If you’re asking the question “How many pendant lights are needed over 8 ft Island,” I’ll try to answer the question in this article.
To calculate the number of pendant lights required, you must divide the area of an island with the area of illumination by one pendant light.
For an example, in an island of 8 feet, 1 or 2 pendant lights are required. In a 34 square feet Island, you would require 3 pendant lights where each lamp is providing 10 square feet of light.
In another case, if a pendant showers light on an area of 6 square feet, then you would require 5 lights.
It is all game of numbers, as it depends on the type of pendant light you are using. Larger pendants often illuminate a larger area; thus, less quantity is required. On the contrary, smaller pendants are perfect for your smaller spaces.
You must duly note that larger pendants come with a heavier price tag than the smaller ones. Regardless the size of the pendants, the height of ceiling also plays a vital role in determining the size of the bright spot.
As an example, when you use the flashlight against a surface, you notice that the area of light spot increases as the flash is more distant, while as the proximity increases, the diameter of the light spot decreases.
If you pay regard to all these factors such as the circumference of the pendants, the height of the ceiling & the area of the island, you would be able to decipher the exact amount of pendant lights required.
You can deduce that the numbers of lights required is highly subjective & has no direct answer. Just a small fact, it is psychologically more rewarding to see such hanging lights in the odd numbers.
Are you considering Pendant lights for your Kitchen Island?
Pendant lights are a unique trend today. They are lights suspended from the roof through a string, wire or a chord. There are a plethora of pendant lights available online for you to select.
Nevertheless, they come in different colors, shapes, sizes & brands. You should note that these lights must be bought considering your lighting, décor & budget requirements.
These lamps shower light focussing on a specific area, on the contrary to a light bulb or the tube light. Some variants of these lights are power efficient as they use LEDs.
Pendant lights can be considered as an alternative to the conventional lighting system in a kitchen.
The Kitchen is an integral part of every home. It can be said that the kitchen is the powerhouse for all the members of a family, yet we often ignore the necessity of adequate power provisions. Essentially, lighting in a kitchen is a need especially an island where most of the work is conducted.
Aesthetics is important, isn’t it?
Well, decorating your kitchen island with pendant lights could be an effective way to boost up your decor.
As a result of a change in lifestyle trends, many homes have adopted the practice of making open kitchens where it is merged with the main living rooms.
Pendant lighting is your perfect bet for open illumination cravings. These lights are soothing & subtle which develops a very healthy ambiance. Besides, your lighting needs are eventually fulfilled.
What are different varieties of pendant lights?
There is a sundry of pendant lights available in the store. These lights are available in different shapes, sizes & colors. Although these lights are known for their simplicity, they do come in diverse forms.
Then the retro pendant is for your home or if you have more of a modern interior then you can opt for some of the modern themed lamps which are known for their sleek design & elegance.
Nonetheless, other varieties include drum pendants or rustic lights. The globe shaped pendant light is surely an attention grabber. Regardless, it solely depends on your personal taste & the level of satisfaction that you reap after purchasing a pendant light.
Where else can I use pendant lights?
The most striking feature about pendant lights is that it proves to be a show stealer at any corner of your house.
It replaces the conventional lighting system; hence you can install it anywhere. The most preferred places to establish a connection are the stairways, the entryways, over the bedside tables & in the washrooms with a high ceiling.
It is highly recommended that ceiling must be high enough to prevent any potential electric hazards.
Many commercial establishments have also witnessed a huge upgrade to the pendant lighting system. Galleries, amphitheaters & conference centers have ditched those hot tube lights for attractive pendants.
What are the disadvantages of using pendant lighting system?
Every coin has two sides. Despite being a stellar concept, there are a few cons that hide behind these benefits. They must be well considered, although they might not be a deal-breaker.
Though, the aforementioned lines say that pendant lights are an alternative to the conventional lighting system we must not ignore the fact that these lights might not get as bright as a bulb or tube light.
Regardless, it throws the adequate amount of light for your daily chores, but it might take a while for you to get used to the ambiance.
Secondly, these lights are designed only for places with high ceilings since they are suspended well below the roof. The ceiling must be high enough in order to accommodate these lights.
Last but not the least, these lights could sometimes get a bit pricey as compared to the other lighting options. If you are willing to shell out those extra bucks, then it might not be an issue though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pendant lights enough for kitchens?
Pendant lights are perfect for kitchens. They not only brightly light up your kitchen but are also convenient and efficient in day-to-day life. For example, the kitchen might get too busy during parties or family dinners. Occasions like these are not ideal for floor lamps that can easily be knocked over amidst the chaos. Also, the primary purpose of installing a light in the kitchen is to help you complete all the kitchen duties safely. Since pendant lights hang directly over the island, which is basically your workstation, they offer the best visibility.
How high should the pendant lights hang over the kitchen island?
On average, pendant lights can be hung anywhere between 30 to 36 inches above the counter. That said, it depends on quite a few factors, including the height of the counter, and ceiling height as well as your own height. The aim is to give you adequate visibility without the fixture coming your way. Also, placing the light higher will allow for better reflection, lighting up a bigger area in your kitchen.
Can you hang pendant lights over kitchen sinks?
The kitchen sink is an integral part of your daily kitchen duties, and if you do a majority of your work in its vicinity, you must put a pendant light over your sink. It would be better if your sink is made of glass or any other reflective material. This will help light from the pendant fixtures above reflect more and amp up your kitchen’s brightness. It would be even better if your kitchen sink is located right at the center. This will help the illumination from the lights spread evenly across the room.
How many pendant lights will you need for a 7 ft island?
There isn’t really a lot of difference between an 8ft island and a 7ft island. So, you will need at least two pendant lights to brightly light up a 7ft island as well as the entire kitchen. The only way you can get away with just one light is if it’s too bright.
How big should your pendant lights be?
If you have a small island ranging between 5 to 6 ft, a small pendant light with a diameter of 32 cm should be fine. On the other hand, if you have a bigger counter, you will need a medium-sized pendant light with a 48cm diameter.
What are some alternatives to pendant lights for kitchen islands?
Pendant lights alternatives include regular ceiling lights, LED downlights, or wall-mounted lights. The latter might not focus on your kitchen workstation but will offer a decent overall brightness. If you don’t mind going a little extravagant, chandeliers are a great way to make your regular kitchen look expensive. You can also use table lamps, but considering how chaotic it can get in the kitchen, we don’t recommend this.
Conclusion
No one can deny the fact that, pendant lights are the thing of today. They provide elegance, charm & are worth all the praise.
Purchasing them could be an ordeal if the measurements are not done accurately. As a suggestion, you have to understand fully why you should target these lights on your shopping list.
