HGTV's Jonathan Scott Shares Tips For Choosing The Best Light Above A Kitchen Table

Picking the best light fixture to hang above your kitchen table can be tricky. Luckily, Jonathan Scott of the "Property Brothers" has a few tricks to keep in mind (via YouTube). You can avoid making common kitchen lighting mistakes by heeding his keen advice. First and foremost, prepare to hang your light fixture at the proper height for your space. "There are certain heights that you need to be aware of. So, your standard kitchen table is going to be roughly 30 inches tall, and then you want to have the right clearance above that. If you have standard 8-foot ceilings, you're probably going to have your light fixture about 36 inches above the table," Scott explains.

However, he suggests looking at an even higher fixture if you and your friends are on the taller side. His preferred height is around 42 inches. "You gotta pick your fixture based on what space you're dealing with. The higher the ceiling, the more you can do," Jonathan elaborates. A dainty light fixture may look more appropriate in a compact space, while statement overhead lighting should be reserved for more expansive environments. In summary, you should avoid choosing certain lighting for your kitchen that doesn't fit your space — in both size and style.

Beyond the overall scale of your light fixture, it can be tricky to select the best style to suit your space. The best type of lighting to use in your kitchen is the kind that fits the architecture and aesthetic of your interior. For example, if you have an industrial-chic space, choose Aeyee's adjustable industrial pendant light from Amazon. This piece exudes modernism and can be adjusted to the perfect height for your home. If you prefer a more funky and contemporary look, there's also the orange Meefad chandelier that also allow you to change the hanging height.

If you have low ceilings and a pendant light won't suit your space, consider the visual impact of track lighting. The Globe Electric modern 6-bulb track lighting is a great low-profile option. This alternative to pendant lights will sit almost flush against your ceiling while offering a more evenly dispersed lighting source. Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of vintage fixtures. While you should ensure that the wiring is suitable for your modern home, vintage light fixtures can be an affordable way to incorporate a timeless piece.