Pendant lights for a kitchen island: how many, how high, how far apart

In short. Cosmo Lighting Kensington's island pendants hang in twos and threes. Two pendants suit an island of about 1.5 to 1.8 metres, two or three suit one up to about 2.7 metres, and three pendants or one linear pendant suit anything longer. Hang them 76 to 91 centimetres above the bench on a standard 2.44 metre ceiling, about 7.5 centimetres higher for every extra 30 centimetres of ceiling, and 61 to 91 centimetres apart centre to centre, with the outer pendants about 30 centimetres in from each end. These are the figures in Philips Hue's pendant guide.

How many pendants does a kitchen island need?

• About 1.5 to 1.8 metres: two pendants.
• About 2.1 to 2.7 metres: two larger or three smaller pendants.
• About 3 metres or more: three pendants, or one linear pendant along the bench.

Odd numbers look settled on a long bench; two is right when the island is short or the pendants are large. A single statement pendant works over a small island or one end of a long one.

How high above the bench should island pendants hang?

76 to 91 centimetres from the bench top to the bottom of the shade, on a 2.44 metre ceiling. Add about 7.5 centimetres of height for every 30 centimetres of ceiling above that. The aim is to see across the island to the person on the other side, and to keep the light low enough that it lands on the bench rather than in your eyes. Most pendants come with an adjustable drop, so the height is set on the day.

How far apart should the pendants be?

61 to 91 centimetres centre to centre, closer for small shades and wider for large ones, with the first and last pendant about 30 centimetres in from the ends of the bench. Measure the bench, mark the two outer positions, then space the rest evenly between them.

Which shade: glass, metal or rattan?

Glass spreads light into the room as well as down, and amber or ribbed glass softens a bright globe. Metal shades throw a defined pool of light onto the bench and hide the globe, which suits task lighting. Rattan and woven shades give a warm, patterned light and suit relaxed kitchens. See the glass pendant lights, black pendant lights and brass pendant lights in stock.

Which globe and colour?

Dimmable LED globes in 3000K warm white for most kitchens, so the island can be bright for cooking and low for dinner. Where the globe shows through clear glass, a decorative filament LED globe looks best. More in warm white vs cool white.

Where this fits at Cosmo

• Pendants & chandeliers at Cosmo
• Lighting design & advice at Cosmo
• Every pendant in stock