What Is a Pendant Light? A Simple Guide to Stylish Lighting
What Is a Pendant Light? A Complete Guide to Stylish and Functional Lighting
You know that beautiful kitchen you walked into and couldn’t help but admire how beautifully designed it was, or the entryway with it’s stunning design, there’s a high chance you’ve come across a pendant light.
If you’re unsure of what a pendant light is or still on the fence if it’s the right lighting fixture you want, this guide is going to simply break it down for you.
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What Is a Pendant Light?
A pendant light is a hanging light fixture. It usually hangs from the ceiling with a rod, chain or cord.
Think of it like a lantern hanging from a stick. It adds a decorative touch while also providing practical lighting to your space.
Pendant lights come in different shapes, sizes and designs, which makes them easy to style with any décor.
Why Choose a Pendant Light?
If you’re still unsure if a pendant light is for you, here are a few thing you need to know:
Style & Versatility – Pendant lights come in a wide range of styles and designs. It doesn’t matter the type of décor your prefer, there is a pendant light for you.
Focused Lighting – Pendant lights provide a concentrated illumination to the specific area you want. Unlike ceiling lights that spread light through out a space. This makes pendant lights ideal for areas like kitchen islands, reading nooks and dining tables.
Space-Saving Alternative – If you’re working with a limited amount of space and want to avoid crowding your space with table lamps, pendant lights are a great alternative. They hang from the ceiling freeing up space to avoid clutter.
Customizable – With many shapes and designs, pendant lights give you the freedom to express your style. You can go for a single pendant to achieve the minimalistic look, or multiple pendants for a dramatic effect.
Where Can You Use Pendant Lights?
One of the best features of pendant lights is their versatility. Here are few places where pendant lights create the most impact:
Kitchen Islands – Pendant lights placed over a kitchen island doesn’t just provide a stylistic appeal but also provides task lighting for meal prep and cooking. Go for a set of two or more depending on the length of you island.
Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
Dining Tables – Hanging pendant lights over you dining table creates a warm atmosphere for meals. Using a dimmable pendant light will allow you to control the brightness of your pendant light depending on your occasion.
Photo by digsdigs.com
Bedrooms – Instead of a bedside lamp, go for a pendant light instead. This creates a modern look and frees up space on your beside table.
Photo by dwells.com
Entryways – A well thought pendant light creates a good first impression. Doesn’t matter what style you go for, it sets the tone for the rest of your home décor.
Photo by menterarchitects.com
Bathrooms – For a touch of luxury in your bathroom, add a pendant light above the vanity or in a spacious bathroom. Choose a water resistant pendant for safety.
Photo by thespruce.com
How to Use Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are not merely a source of illumination, they play a big role in the style and mood of your home. Here are a few ways to use you pendant lights:
Layer Your Lighting – Don’t rely only on pendant lights, mix them up with different light fixtures such as recessed lights and wall scones to create ample lighting and eliminate shadows.
Use Dimmers for Flexibility – Go for dimmable pendant lights. Task lighting is great for performing tasks but dimmed lights create a warm ambiance for relaxation.
Create a Focal Point – A statement pendant light can create an eye-catching focal point in a room. Choose a bold shape, color or material to add character to your space.
Match the Style to the Room – Consider the existing décor of your space before choosing your pendant light. Clean lines for a minimalistic style and rattan designs for a boho style.
Group Pendants for Impact – Instead of a single pendant light, group to or three pendant lights at varying heights to create a dramatic look in your kitchen, dining room or stairwell.
Choosing the Right Pendant Light for Your Home
Photo by pinterest.com
Selecting the right pendant light for your home may seem overwhelming, here is a guide to make it easier:
Size & Scale – Make sure the pendant light is proportionate to the space. For instance a small pendant light would look lost in a large space similarly a large pendant light would look crowded in small space.
Height & Placement – The recommended height of a pendant light from the island countertop is 30-36 inches, and 72 inches from the ground to the bottom of the pendant light. In an open area take into account the ceiling height and adjust accordingly.
Material & Finish – Choose a material finish that work well with your existing décor. A metal or glass finish would fit well with modern and minimalistic décor. While wood or woven finishes work well with rustic and farmhouse décor.
Brightness & Bulb Type – The type of bulb you choose affects the brightness and ambiance of your space. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long lasting which help with task lighting. While Edison bulbs create a warm atmosphere.
Should You Buy a Pendant Light?
If you’re looking for a simple and stylish way to elevate your home décor with lighting, a pendant light is an excellent choice.
Whether you want a statement piece or a group to create a dramatic impact, consider pendant lights.
Now that you know what pendant lights are and how they can transform your home, are you ready to find the perfect one?
Explore different styles and see how a well-placed pendant light can make all the difference!
