Kitchen island lighting

How do you choose the number of pendants?

Start with the length of the island. Up to about 2 metres, two pendants usually look right. Longer islands take three, or a single long linear pendant. Smaller islands and peninsulas can carry one statement light. Measure, then sketch the options to scale — it's the easiest way to see what feels balanced.

How high should island pendants hang?

Around 750–900mm from the benchtop to the bottom of the shade is the standard range. Too high and the light spreads and loses its purpose; too low and it blocks the view across the room. With higher or raked ceilings, use a longer drop rather than mounting the pendants high up.

What kind of light do pendants need to give?

Over a prep area you want light directed down onto the bench, so choose shades that are open at the bottom. Fully opaque shades focus the light; glass and open designs spread it more softly but can glare. A warm white of around 2700–3000K suits most homes, and dimmable fittings let the island shift from prep space to dinner table.

How do you layer lighting around an island?

Good kitchens use three layers. Ambient light from recessed downlights lights the whole room. Task light — the pendants, plus LED strips under the overhead cabinets — lights the benches where you work. Accent light, such as a strip under the island overhang or inside glass-fronted cabinets, adds depth in the evening.

Cabinet lighting is easiest and neatest when it's designed into the cabinetry before it's made, with channels for the LED strips and drivers hidden out of sight. That's something we plan at the design stage of every kitchen.

When should you plan island lighting?

Early — before the island position is final. Pendants need to be centred over the island, not the room, and the wiring has to go in before the ceiling is finished. Settle the island design first, then place the lights to suit it.