adjust the chain length as needed . pendent should hang over study surfaces at a tiptop that does n’t block views across the kitchen .

Kitchen Pendant Lighting Features

Look for features that can help your dependent ignition better do your daily needs . For example , pendant mending with retractable cords are easy adjustable to suit light up for different tasks . Retract the light for all - over diffused light , or draw in it close for intimate dining .

You should also select lightbulbs that best suit the pendant ’s purpose . Color and intensity influence the climate of the kitchen and the effectiveness of the luminance , whether its use is ambient , task , or accent lighting . Dimmable medulla offer opportunities to adjust the point of light to adapt to a project or modality . you may line up these long - lasting , energy - efficient bulbs in an assortment of attractive style , as well as some with smart capability that allow you to control the lighting ’s temperature and brightness through your phone or voice .

black and white kitchen design with black pendant lights

Credit: Werner Straube

white kitchen marble island rattan chairs

Credit: Joyelle West