Breakfast Nook Lighting Ideas: How to Choose the Right Chandelier or Pendant

Breakfast nooks are cozy, functional corners that can completely transform a kitchen or dining area. They often become the hub of the home. These multi-functional spots can host craft projects and game nights.  They double as a spot to sit for your next Google Meets video or to do homework.  And we love to pile things on them --think library books, grocery lists, and the collection of camera light tickets you plan on never-ever paying. (just us?)

Anyway, it all ends up here.  Whether your nook is a built-in banquette, a small round table by a window, or a patterned corner with character, the light fixture you choose makes all the difference. The right chandelier or pendant doesn’t just provide light — it anchors the space, defines the mood, and brings in personality.

At Sazerac Stitches, we design lighting that adapts to every style and comes in a sh*t ton of colors (plus custom options). Here’s your guide to choosing the right chandelier or pendant for a breakfast nook, from fixture size to style mixing, seating, and color ideas.

How to Choose the Right Size Chandelier or Pendant for a Breakfast Nook

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: What size light fixture should I use over a breakfast nook table?

• Fixture Diameter: Add the length and width of your nook in feet, and convert that number to inches. That’s your target fixture size. (Example: a 6' x 6' nook → Look for something that is around 12" in diameter (plus or minus a few inches)

• Fixture vs. Table: Designers say there are rules and then break them just as quickly when it comes to lighting/table proportions. We say use what you like. Contrasting sizes can be super interesting.  But for the sake of your (and your guests) use a fixture that is small enought that you're unlikely to bump your head on the fixture every time you rise out of or sink to your seat. Concussions suck.  

• Height Above Table: Hang your chandelier or pendant 30–36 inches above the tabletop to create intimacy and keep sightlines clear. If you have taller ceilings, you can get away with putting more space between the table top and the bottom of the fixture. 

Pictured: Yellow & Brass Clancy Pendant over a midcentury modern wood and chrome table

Can You Mix Lighting Styles with Different Furniture Styles?

Yes — and you absolutely should. Breakfast nooks thrive when there’s a balance of old and new, soft and bold. You don’t have to choose a traditional chandelier just because you’re using an antique table. And you don't have to choose a mid-century modern chandelier just because your table has clean lines (although it is a cute combo!)

• Antique Table + Modern Pendant: A glossy pendant brings a vintage table into the present.

• Streamlined Banquette + Romantic Chandelier: A chandelier with curves or scalloped detail softens modern edges.

• Colorful Upholstery + Neutral Fixture: If your fabrics are bold, choose a solid-tone fixture to ground the space.

Pictured: Fudge Brown Bruxelles Pendant in a neutral nook with checkered tile floor blends rustic-meets-modern.

Pictured: Adele chandelier in brass & flame over an oval modern table with traditional bamboo-style red lacquered chairs. 

Breakfast Nook Decorating Ideas: Color, Pattern, and Personality

Breakfast nooks are ideal spots to show off your personality. Since they’re smaller than dining rooms, you can be bolder with color and pattern. Maximalists, it's time to unleash your inner design demons.

• Add Color: Choose a fixture in a bold powder coat finish like teal, mustard, or coral to energize the nook.

• Layer Pattern: Gingham banquettes, striped cushions, and patterned rugs all shine with a complementary pendant.

• Try a Gallery Wall: Art, vintage paintings, or a collection of plates frame your lighting like jewelry.

Pictured: Cream Margot pendant over an aqua gingham banquette with a gallery wall of paintings that are all soft and traditional. 

Pictured: Cream & Brass Margot chandelier over a grey/orange gingham nook with plates on the wall.  

How Many People Should a Breakfast Nook Seat?

At least your household. If you're a Duggar, you might have to rely on commercial cafeterias for intimate meals, but the rest of us can usually get away with a table that seats 2-6.  Little kid butts are smaller and can jam into banquette seating really well. Here are some basic rules on table size and how many people you can seat:

• Round Table (36–44"): Comfortably seats 3–4.

• Square Table (36" x 36"): Works well for 4.

• Rectangular Table (up to 60"): Can seat 4–6, especially with banquette seating.

Pictured: A Black Small Octavia chandelier in a window nook that seats 2-3 comfortably.

Pictured: a cozy nook for 1-2 with a Art-deco inspired Wedding Cake Pendant.

When Should You Choose a Bold Pendant or Chandelier?

Breakfast nooks are the perfect place to take risks. Because the space is small, bold choices read as playful instead of overwhelming.

Pictured: Taeuber Pendant in Matte Mustard & Terra Cotta over a sunny striped nook.  

Pictured: The Astro pendant in bright blue over a red upholstered nook is high-contrast and statement making. And it looks nice with the art!

How High Should a Chandelier Be Above a Breakfast Nook Table?

For both function and beauty, the chandelier or pendant should be hung:

• 30–36 inches above the tabletop

• Adjust higher if you have very tall ceilings (add 3-6" for every additional foot of ceiling height above 8').

Pictured: Orange Taeuber Pendant over modern orange-and-white nook with wood table demonstrates perfect chandelier height.

Breakfast Nook Lighting FAQs:

What kind of light goes over a breakfast nook?
Both chandeliers and pendants work beautifully. Choose based on table size — a small round table pairs with a single pendant, while a longer banquette table looks balanced under a chandelier.

What size chandelier is best for a small breakfast nook?
For compact tables, aim for a 9–20" diameter pendant or chandelier. Anything smaller risks looking under-scaled. Anything bigger and you will hit your head.

Can you mix modern lighting with a traditional breakfast nook?
Yes, and you should! In fact, mixing styles makes the space feel layered. A modern high gloss powdercoated pendant looks stunning over an antique pedestal table.

Is a breakfast nook a good place to use color?
Yes. Because nooks are smaller, they’re perfect for experimenting with bold upholstery, patterned banquettes, or colorful light fixtures.

How many lumens do I need for a breakfast nook?
Aim for about 1,000–3,000 lumens total (roughly one to two 60W equivalent bulbs). This gives plenty of light for dining, homework, and cozy evenings. If your breakfast nook is bigger, aim for something brighter. We love a dimmer switch here (and all of our lighting is dimmer compatible)

Final Thought

Breakfast nooks are already some of the most personal spaces in a home, but the right lighting transforms them into true daily retreats. Size matters, style mixing keeps things interesting, and color brings it all to life. Whether you’re drawn to a sculptural chandelier, a hand-cast ceramic pendant, or a bold pop of powder-coated color, our fixtures are built to fit your nook — and your personality. Most important thing to remember: It's your home and you can do what you want and when you want!

Pictured: A Linear Octavia Chandelier sings above the heavily patterned green breakfast nook below with built in banquette seating.