Here are the four rules we recommend for hanging pendant lights over a kitchen island or dining table. All measurements are from the bottom of the pendant to the surface below.
| Rule | Kitchen island | Dining table |
|---|---|---|
| Height (bottom of pendant to surface) | 30–36 in | 30–34 in |
| Spacing (centre to centre) | 24–30 in | |
| Edge clearance (outer pendant to edge) | 6–12 in | |
| Coverage | About ⅔ of the island or table length | |
Adjusting for ceiling height
- Standard ceilings (8–9 ft): follow the ranges above.
- High ceilings (10–12 ft): consider raising the pendants slightly, or use longer cords or rods to keep their visual weight.
- Low ceilings (7–7.5 ft): stick to the minimum height (30 in) to avoid a cramped look.
For adjustable-height pendants, set the final height after installation. See the full Pendant Light Height & Spacing Guide.