Pendant Light Height for Countertops

The same recommendation of hanging a pendant light 30-36 inches above the surface also applies to countertops. If the room has taller ceilings, you can raise your pendant light according to the abovementioned formula. The exact height will depend on what lights you choose and if you want to create task or ambient lighting.

Since countertops are used for cooking and prep work, it is vital to consider some task lighting for that area. That essential can come through pendant lights with narrowed-down lighting or from nearby under-cabinet lights. Neither approach is wrong for brightening a kitchen. If you choose your task lighting intentionally, you can create a workspace that is fully functional and aesthetically pleasing with pendants as the primary or general ambient lighting.