Kitchen pendant lights hang over the island or dining area, where you cook and eat. Choose the height, number and spacing, then easy-clean materials.
Above the island: height, number and spacing
Hang the bottom of the light 75 to 90 cm above the worktop: you can see your hands without bumping your head as you lean in, and anyone sitting at the counter keeps a clear view. Over an island of 1.80 to 2.50 m, two or three pendants in a line, spaced 60 to 80 cm apart, light the whole length.
- Diameters from under 15 cm to 35 cm: easy to repeat in a row over a narrow island.
- Sizes of 100 cm and more: a single linear pendant covers a large island.
- Adjustable height: handy for fine-tuning once the stools are in place.
Light and materials suited to the kitchen
A kitchen needs 200 to 300 lumens per m². For the room as a whole, warm white at 3,000 K remains pleasant; over the chopping area, neutral white at 4,000 K helps you see clearly, as a worktop needs 300 to 500 lux. Along the walls, kitchen spotlights light the surfaces the pendant can't reach.
Grease and steam settle on shades: metal and glass wipe clean with a damp cloth, unlike fabric. Modern, industrial and vintage styles dominate, with touches of country and Scandinavian; black, brass and chrome lead the finishes. See also all our kitchen lighting, the full range of pendant lights and our tips on lighting your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen pendant lights
How many pendants over a kitchen island?
It all depends on its length. Over a 1.50 m island, two small pendants are often enough; beyond 2 m, three designs or a linear pendant spread the light better. Keep 60 to 80 cm between pendants, with their base 75 to 90 cm above the worktop.
How do I clean a greasy kitchen pendant?
Switch off the power and let the bulb cool. On lacquered metal and glass, a cloth dipped in hot water with washing-up liquid dissolves the greasy film; rinse, then dry. Avoid abrasive products on brass and copper. Regular cleaning stops grease hardening on the shade.
What colour temperature for a kitchen pendant?
Go for 3,000 K if the island doubles as a dining spot, for a warm atmosphere, and 4,000 K if it's mainly for food preparation. A CRI of at least 80 helps you judge how food is cooking. A dimmable pendant lowers the light after dinner, when the kitchen becomes a place to relax again.
