The kitchen is the heart of the home and Kitchen Islands often are utilized more than a kitchen table. In new homes many Islands are increasing in size and may be 12’ or longer and 3 to 5’ wide. Our kitchens saw a lot of us in the past two years. There are so many uses for our Islands other than cooking and dining. The Island has become the work space for many of us working from home, homework stations, entertainment centers and craft spaces.

Lighting has changed for these large Islands. The “normal” used to be 3 mini pendants. Always an uneven number to try and fool the mind’s eye making it more pleasing to the eye. Not so anymore friends. The bigger the better and only two. It’s not uncommon to place fixtures the size of some chandeliers over an Island. For a 12’ Island, it is recommended to hang two fixtures with a diameter of 18” to 24”. This diameter works well with a 9’ or 10’ ceiling because larger fixtures may have more height.

Linear lighting is also quite popular. Hanging one fixture that is extra-long works well. Just remember not to block your view if your Island opens into another room or if there is a beautiful mountain or landscape view. The open concept home is great and while watching wee ones, you will want to be able to see them when you are standing at the Island. Take into consideration too your height and install fixtures high enough to prevent bumping into them.

Whimsical fixtures over the Island are fun but consider using fixtures without glass. Cooking may cause splashes and even though clear glass is very popular now, water spots, grease and dust really show and cleaning is needed more often. A pop of color can make a statement as well.

Let us help you select fixtures that will provide the light and the look you need and desire for your oversized Island. Our showroom is open Monday through Friday 9 to 5:30 and Saturday 9 to 4. Of course our website and our on line store is a good place to shop as well.