KITCHEN ISLAND LIGHTING

I’m considering opting for pendant lights over our new kitchen island — what height should I hang them above the worksurface?

AIf you’re opting for pendant lights or a chandelier over your kitchen island, you really need to think through their height.

“You don’t want to knock your lights when you lean over the island for chopping or serving,” says Melissa Klink, creative director of Harvey Jones kitchens. But what height is correct? This depends on your kitchen island usage and where on the island the pendants are suspended above. If, for example, your pendants are clustered over the centre of a large island, the risk of head-hitting is removed. However, on smaller islands where you may be standing to grab breakfast, height is going to be more important.

In general, though, the experts tend to suggest hanging kitchen island pendants around 750-910mm above the worksurfaces. However, this should be tweaked depending on your own height, the design of the pendant, and how much light it gives out from its base — pendants with wider bases have a broader shed of light, so they can be hung higher.

You also need to think about whether or not your pendants will obstruct your view of the rest of the kitchen or could obstruct guests seeing each other when they’re standing around the island — or worse still, being blinded by eye-level lights.

In truth, the best way to get the height of your lights at the precise level is to throw away the rule book and, before installation, get someone hold them up until you can ascertain the height that you’re happy with.

If your island incorporates a hob, avoid hanging lights above it at all. You’re better off using a ceiling-mounted extractor with integrated lights or downlights with an IP rating that makes them fit for purpose. Natasha Brinsmead