112 products
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen and dining area is where light works hardest.
About Kitchen & Dining
Bright Enough to Cook, Warm Enough to Linger
The kitchen and dining area is where light works hardest. You need clear, even light to chop vegetables and read a recipe, then something warmer and lower when the plates come out. This collection brings together pendants and linear suspension lights for islands, classic and modern ring chandeliers for the dining table, flush and ceiling lights for general light, and the finishing touches: table runners, decorative trays, vases, a wall mounted hook rack and display racks.
Light each zone for its job
- Island: Hang pendants with the bottom of the shade about 30 to 36 inches above the counter, spaced roughly 24 to 30 inches apart. A long linear fixture does the same job from a single ceiling connection.
- Dining table: Pick a chandelier about half to two thirds the width of the table, and hang it about 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop. Round tables suit ring and sputnik shapes; long tables suit linear designs.
- General light: A flush or ceiling light over the main walkway fills in the corners so the pendants are not doing everything.
- Shade choice: Clear glass and open metal throw crisp light for prep. Rattan, hemp rope, paper and travertine shades cast a softer, warmer glow that suits a dining room.
Warm light and a dressed table
Light around 2700K to 3000K flatters food and keeps dinner relaxed. Add a dimmer to the dining fixture so it can go from homework bright to candle soft. On the table, a runner in gauze, cotton linen, jacquard or metallic gold changes the mood for a weeknight or a party without buying new dishes, and a tray or vase in the center gives it a finished look.
Read how high to hang a chandelier over a dining table and our kitchen island pendant lights guide, or browse pendants and table linens.
Common Questions About Kitchen & Dining
A good starting point is a fixture roughly half to two thirds the width of the table, so diners do not bump it when they stand and the light reaches both ends. For long rectangular tables, a linear chandelier or two smaller pendants spread the light more evenly.
Aim for the bottom of the shade about 30 to 36 inches above the counter. That keeps light on the work surface and leaves a clear view across the room. Raise it a few inches if the household is tall or the shades are large.
Most kitchens that open onto a dining area look best with warm white around 2700K to 3000K. If you want crisper light for prep, use a neutral tone over the counters only and keep the dining fixture warm so the table still feels relaxed.
