If you’re looking to improve your home’s interior décor, pendant lighting is an ideal option to explore. Pendant lighting refers to lighting fixtures, bulbs and shades that are suspended from the ceiling using a metal rod, chain, or cord depending on preference. Pendant lights come in many different forms so you will always be able to find some that suit your home and personal tastes perfectly. While they can be used as a single light fixture, they are often also suspended in a series, row or even as a small group.
Key Considerations when Buying Pendant Lights
Similar to any purchasing decision, there are a few key factors that you need to keep in mind when you decide to buy pendant lighting fixtures such as:
- Your home styling and decor; is it minimalist, eclectic, beachy chic?
- What will be the purpose of the lighting? I.e. Ambiance or task
- Budget (of course)
- The specific room or space you are working with including ceiling height and existing furniture
This article will take each of these into account and focus in on tips for using pendant lights in different spaces in your house.Different types of pendant lights work well in different areas around your house. Therefore, your buying decision should always be informed by the room or space you intend to illuminate.
Above a Table
In selecting the above table pendant, always consider its purpose in relation to whether you need task or ambient light, or even both. Once you figure this out, choose the installation that addresses the lighting requirements of the location it is to be hung. Fixing multiple pendants over a rectangle-shaped table can be a good choice, just ensure if you are hanging them over any type of furniture that they are balanced to spread along at least 2/3rds to 3/5ths of the length. As long as you spread them well you can use any number i.e. 2 large pendants may spread as far along the space as 5 small pendants would so it still appears well balanced. In the case of circular tables, a single pendant such as the Fitzgerald LED Pendant can work well, or a tight clump of pendants might add extra interest. It is excellent if the pendants are able to be activated with a dimmer so that you can set the mood for a romantic dinner or keep it bright when the kids want to do some colouring in.
Lighting a Stairwell
Using pendant lights in a stairwell can create a sculptural aesthetic as well as providing the required lighting. A stairwell without a dramatic pendant light installation is missing out! The key tip is to hang the fixture adequately high to ensure that there is enough room for movement up and down the stairs on an angle. The recommended clearance between the bottom of the pendant light and the height of the tallest individual should range between 18 and 24 inches. A shorter height may still do the trick though it may not be quite as comfortable and some people may feel the need to duck when walking under it. Depending on your preference, the Mazza Pendant makes a great statement piece in shorter stairwells where there is room for only a single pendant, or a row of White Fiesta pendants in the stairway can complement a scandinavian styled home perfectly.
Lighting an Island
Whenever pendant lighting is considered within a home, the common area that comes into mind is the kitchen. Pendant fixtures are not only excellent solutions to offering sufficient task lighting but also provide a chance to improve or reinforce the kitchen aesthetic. Apart from offering adequate lighting for the entire working surface, well spread pendants are also incredibly visually appealing, especially in a space whose focus is usually more functional than beautiful. A vital tip to consider when using pendant fixtures such as the Alta Pendants illuminate an island is to ensure that they are hung high enough such that an individual does not stare directly into them when he/she is in a standing position.
Lighting the Middle of a Room
Pendants can be positioned slightly lower than usual in the middle of a room when there is a piece of furniture, such as a coffee table, directly under them. With this positioning, the room gets a dramatic feel, without impacting functionality because there is no concern that someone might bump their head on the pendant as they move around the room… As long as you aren't planning on changing the layout of furniture anytime soon!
Pendant lighting is an interesting, adaptable, inexpensive way to improve your home’s interior décor. Another great note about pendant lighting is that is is fairly easy to change and update as your tastes or needs grow and change. Be sure to use this guide to identify the exciting pendant lighting alternatives you can choose from.
