Pendant Lights

A pendant is a single fixture that hangs from the ceiling on a cord, chain, or rod, directing light downward. Unlike chandeliers, which branch into multiple arms, pendants keep one focused light source - which is why they are usually hung in pairs or rows.

Leave 30-36 inches between the countertop and the bottom of the pendant. Taller ceilings can take slightly higher placement, but keep the light low enough to avoid glare at eye level when standing.

Use odd numbers where possible: three medium pendants suit a 6-8 foot island, two larger ones fit shorter runs. Space them 24-30 inches apart, measured center to center.

Turn off the circuit at the breaker, connect the fixture wires to the ceiling box (matching hot, neutral, and ground), then set the cord or rod length before attaching the canopy. If there is no existing ceiling box, an electrician should add one.

Yes - screw-in conversion kits adapt a standard recessed can to a pendant in minutes, no rewiring needed. They are the fastest way to upgrade builder-grade kitchen lighting.

Yes - plug in pendants hang from a hook and route their cord along the ceiling and wall to a standard outlet. They are the rental-friendly option for adding overhead light where no junction box exists.