
How high should a pendant light be above a sink?
How far above the counter should a pendant light be?
How to measure pendant light height?
How to avoid bulb exposure?
Is pendant lighting good for a kitchen?
Can you put pendant lights over kitchen sinks?
Can a light fixture be over a sink?
See 4 more
About this website

Height of Pendant Light over Kitchen Sink - Houzz
I have an 8 foot ceiling and need help figuring out where the bottom of my pendant light should be. It is a single light 10" wide. I've figured 19 inches down which puts it about 43" above my counter. Is that too high? Is there a standard range? There will be window. Do I need to take that into acco...
What size pendant should I get for over a kitchen sink?
Hi there! I think 43" might be a touch too high - I would probably place it at 36-38" above the sink height, measured from the bottom of the pendant to the top of the countertop.
How high should a pendant light be from the ceiling?
To qualify as a pendant light, the fixture must hang more than 6 inches from the ceiling. Whether you're suspending the light over your kitchen or bathroom sink, the fixture should provide plenty of illumination without getting in your way. Your electrician will offer suggestions on the proper hanging height, but if you're installing ...
How tall should a kitchen sink be?
If you prefer to follow more general guidelines, designers use different rules for the kitchen and bathroom. If no very tall individuals will use your kitchen sink, allow at least 30 inches between the bottom of your light fixture and the counter surface. If the base cabinets in your kitchen stand less than 36 inches tall, ...
Can a glass pendant break?
Glass shades shatter on impact, so a low-hanging pendant could break if you accidentally knock the shade into your wall, window , mirror or another pendant lamp. If you install the fixture below eye level, you could bump the shade when you lean forward, setting the pendant in motion.
Pendant Over-Sink Lighting
The exact height for a pendant light over a kitchen sink depends on the size of the sink, the ceiling height and other factors. The writers at Briightens say that a pendant over a sink will provide plenty of light for the sink and adjacent work areas, but not so much elsewhere in the kitchen.
Types of Over-the-Sink Pendants
Mini pendant lights are a good option for kitchen sinks since they come in small sizes and shapes to fit in spots where larger lights can't. However, they may use different types of bulbs that don't provide the light you need at the sink.
Height of Pendant Light over Kitchen Sink
I have an 8 foot ceiling and need help figuring out where the bottom of my pendant light should be. It is a single light 10" wide. I've figured 19 inches down which puts it about 43" above my counter. Is that too high? Is there a standard range? There will be window. Do I need to take that into account?
Comments (8)
I just measured mine ... it's 36" off the counter. I don't think there is a hard and fast rule. I just wanted mine high enough so that i wasn't looking into a light bulb, but low enough so that I had good task lighting.
What is a bathroom pendant light?
Bathrooms have become a place of renewal and relaxation , making bathroom lighting essential. Bathroom lights such as pendant lights offer elegance with thin and sleek design. The height of the pendant light can be adjusted before installation, and you may pick a height according to placement of the bathroom pendant light.
How high should a bathroom ceiling be?
You will want to make sure that there is a six-foot clearance from the floor to the bottom of the light. Most homes have bathroom ceilings that are eight feet or higher.
Can you hang pendant lights over a mirror?
Many people like pendant lighting due to its design and available finishes. You can purchase pendant light in brass, stainless, wood and even glass. Pendant lights are lights that hang from the ceiling. They can hang over a mirror so that applying makeup or shaving can be done with plenty of light. They can also be hung over a commode ...
How high should a pendant light be?
A good guideline to follow for pendant light height over a bar or island is 30 to 36 inches between the counter and the bottom of the light fixture. You'll want to play around with the heights based on your line of sight, which is discussed more below. According to Better Homes & Gardens, if you want the pendant to hang pretty high, measure from the top of the fixture to the ceiling, aiming for at least 12 to 20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling.
How much space do you need for pendants?
Plan to have at least 30 inches of space between the pendants and determine the number of pendants you'll need accordingly. Three pendants can hang with one over the center of the counter and the other two on the quarter lines. Two pendants can hang over a shorter island equidistant from the center. Advertisement.
Why hang a pendant light lower over a table?
You can also hang a pendant light lower over a dining table since the line of sight won't be obstructed when everyone sits down.
Can you hang pendant lights over an island?
Depending on the style of the pendant you choose, you may want to use soft-glow light bulbs or else install the pendant lights on a dimmer switch. You don't want to be hit with blinding light every time you look across your kitchen.
Can you hang a pendant light on a counter?
The placement of pendant lights over the kitchen sink, counters or dining tables allows a little more leeway in terms of height. For the kitchen sink or counter, you might appreciate having a low-hanging light in order to brighten the task at hand. You can also hang a pendant light lower over a dining table since the line of sight won't be obstructed when everyone sits down. However, don't hang it so low that you'll risk bumping the light with your arms' normal range of motion, whether at the table or over the sink.
How high should a pendant light be above a sink?
If a pendant light is preferable to recessed lighting or a form of track lighting, the bottom of the light fixture over the kitchen sink should hang between 30 to 40 inches above the countertop. There are many variables to consider when determining lighting placement, however. Advertisement.
How far above the counter should a pendant light be?
If a pendant is being hung closer to 40 inches above the counter, shorter users of the sink may see the bulb and feel its heat on their heads. Light-emitting-diode lamps produce significantly less heat than many other types of lighting, such as halogen.
How to measure pendant light height?
To measure the pendant light height over bar, start at the countertop, not the bottom of the sink. Sight lines may be less important over a sink placed directly below a window than they are for an island or prep sink, but the fact remains that the pendant should not be at eye level with any of the primary users of the sink.
How to avoid bulb exposure?
To avoid bulb exposure, consider fixtures with a glass or acrylic base, which will also help to diffuse the light evenly and provide better task lighting.
Is pendant lighting good for a kitchen?
Pendant lighting is great in a kitchen. Selecting the right lighting for your kitchen is not always an easy choice. Given the number of smaller, more focused tasks that regularly occur within the kitchen, overhead ambient lighting alone will not suffice. Task lighting is highly beneficial, particularly in preparation and cleaning zones, ...
Can you put pendant lights over kitchen sinks?
For the placement of pendant lights over the kitchen sink, it is also advisable to select a light fixture that is safe for wet zones. If you choose a pendant that is not water-safe, ensure the light's electrical elements are fully protected to minimize all potential risks. Advertisement.
Can a light fixture be over a sink?
If you have a light fixture over the kitchen sink or any wet area, there is a risk of splashing. The potential for water inadvertently splashing onto your light fixture over the kitchen sink is an important consideration. Most building codes specify the distance a light fixture must be from a water source. If the height of the ceiling above the counter and sink area is insignificant -- not uncommon when there is a bulkhead above -- a hanging pendant may look out of scale and misplaced.
