While there are plenty of opportunities for practical, functional lighting in the kitchen, an eat-in area is an ideal spot to add an elegant, decorative pendant or chandelier. As the eye candy of the kitchen lighting plan, decorative fixtures add interest to the kitchen, especially in open-concept floorplans. While decorative over the kitchen table lighting does illuminate the area, its primary purpose is to create a focal point that ties all design elements together.

What Is the Most Popular Lighting for Kitchens?

Although the kitchen is a multi-purpose, functional room that needs plenty of lighting, the kitchen table is a social space where people often linger after meals, play games, and do homework. Once you’ve layered in the task and ambient lighting needed, the decorative lighting pulls the look together. Kitchen pendant lights and chandeliers are popular fixtures for this purpose.

Pendants and chandeliers that add decorative flair and express the homeowner’s personality are popular trends to replace traditional kitchen lighting. With this in mind, size, shade, and finish all play a role.

Sigmund 15 Inch Large Pendant by Regina Andrew

Keeping kitchen lighting simple can create more appreciation for the fixture itself. For example, the simple dome shade on the Sigmund 15 Inch Large Pendant by Regina Andrew brings sleek minimalism to this bright kitchen. It acts as a stunning counterpoint to the texture of the dining chairs. The gold-leaf finish on the shade’s interior offers a sophisticated pop of contrast and throws a warm glow onto the kitchen table.

Tulane 35 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home

A twist on the traditional empire chandelier, the Tulane 35 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home makes a strong statement yet maintains a light and airy look and feel in this space. It provides a unique texture to this kitchen’s mostly soft tone. The large open structure allows sunlight through and during the day and gentle light to cascade down each layer and brilliantly light up its surroundings when the sun goes down.

How Big Should the Light over My Kitchen Table Be?

Forget hanging a diminutive light fixture over the kitchen table. With chandeliers and pendants, it’s safe to go a little bit bigger, and decorative kitchen lights are no different. Since the light fixture and kitchen table create a focal point in the room, their relationship is paramount. Using the table’s dimensions as your guide will help you find the right size. To quickest way to determine the size of your lighting is to make sure its length or width is at least 1 foot smaller than the length of the table.

E. F. Chapman Darlana 24 Inch Cage Pendant by Visual Comfort and Co.

The simple, classic style of the E. F. Chapman Darlana 24 Inch Cage Pendant by Visual Comfort and Co. is a beautiful complement to the light, bright breakfast nook. The gilded iron finish pairs with the warm wood floor to make the nook feel luxurious and classy. The gorgeous windows allow light to stream around and through the kitchen, highlighting the dramatic conversation-starting fixture.

Tilda 5 Light Mini Chandelier by Arteriors Home

A large space with plenty of windows can handle a statement chandelier like the Tilda 5 Light Mini Chandelier by Arteriors Home. Framed by the windows, the chandelier draws the gaze into the nook, giving it the ultimate elegant touch. It’s a timeless design that will never fade away.

How Low Should a Light Be over a Kitchen Table?

When thinking about how low to hang the lighting over a kitchen table, keep in mind the activities that happen here. You don’t want the lighting to hang so low it blocks your view of the others around the table. And you want to be sure that the light isn’t shining directly into their eyes. In a room with an 8-10 foot ceiling, the general rule is to hang a pendant or chandelier 30-34 inches above the table. This measurement is taken at the lowest point of the light fixture. The taller the ceiling, the higher you can hang the light fixture.

Currey and Company Grand Lotus Mini Chandelier

Creating contrast against the white ceiling, the Currey and Company Grand Lotus Mini Chandelier brings warmth and elegance into this kitchen. The satin black and contemporary gold finishes make it stand out in this bright, airy breakfast room.

Kiki 18 Inch Large Pendant by Mitzi

The contemporary vibe of the Kiki 18 Inch Large Pendant by Mitzi plays well with the vintage chairs, giving this breakfast nook a fresh, clean look. The simple lines highlight the minimalist style, and the intricate accents on the steel frame enhance the room’s aesthetics.

Kokoro 23 Inch Large Pendant by Troy Lighting

@robingannoninteriors, photography by @michaeljleephotography

Mid-century modern style is exhibit A in this eclectic breakfast area. Floating above the sleek white table, the Kokoro 23 Inch Large Pendant by Troy Lighting woven mesh frame adds organic sophistication to the design. The innovative mix of elements reimagines mid-century aesthetics with an eclectic flair.