1. How big? It requires a bit of math! Generally speaking, you want 12″-16″ from the end of the island. The most common is 12″. Let’s say you have an island that is 120″ and want 4 lights. With 4 lights, you will have 5 open spaces, one on each end and 3 in the middle (one between each pendant). Using 12″ x 5 (open spaces) = 60″.  Subtract from 120″, and you are left with 60″. Divide 60″ by the number of pendants (4 pendants), and you are left with 15″. This will be the diameter of your fixture. Can you figure out what the diameter would be if you were using 3 pendants? (Hint 24″)

2. How many? The rule of 3. In the design world, odd numbers work the best. That being said, rules are made to be broken. In the example I gave above, I use 4 pendants. Why? Because the island is very long and can handle four pendants. Just keep in mind that if you are going with less, use slightly larger pendants. If you are going with more, use slightly smaller pendants; above all, scale matters.

3. What height should I hang my pendants? They should hang 36″ to 48″ from the top of the counter to the bottom of the future. Be considerate of the sight lines. You don’t want the pendant to obstruct anyone’s views, nor do you want them to hit their heads!!