8 Gorgeous Pendant Lights that are like Botox for Your Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands are design features that stand the test of time. Although islands have been popular for decades, the reason why they continue to be a must-have boils down to functionality: Islands make food prep easier, they provide more storage, and they allow for others to gather ‘round as you casually throw a meal together (even when that meal is unboxing takeout). Of course, you’ll need a pair (or more) of the best pendant lights for kitchen islands, too! 

Credit: Pottery Barn  

Kitchen islands focus on functionality, but pendant lights lean into style. One of the best and easiest ways to show off your design prowess is through this accessory since it’ll likely frame the room and be visible from many different points throughout your house. Don’t be overwhelmed by this prospect, though — choosing the best pendant lights for kitchen islands can be fun! I sifted through the many, many, many options online to find the best ones for every type of kitchen, whether you’re outfitting an airy, bright kitchen, moody one, or something in between. Here are the seven best pendant lights for kitchen islands. 

My Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Bay Isle Home Keaney – $108.99 at Wayfair
2. Best Pendant Light for a Small Island: Birch Lane Anna May 2 – $302 at Wayfair
3. Best Gold Pendant Light: Etta Avenue Gertie – $148.99 at Wayfair
4. Best Brass Pendant Light: Large Tapered Metal Shade Cord Pendant – $179 at Pottery Barn
5. Best Transitional Pendant Light: Birch Lane Elo – $267 at Wayfair
6. Best Glass Pendant Light: Nausica Ribbed Glass – $159 at Pottery Barn
7. Best Farmhouse Pendant Light: Wood Capped Warehouse Pendant – $249 at Shades of Light
8. Best Beach House Look Pendant Light: Project Source Brown Bohemian Dome – $174.99 at Rona

Reviews of The Best Pendant Lights for Kitchen Islands

1. Best Overall: Bay Isle Home Keaney 

Credit: Wayfair

No matter what style home you have, you can’t go wrong with a woven pendant, especially when it makes as much of a statement as this one! Crafted from natural bamboo, the Keaney light fixture comes in three sizes—13.77 inches, 19.68 inches, and 23.62 inches—so it will work for large and small kitchens. I love the simplicity of the woven texture with the black hardware and how it serves a Boho chic look. Overall, this pendant light would make a kitchen feel casual yet sophisticated — the best combination, if you ask me. 

$108.99 at Wayfair

2. Best Pendant Light for a Small Island: Birch Lane Anna May 2

Credit: Wayfair

Even petite kitchen islands deserve to have show-stopping pendant lights! If you don’t have space for two separate lights over your island, opt for a great two-in-one option, like this Birch Lane Anna May 2 fixture. I love that it’s minimalist without being boring. Plus, the clean, simple lines won’t overwhelm a small space. The chic fabric shades keep it from looking too modern so that it can work in a wide range of kitchen designs – yes, even traditional! It also comes in a gold finish in case you want a light that’s just a bit more of a statement.

$302 at Wayfair

3. Best Gold Pendant Light: Etta Avenue Gertie

Credit: Wayfair

I absolutely love this gold-toned pendant light because it has just enough brass accents to make it noticeable but not so many that it will feel dated in two years. I could totally see a pair of these pendant lights making a cameo on the set of a Nancy Meyers movie! Perfect for the kitchen of a traditional house, the 13-inch-wide shades come in white, black (SO chic), and even clear glass.

$148.99 at Wayfair

4. Best Brass Pendant Light: Pottery Barn Large Tapered Metal Shade Cord Pendant

Credit: Pottery Barn

Brass pendant lights are yet another versatile material that will look good whether it’s hanging inside a bachelor pad in the city, a suburban family home, or somewhere down on the ranch. Since brass is an enduring feature of so many different types of homes, I think the best way to use it as a pendant light is to keep it simple. This large, tapered pendant light from Pottery Barn is as matter-of-fact as they come, which allows the sheen of the brass finish to shine and get the attention it deserves. Just think: A trio of these over a white marble countertop? Chef’s kiss. 

$179 at Pottery Barn

5. Best Transitional Pendant Light: Birch Lane Elo

Credit: Wayfair

For the ultimate transitional lighting for your kitchen island, look no further than the Elo pendant from Birch Lane. The brass + shade combo leans traditional, but the open arch detail gives it just enough of a modern touch. The Elo is a great option if you’re looking for a quick way to update a dated kitchen: trade out those fugly 90s fixtures for two of these cuties! This is the ideal pendant light for your kitchen island, giving it a classic look with a contemporary twist.

$267 at Wayfair 

6. Best Glass Pendant Light: Pottery Barn Nausica Ribbed Glass

Credit: Pottery Barn

I mean, is there a more gorgeous pendant light than this ribbed glass number from Pottery Barn? The antique brass finish is a good way to add understated shine, and the frosted glass shade puts out an amber glow that’s flattering for both you and your kitchen. This pendant light is really eye-catching and would be ideal for adding some warmth to a modern kitchen.

$159 at Pottery Barn

7. Best Farmhouse Pendant Light: Shades of Light Wood Capped Warehouse Pendant

Credit: Shades of Light

The key to nailing a farmhouse kitchen is to balance its rustic features — wood, porcelain, and stone — with classic shapes and familiar colors. This curvy pendant light looks like it would’ve been used a century ago but is still totally on-trend, probably because of that touch of wood above the shade. 

The 8 Best Modern Farmhouse Paint Colors

While I personally like the Schoolhouse Green shade best, I don’t think you could go wrong with any option. And no matter if you have space for two pendants or three, lining this style up is bound to look so inviting (whether you’re on an actual farm or not!). 

$249 at Shades of Light

8. Best Beach House Look Pendant Light: Project Source Brown Bohemian Dome

Credit: Rona

A pair of these gorgeous woven bamboo pendant lights will give your kitchen a beachy feel even when it’s snowing outside! The rustic look of the Bohemian Dome pendant makes it a great option for a quick update to a dated kitchen. The tight weave of the bamboo means that the light doesn’t diffuse as much as with glass shades (or the rattan light listed above), but that makes it a great option for spotlighting your island workspace!

$174.99 at Rona

In fact, I love these lights so much that I used them in our lake house (with Benjamin Moore White Dove)…

Why You Should Trust Me

Hi, I’m Kylie. After working in the paint and color departments at Home Depot, I felt like I could do more to share my design expertise with the public. Since starting Kylie M Interiors, I’ve written more than 500 articles on how to make a house feel more like a home, become a leading color consultant for top brands, and helped transform more than 10,000 homes. I want to help you discover ways to personalize your space while honing your creative eye — because it feels good to be surrounded by rooms that look and feel like you! I searched my favorite retailers to find the best pendant lights for kitchen islands that are perfect for adding just the right amount of pizzazz to all types of kitchens. 

Things to Consider When Shopping for Pendant Lights for Kitchen Islands

Credit: Pottery Barn

It’s very, very easy to fall in love with a pendant light online that might not work in your kitchen, either because it’s not the right size or doesn’t meet your everyday needs. Here’s what you should know while shopping for the best pendant lights for kitchen islands so that what you choose ends up being perfect for your home. 

Dimensions 

You don’t want your kitchen pendant to feel too small or too large; otherwise, it’ll throw off the proportions of your island. A teeny pendant will make an island feel enormous, while an oversized one will do the opposite. So, get out your handy dandy measuring tape and jot down some numbers. 

Generally, you don’t want your pendant to exceed half the width of your island, and if you want three pendants, go closer to a third of the width of your island. Regarding height, aim to have your pendants hang between 30 and 36 inches above your counters. 

Care

Copper and brass pendants will most likely patina over time, glass and woven pendants will probably have to be dusted, and bulbs will definitely need to be changed. So, it’s wise to figure out just how much effort you want to devote to the pendant lights for your kitchen island. They will need your attention—but you get to decide how much. 

Details

Kitchen pendants need to be hardwired, which allows you to personalize a few of them further. For example, you can add dimmers to ensure a mood is set in the evening. You can also choose between LED or classic bulbs. I recommend hiring a pro to install hardwired pendant lights since electricity is no joke unless you’re highly skilled (or brave). Sometimes, it’s better to let someone else take over! 

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