Choosing Kitchen Island Pendant Lighting
A beautifully designed kitchen includes beautiful and functional cabinetry, countertops, hardware, appliances, and something that should not be overlooked – lighting. Lighting highlights the features of your kitchen, and your kitchen island deserves to be well-lit so that it can be functional and beautiful just like the rest of your kitchen. If you are like most homes with an island, you will do a lot of prep work, entertaining, daily eating, and maybe even work homework, right at your kitchen island so you need lights that provide enough illumination for tasks but that accent your kitchen rather than distracting from the overall design.
To determine the overall size that your island pendant lights should be, measure your kitchen island dimensions. Your island can generally accommodate 2-4 pendants. You do not want to exceed the width of your island but you also do not want to go too small because they will look out of place. They should also not be hung so low that they obstruct the view in your kitchen.
Next, when determining the aesthetic style of your island pendant lights, consider the design aesthetic of your kitchen and the rest of your home. Better Homes and Gardens has some helpful tips for how to distinguish what style would be best for your home, “Pendants made of glass or chrome, for example, often exhibit sleek modern style. Fixtures with woven shades can lean into boho or coastal styles. Those with industrial-style metal shades or exposed bulbs fit well in farmhouse-style kitchens.”
Finally, when determining how much light you need, consider your lifestyle and entertaining style – are your pendants going to be used for task lighting or primarily decorative ambient lighting? This will help you narrow down the selection further so that you can choose the optimal kitchen island pendant lights for your kitchen remodel project.
What are the considerations for kitchen island pendant lighting?
Homeowners have endless options to choose from for their pendant lighting over kitchen islands. The sheer number of choices may make the process both exciting and overwhelming. Choosing the best lighting option depends on various factors based on the project. The following are some considerations that people have to focus on when selecting the right pendant lighting for their kitchen islands.
Scale
The size of the fixture matters in every situation. Homeowners can work with designers to create a preliminary design concept for their kitchen and use it as a reference to choose fixtures. This helps to decide how much space is required to install pendant lighting in a kitchen. Moreover, they can avoid any unnecessary works by choosing the wrong size for a project.
Needs
Next, they should determine the need for pendant lighting. Most projects utilize the unique shape of these fixtures to decorate the space. It supplies direct light to surrounding areas, along with an ample amount of natural lighting. Using translucent shades may further enrich the results to improve the overall aesthetics.
Style
Once the need is determined, homeowners can focus on a style. When one is trying to create a big statement out of kitchen redesign, pendant lighting is the ideal option. They can choose from a variety of style options like antique or modular chandeliers based on their style preferences. Since the style of fixtures will contribute to the overall looks of the space, it is essential to stay mindful of the options.
Finish
People can choose a finish that either contrasts or blends with the cabinetry. It depends on the aesthetical needs of a person and their lifestyle. People can also choose bright colors if they have dark modular cabinetry. Using contrasting colors will create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. However, the ideal mixture of color palettes is essential to avoid boring, one-dimensional designs. Make sure that the pendant lights stand out from the rest of the fixtures.
Quantity
Ideally, two pendants are sufficient to light the entire kitchen island. The number may vary for large islands where three or more fixtures are required. Either way, one has to decide the number of fixtures needed for their kitchen space and avoid any mistakes with this process. It would prove beneficial in the long run.
Cost
The most important factor of all is the cost. Pendant lightings are priced based on the material or style. If homeowners are working on a budget, they should look for inexpensive options without compromising quality. Make sure to factor in the needs and wants of the kitchen before making a choice.
