Pendant Lights

Kitchen pendant lights put light exactly where you need it, over an island, breakfast bar or dining table, and they give a kitchen far more character than a run of spotlights on their own.Over an island, two or three pendants in a row usually look balanced. Hang them roughly 75 to 90cm above the worktop so they light the surface without blocking the view across the room. Glass shades of around 28 to 30cm give a softer spread of light, while metal cage and basket shades suit an industrial or farmhouse kitchen, and crystal designs add some sparkle over a dining table. Remember that shades near the hob will need wiping more often. Check the bulb fitting (many take a standard E27), choose a warm white bulb for evenings, and have ceiling fittings installed by a qualified electrician.More ideas for task and mood lighting are in our kitchen lighting section.