A Bar-Style Kitchen Created with a 240cm Ceiling Height, 100cm Counter Height, and 65cm Pendant Length | The akymk6 Residence
The akymk6 residence, introduced last time, is a home with a bar-style kitchen that harmoniously combines the warmth of wood with the glow of brass.
This article serves as a follow-up to that post, introducing the "overall length" to consider when hanging pendant lights over a kitchen counter.
Pendant lights are not only defined by their design, but their impression also changes significantly depending on how high they are hung.
If they are too low, they may obstruct your view or interfere with your work.
If they are too high, their presence will be diminished, and it will be harder for light to reach the counter.
A kitchen counter, in particular, is a place for cooking, as well as for enjoying meals, drinks, and conversation.
That is precisely why the balance between visual appeal and usability is important.
At the akymk6 residence, the pendant lights are installed with the following dimensions.
Ceiling height: Approx. 240cm
Counter height: Approx. 100cm
Overall pendant light length: Approx. 65cm
Based on this example, let's look at how to determine the overall length of pendant lights for a kitchen counter.
For a kitchen counter, the distance from the countertop to the bottom of the light is important
When considering the height of pendant lights, it is important to look not only at the length from the ceiling but also at the distance from the counter surface to the bottom of the light.
At the akymk6 residence, the ceiling height is approximately 240cm.
The overall length of the pendant lights is approximately 65cm.
This means the bottom of the lights is positioned approximately 175cm above the floor.
240cm − 65cm ＝ 175cm
Since the counter height is approximately 100cm, the distance from the counter surface to the bottom of the lights is approximately 75cm.
175cm − 100cm ＝ 75cm
This distance of "approximately 75cm from the countertop to the bottom of the light" creates a very well-balanced height for a kitchen counter.
It is neither too close to your hands nor too far away.
It is unlikely to obstruct your view, while still allowing you to feel the presence of the light.
It creates a warm focal point of light on the counter.
The dimensions in this example are easy to use as a reference when incorporating pendant lights into a kitchen counter.
For a 240cm ceiling height, an overall length of 65cm creates a practical balance
Many homes generally have ceiling heights around 240cm.
In such cases, an overall length of around 60cm to 70cm is a good guideline for hanging pendant lights over a kitchen counter.
Of course, the optimal length varies depending on the shape of the light, the size of the bulb, the height of the counter, and how it is used.
However, under conditions such as those at the akymk6 residence, with a ceiling height of approximately 240cm and a counter height of approximately 100cm, an overall length of approximately 65cm creates a very natural balance.
Neither too high nor too low.
You can feel the presence of the light.
Even when sitting at the counter, a rhythm of light is created in the space.
This is an ideal height for those who want to enjoy the kitchen not only as a place for work but also as a place to spend time.
A 100cm counter height is slightly higher than a dining table
When considering the height of pendant lights, the standards differ slightly between a dining table and a kitchen counter.
Most dining tables are around 70cm high.
Kitchen counters, on the other hand, can be around 90cm to 100cm high.
The counter height at the akymk6 residence is approximately 100cm.
Because it is higher than a dining table, hanging it at the same overall length will bring the light and the countertop closer together.
Therefore, for a kitchen counter, it is easier to achieve a good balance by using a slightly shorter overall length than for a dining table.
By hanging it at an overall length of approximately 65cm as in this case, a distance of approximately 75cm from the counter surface to the bottom of the light is maintained.
It is a height that creates a pleasant atmosphere while not compromising everyday usability.
Hanging three lights creates a rhythm at the counter
At the akymk6 residence, three Wood × CIRCLE Solid E17 lights are arranged in a row along the counter.
By arranging small pendant lights along the counter, a pleasant rhythm is created in the space.
Rather than illuminating a wide area with a single light, multiple small lights are used.
This adds a bar-like atmosphere to the kitchen counter.
Black cords extending straight down from the ceiling.
Light fixtures combining wood and brass.
Warm incandescent light falling on the counter.
The combination of these three elements transforms the kitchen from a mere workspace into a comfortable place to enjoy drinks and conversation.
A slightly lower light is a good fit for a bar-style kitchen
The kitchen at the akymk6 residence has been designed as a bar-style space for the owners to enjoy drinks.
In such a space, illuminating everything brightly and evenly can feel a bit plain.
Cast the light at a slightly lower position over the counter.
Add warm light to the liquor bottles and wooden counter.
When sitting down at night, small lights are lined up just above eye level.
That alone creates a sense of calm and distinction in the space.
An overall length of approximately 65cm is also a perfect balance for creating a bar-like atmosphere in a space with a 240cm ceiling height.
If it is too high, the impression of the light is weakened.
If it is too low, it will be too much in your field of vision.
This example strikes a balance between the presence of the light and usability.
The division of roles with downlights is also important
Looking at the photos, downlights are also installed around the kitchen.
The kitchen is a place where strong illumination is often needed for cooking and cleaning.
Therefore, it is easier to achieve a good balance by using downlights to provide the brightness needed for work and using pendant lights as accents over the counter.
Downlights provide light that makes the overall space and work areas easier to see.
Pendant lights provide light that adds atmosphere and texture to the counter.
By dividing the roles in this way, you can achieve both the usability of the kitchen and a pleasant visual appearance.
When cooking, use the downlights to keep things bright.
When enjoying drinks and conversation, focus on the warm light of the pendant lights.
Being able to use different lighting for different occasions is also an important point in kitchen lighting planning.
Things to check when determining the overall length
When hanging pendant lights over a kitchen counter, it is reassuring to check a few things before deciding on the overall length.
First, check the ceiling height.
The higher the ceiling, the higher the light will appear even with the same overall length.
Next, check the counter height.
On counters higher than dining tables, the distance to the bottom of the light tends to be shorter, so determining the overall length is important.
And finally, consider how it will be used.
Will you prioritize cooking and work?
Will you want it to be a place for enjoying meals and drinks?
Will you want to emphasize the visual atmosphere?
Will you want it to be a place for enjoying conversation with family and guests?
Depending on the purpose, the ideal height will vary slightly.
If you are unsure, using a guideline of around 70cm to 80cm from the counter surface to the bottom of the light will make it easier to achieve a good balance.
Summary
At the akymk6 residence, three Wood × CIRCLE Solid E17 lights were installed over the kitchen counter.
The ceiling height is approximately 240cm.
The counter height is approximately 100cm.
The overall length of the pendant lights is approximately 65cm.
With these dimensions, the distance from the counter surface to the bottom of the lights is approximately 75cm, creating a very well-balanced height for the kitchen counter.
The warmth of the wooden ceiling, beams, and counter.
Small light fixtures combining brass and wood.
The clean vertical lines of the black cords.
A bar-like space for enjoying drinks.
And the warm incandescent light falling on the counter.
Each element combines to create a kitchen that is a place for work, yet also makes you want to relax and spend time there.
For those who want to hang pendant lights over a kitchen counter.
For those who are unsure about the overall length for a ceiling height around 240cm.
For those looking for lighting that suits a bar-style kitchen.
This installation example is highly recommended as a reference.
Recommended by CTSH LIGHT.
