How Low Should a Pendant Light Hang
Other People Are Reading
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Low Enough to Light the Space
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Though pendant lights are often decorative and chosen to enhance the overall design of a kitchen, they also serve a practical purpose. These lights provide needed illumination of the workspace over which they hang. It is important, then, to be sure they are hung low enough to actually light the counter.
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High Enough to Allow Conversation
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Because pendant lights often hang over islands or open kitchen counters, it is important not to hang the light too low or it can interfere with conversation and interaction between people in the kitchen and those in the area across from the kitchen. As such, the eye height of the average person should be considered when hanging your lights.
Bottom Line
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In general, pendant lights should be hung between 30 inches and 40 inches above the top of the counter. The happy middle ground that allows for both needed light and uninterrupted sight lines is generally around 36 inches from the top of the counter or 5-feet-7 inches from the floor. This might need to be adjusted to your specific situation. Before you hang the lights, have someone hold one or two of them at this height to ensure it works best for your needs.
References
- Photo Credit modern luxury kitchen image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
