Should I measure the pendant canopy or the widest part of the shade?

Measure the widest visible part of the installed pendant. Using only the canopy can make several wide shades look crowded even when their ceiling boxes appear evenly spaced.

Why does the planner say my fixture group is crowded?

The selected pendants take up too much of the island length or width after equal edge gaps are allowed. Try fewer fixtures, a narrower shade, or a linear fixture, then compare the new layout at full scale.

Can I use the calculated centers if my junction boxes are already installed?

Treat the centers as a layout target. Existing boxes, framing, ventilation, wiring, and local electrical requirements may limit movement. A qualified installer should confirm the final positions before the ceiling is changed.

Complimentary Lighting Planner

Space kitchen island pendants as one composition.

Use the island length, fixture width, and quantity to create equal edge spacing and balanced center points.

Placement rules change with the fixture.

Measure the actual shade

Use the widest visible part of the pendant, not only the canopy or bulb cluster.

Protect sight lines

Stand and sit on both sides of the island. The final height should not block faces, task views, or cabinet doors.

Confirm electrical locations

Junction boxes, beams, ventilation, and local electrical requirements may change the final centers. Use a qualified installer.