How do I light my island with a vaulted ceiling?
A vaulted ceiling creates a comfortable open environment. These higher ceilings are amazing for our mood, however they create other challenges that a flat lower ceiling does not. The home trend of open concept areas with high sloped ceilings is especially concerning with lighting kitchen islands. Kitchen islands are commonly illuminated with 2-5 pendants or mini pendants hanging directly over the island. If your ceiling is sloped, you must take into account which direction the slope is in comparison to the long side of your island.
If your vaulted ceiling slopes perpendicular to the long side of your island, then the lighting will generally all be set at the same total fixture height. This means that your options for lighting are wide open. You do not require anything special when selecting the style of mount for your lighting.
- slope perpendicular to long side of island
If your sloped ceiling slopes in the same direction as the long side of your island then you must be careful with the selection of your lighting and the way that they mount. When your vaulted ceiling runs in the same direction as your island, the light fixtures will need to be set to different heights to make the bottom of the pendants all sit at the same level.
- slope same as long side of island
Lighting fixtures with rod mount will not work as is. Most lighting fixtures that are rod mounted, come with 6" and 12" rods. This will not give you the options to adjust for your different ceiling heights over your island. This doesn't mean that they are not possible. It means that you will have to have a patient and creative electrician that is willing to put in the time to use chains and/or turnbuckle connectors. Expect to pay more for the time and customization. This may also not produce the cleanest or prettiest installation.
- Turnbuckle
Chain mounted mini pendant lights are similar to rod mounted lights on this type of installation. The chain does allow adjustment of height of each light to 1" - 1 1/2" of each other. This leaves you with your island lights close to the same level but not always exactly. Again, if you are lucky enough to have an installer that is creative and willing, chain links can be bent slightly to alter the height for small differences. Not all electricians are willing to attempt this adjustment and expect your costs to rise.
The perfect solution and easiest install for lighting that is mounted at different ceiling heights is a wire mount light. Mini pendant lights that are designed to hang from their wire allow you to set the total height of your light fixture to exactly the size that you require. This means all of your mini pendant lights over your island can be set to sit at the same height.
Whether you select a wire hanging light, chain hung light or rod mounted light, be prepared and informed when you are ready to select the light you love. Make sure that you know the ceiling heights that your light fixtures are mounted at. You will need to verify that the light that you select has enough wire, chain and/or rods to reach the distance for your ceiling. Consult with your electrician or installer as to which style they are comfortable with installing and any extra costs that will be incurred. Most of all, enjoy your space and bring light to your home.
