There are so many different types of pendants that are brilliant for kitchen islands, you may have more options than you think. Kitchen islands come in lots of different styles - some with breakfast tables, some with sinks & hobs, some with high ceilings and some with low ceilings. Have a look at these different pendant types, and see which one might work best for your kitchen island.
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INDIVIDUAL PENDANTS
- Individual pendants hung in a row above your kitchen island are the tried & true original way to light kitchen islands, and for a good reason. You're spoiled for choice when it comes to options and you're sure to find one that will match your island's aesthetics & budget. In fact, there are so many different types of individual pendants that I'll do another blog dedicated to them. For now, it's worth noting that when choosing individual pendants consider their size and beam spread to figure out how many you'll need. They can be further apart if the beam spread is wide, even if the pendants themselves are smaller.
LINEAR PENDANTS
- Linear pendants are quickly becoming one of the most preferred pendant for kitchen islands, they're not just for office desks anymore, that's for sure. They have come a long way in terms of design credibility. They only require one cable entry (usually) and cover a lot of island with minimal view obstruction. They provide smooth, even lighting. And often, they look just as good switched off as on. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a linear pendant, especially the cable location which is usually off-centre - yes, you guessed it - another blog to follow!
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE PENDANTS
- Height-adjustable pendants are fantastic for when you want to change the lighting levels on any given day. If you raise the shade, the light will spread out wider and when you lower it, the light becomes more concentrated in a smaller radius (and brighter - great for task lighting, like prep work or homework). You can lower it when you want low level lighting without glare or raise it when you don't want obstructed views. A life-long flexible light. Because the mechanics can be tricky, there aren't lots of choices in this style but I can help you find one you'll love. Call me - Autumn Morrison: 07943469433
EXPANDABLE PENDANTS
- Some pendants are super clever in that they can open and shut from a single canopy - providing multiple lighting effects from 1 power location. Pull them together to concentrate the light or open them to soften and spread the light across the span of the island. Really good when you need highly flexible lighting beyond the existing cable location. Especially good if you entertain a lot and want your lighting out of the way on special occasions.
CLUSTER PENDANTS
- Cluster pendants are brilliant when you have an awkward ceiling or kitchen island layout. Embrace the asymmetry instead of fight it. Depending on the amount of lights, you'll have plenty of light - and thanks to the swagging capacity of most clusters - you'll be able to hang the light(s) wherever you please. Besides asymmetric solutions, clusters are a stylish way to step away from the norm and light a straightforward kitchen island in a brave and fun (and functional) way. Just be aware that more cleaning will be involved.
OFF-CENTRE PENDANTS
- Sometimes the cable ends up in the wrong place, or the kitchen island itself had to be moved over a few inches (you'd be surprised how often this happens). This is when a pendant with a flexible canopy becomes a life saver. The power point (the canopy) is locked in place but the light itself can be hung free of constraints, where you want it. Some advice - embrace loose, flowing cables - especially with this type of pendant. Go with the flow.
CEILING MOUNTED PENDANTS
- Ceiling mounted pendants are cool, and a statement about being a free-thinker, not afraid to be unusual. Ceiling pendants tend to create visual anchors, which works great in open plan spaces, when a bit of zoning wouldn't go amiss. These particular ceiling pendants (besides being designed in Paris from a design in dating back to 1921) are telescopic, which is wicked cool.
My name is Autumn Morrison and I own & operate Lighting Guru Ltd, an independent, 5 star website providing quality lighting specifically for homes. Furthermore, I provide one-to-one lighting consulting (at a very affordable rate) to homeowners who want help with lighting choices. Please feel free to read through my testimonials, it may help further explain how I can help you with your lighting. Or send me a message and I'll get back to you straight away.
Please consider sharing this article with anyone who is building their dream kitchen and are looking for stylish lighting solutions for their kitchen island as well as people in the trade, such as joiners and kitchen designers. Lighting is a speciality and there is always something to learn - even for me and it's all I do 24/7.
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