6 Gorgeous Pendant Lights to Update Your Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are design features that stand the test of time. But most islands look best when paired with pendant lights (function and style!).
But how do you know which pendant light is best for your kitchen when there are so many options? Frosted shade, clear glass, metal, rattan?
You do your research, starting right here. I’ve created a short list of questions to consider before you choose your pendant lighting.
- QUALITY OF LIGHT: Before you decide which light is best, you need to decide what you need from it. Pendant lights with frosted white shades spread the most light around your kitchen. Lights with solid sides and an open bottom direct light down. Rattan shades heavily filter light. Consider your needs before the style.
- HOW MANY: If you have two junction boxes, you’ll probably do two lights. If you have one junction box, do you put in a single light fixture (probably not)? Instead, you might choose one fixture with 2-4 shades on it (I have a great 2-light version below).
- METAL FINISH: Consider any metal details and how they might tie into your cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet.
And while 99.5% percent of my blog images are from my Online Color Consulting clients, friends, and readers, this blog post is mostly Wayfair/H. Depot, so you can see these lights in action.
The Best Pendant Lights for Kitchen Islands
Let’s take a look at 6 of my favorites…
1. Best Overall Pendant Light: Project Source Brown Bohemian Dome
A pair of these gorgeous woven bamboo pendant lights will give your kitchen a beachy or lakeside feel even when it’s snowing outside! The rustic look of the Bohemian Dome pendant makes it a great option for a quick update to a dated kitchen. The tight weave of the bamboo means the light doesn’t diffuse as much as with glass shades, making it a great option for spotlighting your island workspace!
In fact, I love these lights so much that I used them in our lake house (with Benjamin Moore White Dove)…
2. Best Pendant Light for a Small Island: Birch Lane Anna May 2
Even smaller kitchen islands deserve to have show-stopping pendant lights! If you don’t have space for two separate lights over your island, opt for a great two-in-one option, like this Birch Lane Anna May 2 fixture. I love that it’s minimalist without being boring. Plus, the clean, simple lines won’t overwhelm a small space. The chic fabric shades keep it from looking too modern so that it can work in a wide range of kitchen designs – yes, even traditional! It also comes in a gold finish, if you want a light that’s just a bit more of a statement.
3. Best Gold Pendant Light: Etta Avenue Gertie
I love this gold-toned pendant light because it has just enough brass accents to make it noticeable but not so many that it will feel dated in two years. I could totally see a pair of these pendant lights making a cameo on the set of a Nancy Meyers movie! Perfect for the kitchen of a traditional house, the 13-inch-wide shades come in white, black, and even clear glass.
That said, I’m not a huge clear glass fan, as I don’t like seeing light bulbs (unless it’s a candelabra-style chandelier).
4. Best Brass Pendant Light: Pottery Barn Large Tapered Metal Shade Cord Pendant
Brass pendant lights are yet another versatile material that will look good whether it’s hanging inside a bachelor pad in the city, a suburban family home, or somewhere down on the ranch. Since brass is a common feature of so many homes, it’s nice to pick it up in your lighting.
This large, tapered pendant light from Pottery Barn is as matter-of-fact as they come, allowing the brass finish to shine and get the attention it deserves. Just think: A trio of these over a white marble countertop? Amazeballs.
5. Best Transitional Pendant Light: Birch Lane Elo
For the ultimate transitional lighting for your kitchen island, look no further than the Elo pendant from Birch Lane. The brass + shade combo leans traditional, but the open arch detail gives it just enough of a modern touch. The Elo is a great option if you’re looking for a quick way to update a dated kitchen: trade out those fugly 90s fixtures for two of these cuties! This is the ideal pendant light for your kitchen island, giving it a classic look with a contemporary twist.
6. Best Glass Pendant Light: Pottery Barn Nausica Ribbed Glass
I mean, is there a more gorgeous pendant light than this ribbed glass number from Pottery Barn? The antique brass finish adds understated shine, and the frosted glass shade gives an amber glow that’s flattering for both you and your kitchen.
Who Am I?
Hi, I’m Kylie. After working in the paint and color departments at Home Depot, I felt like I could do more to share my design expertise with the public. Since starting Kylie M Interiors, I’ve written more than 500 articles on how to make a house feel more like a home, become a leading color consultant for top brands, and helped transform more than 11,000 homes. I want to help you discover ways to personalize your space while honing your creative eye — because it feels good to be surrounded by rooms that look and feel like you! I searched my favorite retailers to find the best pendant lights for kitchen islands that add just the right amount of pizzazz to all types of kitchens.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Pendant Lights for Kitchen Islands
It’s very, very easy to fall in love with a pendant light online that might not work in your kitchen, either because it’s the wrong size or doesn’t have the right function. Here’s what you should know while shopping for pendant lights for your kitchen island, so that what you choose ends up being perfect for your home.
DIMENSIONS
You don’t want your kitchen pendant to feel too small or too large; otherwise, it’ll throw off the proportions of your island. A teeny pendant will make an island feel enormous, while an oversized one will do the opposite. So, get out your handy-dandy measuring tape and jot down some numbers.
Generally, aim to have your pendants hang between 30 and 36 inches above your counters. As for spacing between pendants approx. 24-30″ apart. Your pendants should sit at least 12″ in from the ends.
OTHER DETAILS
Kitchen pendants need to be hardwired, which allows you to personalize them further. For example, you can add dimmers to set the mood in the evening. You can also choose between LED or classic bulbs. I recommend hiring a pro to install hardwired pendant lights since electricity is no joke unless you’re highly skilled (or brave). Sometimes, it’s better to let someone else take over!
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