Pendant Light Height Guide

Pendants work best when they light the surface below without blocking sight lines.

Over a kitchen island or counter

Hang the bottom of the shade about 30 to 36 in above the countertop. Taller households may prefer the upper end of that range.

How many pendants

• Islands up to about 6 ft: two pendants usually work.
• Longer islands: three pendants, or a linear fixture.
• Leave roughly 24 to 30 in between pendant centers, and about 6 in or more from each end of the island to the edge of the shade.

Over a dining table

Use the same 30 to 36 in clearance above the tabletop. Keep the combined width of the pendants inside the table's footprint.

In walkways and entries

Keep at least 7 ft of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture where people walk underneath.

Shades and light spread

Open, glass and wire shades spread light widely. Solid metal or ceramic shades focus light downward, which suits task lighting over counters.

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Guidance only. Always check the dimensions and installation notes on the product page, and follow your local electrical code.