The right number of lumens for a pendant light depends on where it is installed and how much work it needs to do.
Over a dining table, 400 to 800 lumens per bulb is usually comfortable. That level provides enough light to see clearly without making the table feel overly bright. If the room has additional recessed lights or wall fixtures, you can stay toward the lower end of that range.
In a kitchen, especially over an island where prep work happens, you may want more. Pendants in that setting often range from 600 to 1,000 lumens per bulb, depending on how much other task lighting is present.
It is also important to consider total output. A single bulb pendant at 800 lumens feels different from a three bulb fixture delivering 2,400 lumens combined. Think about the full brightness of the fixture, not just each socket.
Color temperature changes perception as well. A warm 2700K light at 800 lumens will feel softer than a cooler light at the same output.
In most homes, moderate brightness paired with a dimmer offers the most flexibility. You can raise it when you need clarity and lower it when you want the room to feel calmer.