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- 1). Evaluate your lighting needs. What activities most often center around your kitchen island? If you only use it for cooking, intense, directional light might be the best choice. Some islands feature ranges and sinks as well as extra counter space for food prep. Decide which areas need strong light. However, if your island is more of a social destination, decorative lighting that casts a softer glow works better to set the mood.
Consider the height of your kitchen. Pendant fixtures may not be a good choice for low ceilings; recessed lighting provides much more clearance. If you have a range hood above your island, that can greatly affect lighting placement and style choices. - 2). Choose the right kitchen island light fixture. Visit your local home improvement store or peruse lighting websites to get an idea of the types of fixtures that are commonly used above kitchen islands. Pendant fixtures are a popular choice, available in colorful glass designs or modern metal versions. Recessed fixtures and track lighting look clean and modern and allow you to easily adjust the direction of the light. Be sure that you have adequate wiring to support the type of fixture that you are considering; you may need to enlist the services of an electrician in order to install the fixtures.
- 3). Build in flexibility for your kitchen island lighting. Since most people use their kitchen islands for a variety of activities, it's important to be able to change the lighting conditions. Install dimmers or consider directional lighting. You may choose to install two different light sources above your island, such as recessed fixtures combined with pendants.
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