Best Pendant Lights for Kitchen: Reviews & Buying Guide

One of the simplest and easiest ways to illuminate any kitchen is to use well-placed pendant lighting. These unique and variable lights are useful to provide dramatic mood lighting, brighten a busy kitchen or even give the illusion of extra space in a small area.

There is a variety of light for every taste, budget, and style with pendants made of steel, wood, glass, and even paper. If you want to upgrade your kitchen, the best pendant lights will enchant your kitchen.

Lighting is essential in any area, both in terms of style and in terms of how it lights a space. Thanks to the plethora of pendant light styles out there just waiting to find their way into your kitchen space.

There is something for everyone in our list of the best pendant lights for the kitchen, whether you like an ambient glow from amber glass or a warm traditional lantern-like vibe, or the cool, contemporary style of globe lights. In either event, you can perfectly renovate your kitchen.

Let’s have a look at the best products for your kitchen!

The Pendant by Globe Electric’s Nate eliminates the need of piling up several pendant lights. Its main design has been adopted by the ceiling that reaches down to divide into four branches of lamps.

All of the lamps are displayed in the same direction. The appearance seems straightforward in consecutive order, but the installation is very easy that skips the need of adjusting extra fixtures.

Its bigger size will require enough space inside your kitchen. However, its design aims to put back four different pendant lights, while being an efficient space saver to light up your kitchen and the dining area with beautiful lights.

We bought three pendant lights for our kitchen, a single pendant for the entry, a flush mount for the hall, and three lights for the dining room. I replaced all the pendant lights without difficulty, except the kitchen lights, due to some issue with the ceiling. The lights looked great and came packed well without any damage. The assembly and installation were also easy. One minor complaint is the globes are made from thin glass. However, this one is high-quality and a great-looking fixture at such an affordable price. I would suggest using glass cleaner on the globe from inside and outside before installing the bulbs. Overall I am very happy with this purchase and would recommend this to anyone out there.

• Herrington

Things We Liked 

• Available in three different sizes
• Offered in three finishes
• Slope ceiling adaptability
• Dimmable

Things We Didn’t Like

• Requires Four Bulbs that are not included.

You will love the Tomons Pendant Light if your design style leans towards the modern. The lamp’s shade is made of black metal with a warm metallic gold interior. It looks like a sleek and adaptable mix that perfectly matches any kitchen decor.

This affordable pendant light is available in two different colors, back, and white. This versatile piece offers a warm touch of charm to your space, whether upgrading your dining area, living room, or kitchen. Also, each light includes one bulb ready to use on its arrival.

The incredible frosted white metal lampshade integrates perfectly into a high-quality metal wood pattern that looks pleasing and is also durable and aesthetically stylish.

I did not have high expectations from this light, but it turned out so amazing that now these are my favorite lights in our home. The pendant looks perfect in our small dining area. Its metal shade is sturdy and opaque with an adjustable height. I completely adore this pendant light and would highly recommend buying it.

• Amy

Things We Liked 

• Available in two colors
• Modern design
• Budget-friendly lamp

Things We Didn’t Like

• Sold individually

Metal pendant light by Tomshine is an excellent alternative if you are designing a kitchen or expect to need many pendant lights at your place. This highly affordable combination includes two metal dome lights, a matte black surface, and a stunning gold interior.

These lights are made of sturdy metal, making them look industrial and durable. Their two-toned palette also delivers a varied warmth. As they are simple to assemble, they play well with a variety of decor schemes. These pendant lights are especially good when their pairing is done with other black accents.

I was hesitant to buy this at first as I thought there was no way to find such a deal for two lights. But I was completely wrong as these lights are incredible, look amazing and perfect. The gold in it brings a really nice accent. I ordered new plates for the ceiling because I had the smaller ones. Overall it is an awesome pendant light for the kitchen, and I am fully satisfied with my purchase.

• Linda

Things We Liked 

• Two pendants are included
• Wire hangers, accessory screws, and wire hangers are also present
• Adjustable hanging height
• Budget-friendly
• Sturdy socket
• Heat resistant shade

Things We Didn’t Like

• Bulbs are not included.

If you want simple but industrial theme pendant lights, then this Margaux 3-light kitchen island pendant has soft curves and demi shades to add farmhouse-inspired charm to your kitchen.

Manufactured in the most versatile finish, this one offers incredible decor. A slender iron frame coated in black provides an unmistakable outline to shed soft light.

It uses three medium base E26 light bulbs with 60 wattages of maximum capacity. Its shading brings eye-catchy flair that lends energy and intent to a streamlined silhouette.

I made up my mind to purchase this light to renovate my kitchen decor. I selected this one because I loved its design, but I didn’t expect it to be of high quality considering its price. The metal is stamped and a bit thin, but it looks super cool once you get it together. I am very happy with this light, and I think its price is fair for the material. Everyone praised it when after installation. 

• Rebell

Things We Liked 

• Captivating design
• Edison-inspired light bulbs can be used
• Metal shade
• Rated for commercial and residential use
• Listed by UL, backed by one year warranty

Things We Didn’t Like

• Metal isn’t of high quality and can bend easily.

Usually, there are two main purposes of kitchen lighting considered. Mainly, it should have the ability to illuminate the working area where you have to do most of your cooking and give a warm environment during dinner or evening hours.

Pendant lights for the kitchen are the favored choice for decorators who want to create a creative surrounding in an otherwise utilitarian room, filling the void between the counters and ceiling with suspended works of art, adding to the two requirements listed earlier.

If you are seeking ideas to choose the best pendant lights for your kitchen, then this guide is certainly useful for you.

You can find pendant lights in versatile styles with different shapes, materials, and designs. Sometimes, the huge variety seems overwhelming, but it is actually good to help find a reliable and the best pendant light to suit your kitchen area.

A wide range of diameters and lengths of pendant lights is available. Before buying a pendant light, it is recommended to check the size of its shade as well as length to confirm that it will be a perfect match to fit inside your kitchen.

There are also some pendant lights with adjustable cords, so it should be kept in mind to look at the range of lengths instead of one particular length.

If you intend to install pendant lights in some damp places in your home, such as a bathroom, covered porch, or even wet spaces of the kitchen, make sure to check whether the pendant light is rated for damp location.

If yes, you can install it at any place without any issues. 3

It is possible to plug pendant lights into the closest outlet, and other lights must be hardwired. Searching for a temporary solution requires minimum maintenance, so, you may need to consider a pendant light that can be plugged in.

If you have no problem with the chance of a thorough installation, any option should suffice.

How much size should a pendant light have for the kitchen?

Over a kitchen island, the space of a pendant should be 2 feet or above. You need to pick the right size of a pendant that matches perfectly with the length of the kitchen island. Small-sized handles that are 4 to 5 feet long can handle one large or two medium pendants, while large islands of 6 feet or longer length can hold two large or three medium-sized pendants.

Can a pendant light be placed over a cooktop?

Hanging pendant lights can be placed over a cooktop as they provide consistent lighting while performing kitchen tasks. These lights can also provide enough light for the entire room.

Is it a good idea to center the pendant lights over the kitchen island?

The main ideal concept of placing pendant lights should be in the center position on a kitchen island. Although, it is also acceptable to position them off-center if they seem appropriate to the overall status of the kitchen. Other things to consider are pendant lights, the size of the kitchen island, and lighting fixtures.

What is the recommended distance between the pendant lights?

The distance between pedants should be uniform for proper functioning and sufficient light. The exact length can be determined by the amount of available space between each light, but the distance must be 30 inches apart as a standardized recommendation. It is suggested to measure the distance between the bulb instead of reckoning at the edges of the fixtures.