What is a Pendant Light?

Pendant lights are versatile lighting fixtures that can be placed in various areas of your home, adding a focused and inviting glow as they hang gracefully from the ceiling. With a wide range of sizes, from mini-pendants to larger statement pieces or linear suspensions, these light fixtures offer ample options for customization to perfectly complement your decor. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or desire more intricate and captivating luminaires, pendant lights have the power to uplift and transform any room, much like chandeliers.

Modern pendants offer unmatched diversity ranging from understated single pendant versions to statement-making multi-light pendants. Regardless of your décor style, you can find a contemporary pendant that suits your space—from whimsical and fun styles to those with clean lines. Small and mini-pendant lights look great in indoor spaces like foyers, reading nooks and bathrooms. Large hanging lamps or multi-light fixtures are best suited to indoor spaces like dining rooms, and kitchen pendant lights provide bright task lighting. Single pendants can also be grouped and suspended at various heights for a bold statement.

Discover our collection of pendant lights and explore popular styles such as contemporary pendants and modern pendant lights to find the perfect lighting solution for your space.

What sizes of pendant lights are there?

Pendant lights come in a range of sizes, offering flexibility to suit different needs. While there are general guidelines, the size of a pendant can vary. For smaller spaces or a more subtle lighting effect, opt for a small or mini pendant that typically measures 10 inches or smaller in width. Medium-sized pendants fall between 10 and 20 inches wide, providing a balanced presence in the room. If you're looking to make a bold statement or have a larger area to illuminate, consider large or oversized pendant lights that exceed 20 inches in size. It's important to measure the room or the objects the pendant will hang over to ensure the size complements the space without overwhelming it or disrupting the overall flow.

Bedroom Pendant Lights

The bedroom is one of the most frequented rooms of the home and as such the lighting fixtures need to be on point. Home to ceiling fans and table lamps and wall sconces, the bedroom can also be home to pendant lights when installed correctly. As following the rule above, pendants in the bedroom should hang 24 to 36 inches above any surface.

Is a pendant light good for a bedroom?

The advantage to having mini pendant lights illuminate this space over wall sconces and table lamps comes down to how the space is used and the surfaces (or lack, thereof) available. Pendants require only the ceiling to hang down from and the only disadvantage is the visible cord. The use of a pendant light, however, will save space on end tables for more bedtime reading or device storage and save space on the wall for artwork or mirrors.

Dining and Living Room Pendant Lights

Pendant lighting adds a special touch to both the dining room and living room, which are often the heart of social gatherings. In the dining room, you have the option of arranging a series of pendant lights along the length of the table or using a linear suspension, depending on your personal style and preference. You can also consider incorporating a repeating motif for a stylish décor enhancement, while luxurious linear suspensions provide an elegant alternative.

When it comes to the living room, strategically placing pendant lights can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For instance, you can install pendant lights over end tables in reading corners or above smaller tables designated for casual drinks, games, or conversations. Another excellent placement option is hanging pendant lights in the centre of a sectional over a coffee or cocktail table. This arrangement not only brings focused illumination but also offers the same allure as a larger chandelier, especially when opting for luxurious pendant light designs.

How large should a living room pendant light be?

Before selecting a specific light fixture, it is crucial to consider the size of the room and take accurate measurements. Living rooms can vary in size, accommodating small tables for gatherings, larger sectionals, or even bar areas. The choice of pendant size should align with the dimensions of these spaces and the desired lighting arrangement within your home. For instance, globe pendants can serve as captivating centerpieces, akin to chandeliers, or be used as subtle accent pieces. Pendants have the versatility to accentuate specific sections of a room or serve as the primary light source when positioned at the center, making the decision ultimately subjective and based on personal preference.

How High to Hang Pendant Lights Over a Dining Room Table

The appropriate hanging height of pendant lights depends on the ceiling height of the room. For an average ceiling height of 8 feet, it is recommended to hang pendant lights between 24 to 36 inches above the surface. If the pendant is positioned higher than 36 inches, the desired effect of a focused glow may not be achieved, and opting for a linear suspension or chandelier might be more suitable.

On the other hand, a lower mount for pendant lighting is also not ideal as it can result in the lights being at eye-level for some individuals, leading to glare or potential head bumps. By maintaining a height of 24 to 36 inches, a cozy atmosphere is created while ensuring the space is adequately illuminated, and the fixtures remain out of the way. For smaller tables, a dome pendant can be considered as it directs the light downward, offering a warm and inviting touch to the surface.

Kitchen and Kitchen Islands Pendant Lighting

The kitchen and kitchen island are highly popular areas for pendant lighting due to the focused illumination they provide. Whether installed as a single unit or in a coordinated cluster, pendant lights above a kitchen island offer ample brightness for all food preparation and activities below. Opting for a linear suspension creates a uniform array of lights, ideal for islands, while a single pendant or a row of pendants can be a suitable choice for a round kitchen table or a bar, respectively.

What size pendant over a kitchen island?

Determining the appropriate pendant size for a kitchen island depends on its dimensions. In general, regardless of the island's size, the pendant lights should be positioned 24 to 36 inches above the surface and spaced at least 24 inches apart.

When selecting pendant lights for a kitchen island, considering the island's length, width, and the existing style of the kitchen is essential. One approach is to use a cluster of mini pendants, which can provide ample illumination while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Alternatively, for longer islands, a lengthy linear suspension can be a fitting option, provided there is enough space on both sides of the island to create a balanced composition. It's important to leave some empty space on the ends of the island to ensure the linear suspension and the island have room to breathe. With a wide range of options available, conducting thorough research into the desired size, style, and ambiance is crucial when choosing pendant lights for a kitchen island.