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30+ Kitchen Pendant Lights To Complete Your Kitchen

by Holly Antoine | Published 6/14/23

Kitchen pendant lights are an essential element of modern kitchen design. Pendant lights are not only functional but also add a decorative touch to the kitchen space. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any kitchen design.

Pendant lights can be used to create a focal point, add warmth and ambiance, or provide task lighting for specific areas of the kitchen. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right pendant lighting for your kitchen. This article will explore some kitchen pendant lighting ideas to help you make an informed decision about the best lighting solution for your kitchen.

A brown wood island with brass legs is accented with a striped marble countertop seating four brown woven stools facing a sink wiht a polished nickel gooseneck faucet lit by three white and gold pendants.
Photo Credit: Alice Lane Interior Design

Whether you are looking for a minimalist and modern design or a rustic and cozy ambiance, there is a pendant light that can meet your needs. From classic glass pendant lights to industrial-style metal pendants, there are endless possibilities to choose from.

Let Decoist walk you through how to choose the right size and placement for your pendant lights to ensure they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With the right kitchen pendant lighting, you can create a welcoming and inviting space perfect for gathering with family and friends.

Industrial-Style Pendants

An industrial-style pendant can add a modern edge to a traditional kitchen. Industrial-style pendant lights have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to their unique combination of functionality and visual appeal. These lights draw inspiration from the utilitarian design found in factories and warehouses, resulting in a raw and edgy look that adds character to any space.

One of the main advantages of this style of pendant light is their versatility. Whether you’re trying to integrate this style into a traditional kitchen or a more modern one, these lights can fit into any design scheme. The understated nature of the design allows them to complement a wide variety of materials, from concrete to metal or wood. Another advantage to these lights is they serve a dual purpose as both lighting and a statement feature that can serve as a focal point in the space. The juxtaposition of the rough and rugged industrial design with the warmth and familiarity of a kitchen creates a captivating contrast that instantly grabs attention.

Decorative surfboards hang beneath a vaulted plank ceiling and over blond wood floating shelves mounted in front of light gray glazed backsplash tiles. The shelves are fixed over black cabinets finished with a farmhouse sink and polished nickel gooseneck faucet. Black lanterns light a black island boasting cookbook shelves and a gas integrated cooktop positioned in front of brown leather woven counter stools.
Photo Credit: Anne Chessin Designs

Glass Pendants

These pendants can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your kitchen, adding visual appeal to any culinary space.

The transparent nature of glass allows for light to pass through freely, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The glass pendant style effortlessly blends into a variety of design styles, complementing traditional kitchen styles as much as an eclectic style. This style of pendant light comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and finishes, so you can find the perfect glass pendant light that fits your kitchen’s needs.

Whether you hang them over a kitchen island, a dining area, or a countertop, glass pendant lights are sure to become a captivating focal point, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to your culinary haven.

White kitchen cabinets hold a stainless steel sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet mounted to a marble-look countertop under a window flanked by white upper cabinets and partially framed by green hexagon backsplash tiles. Two Suzanne Kasler Morris Lanterns illuminate a blue island.
Photo Credit: Alexis Pawling Interiors
A white kitchen island topped with a white quartz countertop seats modern white counter stools facing an island sink with a stainless steel pull out faucet.
Photo Credit: Karen Berkemeyer Home
Dual blue shaker kitchen island complement a white kitchen. Gray rope stools sit at one island lit by three brass and glass lanterns hung from a stained wood beam. The other island is finished with a sink and a brass gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: HW Interiors

Colorful Pendants

Adding a pop of color to your kitchen with brightly colored pendants can liven up the space and create a fun atmosphere. By opting for bold and lively hues rather than plain neutrals, you can transform your kitchen space while providing functional lighting.

From vibrant blues and fiery reds to soft pastels or earth tones, the pendant lighting options are endless. Hung above a kitchen island or a quaint breakfast nook, a pop of color on a pendant will draw attention to specific areas and create a focal point for your space.

Vintage blue lanterns light a white angled kitchen island topped with a marble-look countertop and paired with tan bamboo counter stools. Windows are covered in white and green botanical curtains.
Photo Credit: Lee Owens Design

Unique Shapes

Unconventional lighting fixtures are a fantastic way to showcase your creativity and add a distinctive touch to your culinary space.

If you’re looking. to make a bold statement, uniquely-shaped pendant lights—think of geometric designs or whimsical organic shapes—can add an interesting visual element to your kitchen, serving as functional works of art that capture attention and ignite a conversation. You could opt for a single standout piece or a cluster of complementary shapes to transform the ambiance of your kitchen.

Seeded glass bell jar lanterns light an oak island boasting stacked shelves.
Photo Credit: Marie Flanigan
Two Kelly Wearstler Precision Pendants illuminate a peacock blue kitchen island finished with a sink and a brass gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Kira David

Oversized Pendants

Whether you have a spacious kitchen with high ceilings or a cozy nook that craves a bold touch, oversized pendant lights add a sense of grandeur and sophistication. This style of kitchen pendant lights can make for a dramatic statement and can be a great way to add personality to the space.

When styling oversized pendant lights, consider the scale and proportion of the fixtures to ensure they make a statement without overwhelming the space. Place them strategically above a kitchen island or dining area, at an appropriate height for optimal lighting.

Aim for a balanced design by coordinating the pendant lights with the surrounding elements, such as colors and materials, to create a cohesive look. Additionally, remember to layer the lighting by incorporating task and ambient lighting sources for a well-lit and functional kitchen.

Serena and Lily Sunwashed Riviera Counter Stools sit at a gray blue kitchen island illuminated by Goodman Hanging Lamps hung on either side of an island sink. A stainless steel refrigerator is recessed under gray blue cabinets.
Photo Credit: Brittney Ferguson Interiors

Mini Pendants

Mini pendants are a great option for smaller kitchens and can be arranged in a row above a kitchen island or counter. When it comes to styling these pendant lights, attention to detail is key (as it so often is when it comes to home design).

When styling these lights, groupings of 2 or 3 are the most common to create a visually appealing cluster. Hang them at an appropriate height and consider mixing different shapes, colors, and finishes for a dynamic look.

A quartz waterfall countertop accents a white kitchen island paired with brown and black counter stools and lit by brassa nd glass wand lights.
Photo Credit: Intimate Living Interiors

Natural Materials

Pendants made of natural materials such as wood or woven materials can add warmth and texture to your kitchen, bringing outdoor elements in your design scheme.

When it comes to styling pendant lights made from natural materials in your kitchen, there are several ways to enhance their earthy elegance. First, consider the surrounding decor and aim for a cohesive look by incorporating similar natural elements throughout the space, such as wooden countertops or woven placemats. This creates a harmonious and organic feel. Secondly, play with lighting placement to accentuate the unique textures and patterns of the natural materials. Consider hanging the pendant lights above a kitchen island or dining area, where they can shine a spotlight on their natural beauty. Lastly, complement the natural hues of the materials by choosing warm and earthy tones for the overall color scheme of the kitchen.

Wicker basket chandeliers illuminate a white kitchen island boasting drawers with brass cup pulls and a maple and quartz countertop.
Photo Credit: AKB Design
Wood and leather strap stools are placed at a white plank island topped with a marble countertop holding a prep sink beneath a brass gooseneck faucet kit lit by woven basket chandeliers and natural light from skylights.
Photo Credit: Pure Salt Interiors

Vintage Pendants

Vintage or antique pendants can add charm and character to your kitchen, with design inspiration often taken from bygone eras. Whether you opt for vintage-inspired reproductions or authentic antique pieces, these pendant lights create a captivating focal point and add a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen decor.

Paired with vintage-inspired accessories and retro accents, this style of pendant light has ornate details, weathered finishes, and delicate craftsmanship to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Milk glass lanterns light a marble top island finished with a sink and paired with brown wood and leather chairs placed on a dark oak thin plank floor. A row of windows is located over an apron sink with a chrome deck mount faucet fixed to a marble countertop over white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Kristen Panitch Interiors
Charming cottage kitchen features basketweave counter stools placed at a black shiplap kitchen island illuminated by industrial lanterns.
Photo Credit: Casey Sarkin Interior Design – Charming cottage kitchen features basketweave counter stools placed at a black shiplap kitchen island illuminated by industrial lanterns.

How to Choose the Right Size of Kitchen Pendant Light

When it comes to choosing the right size of pendants for your kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of your kitchen and the height of your ceiling. A larger kitchen with a higher ceiling can accommodate larger pendants, while a smaller kitchen with a lower ceiling may require smaller pendants.

Next, think about the function of the pendants. Are they primarily for task lighting over a kitchen island or are they more for decorative purposes? This will also influence the size you choose. For task lighting, larger pendants with a brighter output may be more appropriate, while for decorative purposes, smaller pendants with a softer glow may be better suited.

Two white industrial pendants hang over a marble countertop finished with a prep sink and accenting a light taupe island. Blue French bistro stools sit on a wooden floor at the end facing a row of windows.
Photo Credit: Mark D Sikes

It’s also important to consider the style of your kitchen and the pendants you choose. A more modern or minimalist kitchen may look better with sleek, simple pendants of a larger size, while a more traditional kitchen may benefit from smaller, more ornate pendants.

Yellow spindle stools sit at a white kitchen island boasting a white towel bar and a butcher block countertop lit by two white and gold lanterns. The island is accented with brass hardware and completed with a sink with an antique brass vintage style faucet.
Photo Credit: Digs Design

Finally, consider the placement of the pendants. If you are hanging them over a kitchen island or dining table, be sure to measure the length and width of the surface and choose pendants that are proportional to the size of the surface. Pendants that are too small or too large can throw off the balance of the space.

Brown basketweave stools with blue gingham cushions sit at an extra long white wainscot kitchen island fitted with a quartzite countertop lit by white hanging shade lights hung beneath a sidelight.
Photo Credit: McCann Design Group

Overall, choosing the right size of pendants for your kitchen involves taking into account the size and height of the space, the function of the pendants, the style of your kitchen, and the placement of the pendants. By considering all of these factors, you can find the perfect size pendants to enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen.

Hanging Kitchen Pendants

When selecting the right placement for your kitchen pendants, there are several factors to consider. The first is the size of your kitchen and the size of the pendants themselves. If you have a small kitchen, it’s best to choose smaller pendants that won’t overwhelm the space. Conversely, if you have a large kitchen, you can choose larger pendants that will make a statement.

Dalston Hanging Shades hang over a long white kitchen island contrasted with a honed black marble countertop finished with a sink and complemented with black vintage style stools.
Photo Credit: Cambridge Home Company

Another consideration is the height of your kitchen ceiling. If you have high ceilings, you may want to choose pendants that hang lower to create a more intimate atmosphere. Conversely, if you have low ceilings, you’ll want to choose pendants that hang higher to avoid overwhelming the space.

Brown apothecary center island cabinets with brass hardware are topped with a white and gold marble countertop lit by black and gold pendants and finished with a prep sink and brushed gold gooseneck faucet.
Photo Credit: Kitchen Lab

The placement of your kitchen pendants is also important. You want to ensure that the pendants are placed in an area that will provide adequate lighting for your kitchen tasks. For example, if you have a kitchen island, you may want to place the pendants above the island to provide focused lighting for food prep and cooking.

Brown stools sit on a parquet wood floor at a gray kitchen island finished with a prep sink and are positioned facing a matching gray island lit by gold drum pendants hung from a coffered ceiling.
Photo Credit: Geoff Chick
Brown leather stools sit at a honed marble countertop accenting a light gray island lit by white and gold industrial pendants hung in a light gray kitchen.
Photo Credit: Twelve Chairs
A dark brown open island seats brown leather stools at a honed white marble countertop lit by two vintage lanterns in a stunning brown and blue Mediterranean style kitchen.
Photo Credit: Amber Interiors
A brown and blue kitchen runner sits in a modern cottage kitchen behind a marble top kitchen island lit by brass Hicks Pendants hung over a sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet. Glass front cabinets flank a window located over a farmhouse sink fixed over white cabinets.
Photo Credit: Pure Salt Interiors
A row of black and white upholstered stools are placed in a brown kitchen at a light brown chevron island lit by gold and black conical pendants hung over a trough sink with
Photo Credit: Amy Storm
A blue wooden center island is matched with black spindle stools placed on a wood floor at a white marble countertop lit by white lanterns.
Photo Credit: Kate Lester
Brown and blue kitchen features a blue center island lit by three glass lanterns hung over a concrete countertop finished with a sink.
Photo Credit: Anyon Design
A custom lighted kitchen island is complemented with white and beige counter stools and gold dome pendants hung on either side of a polished nickel faucet.
Photo Credit: Anyon Design
A gorgeous beveled framed chalkboard is hung in a cottage kitchen behind a white kitchen island accented with x-trim and topped with a marble alternative countertop seating French café wood and leather x-back stools. The island is lit by black barn lanterns.
Photo Credit: AKB Design
A black kitchen island with a black countertop is complemented with beige basketweave stools and lit by two brass vintage lanterns.
Photo Credit: Studio McGee
A white angled kitchen boasts a white island donning brass pulls and a marble top lit by two Aerin Agnes pendants. A marble waterfall top accents a peninsula.
Photo Credit: TKS Design Group

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are kitchen hanging pendants?

Kitchen hanging pendants are light fixtures that are suspended from the ceiling of a kitchen using a cord or chain. They provide both functional and decorative lighting to the space.

What is the ideal height for kitchen hanging pendants?

The ideal height for kitchen hanging pendants is typically 30-36 inches above the surface of the kitchen island or table. This allows for sufficient lighting without obstructing the view or interfering with daily activities.

What types of bulbs are best for kitchen hanging pendants?

LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting option for kitchen hanging pendants. They also emit less heat, making them safer to use in the kitchen.

How many kitchen hanging pendants should I install?

The number of kitchen hanging pendants to install depends on the size of the kitchen island or table. As a general rule, one pendant is sufficient for every 2 feet of countertop space.

What styles of kitchen hanging pendants are available?

There are many styles of kitchen hanging pendants to choose from, including modern, traditional, industrial, and rustic. The material and shape of the pendant can also vary, such as glass, metal, or fabric shades.

What is the installation process for kitchen hanging pendants?

The installation process for kitchen hanging pendants typically involves wiring the fixture to the ceiling and adjusting the height and position of the pendant to ensure proper lighting and aesthetics.

Can kitchen hanging pendants be used in other areas of the home?

Yes, kitchen hanging pendants can be used in other areas of the home, such as the dining room, living room, or bedroom. They can provide both functional and decorative lighting to any space.

Holly Antoine

Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]

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