What Is the Height of a Drop Light From a Countertop?

Average Height

• Typically, pendant lights are installed 30 to 40 inches above the countertop. This range is tall enough to provide most with an unimpeded view of a person on either side of the countertop whether sitting or standing. The 10-inch allowance provided between the 30 to 40 inches is based on the purpose of the countertop.

Purpose

• A counter area that contains a stove or sink requires that someone stand on one side of it. Those sitting or standing on the other side of the counter should have a clear view of you and vice versa without the drop lights getting in the way. A counter that offers seating on one side, but no cooking or prepping on the other side, can have drop lights placed slightly lower than those that must accommodate people standing.

Deciding the Height

• When deciding a height for the drop lights, hang the bottom of the light 30 inches above the counter. Ask the tallest family member to sit and stand beside the counter to verify whether or not he has a clear view. If not, raise the drop light to 35 or 40 inches until it is high enough to accommodate the tallest person in the household.

Spacing

• In addition to height, you must consider the spacing of the drop lights. Drop lights offer a small circle of intense light. If spaced too far apart, the lights will cast a shadow on the countertop. Measure the length of the countertop where the lights will hang. Space the number of drop lights evenly across the space. For example, if the countertop is 60 inches and there are three drop lights, place the first drop light at 15 inches, the middle at 30 inches and the last at 45 inches along the countertop. Keep drop lights no more than 20 inches apart.