Pendant lighting is perfect when homes are being renovated or built. Even whenever the look needs to be updated, pendant lighting is the place to start. Pendants can be modern or traditional and used in any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom. There are many different kinds of pendant lights to choose from, and all say something different about the home’s style.
Pendant lighting is a popular choice because it is inexpensive and less bulky compared to chandeliers. It also makes for great task lighting in workspaces, such as the kitchen. They are attractive focal points while still being a functional lighting source. They save space over a floor or table lamp and provide more ambient lighting over greater surface areas.
A pendant light is also known as a drop or suspender. It is a lone light fixture that hangs from the ceiling, suspended by a cord, chain, or metal rod. Used by themselves, pendant lights present a striking feature to a room. More often they are hung in multiples in a straight line over countertops, dining tables, or bathrooms.
They can also be hung in a group at varying heights to create an artistic lighting look in the corner of a room. Modern pendants are energy saving low voltage models using halogen, LED, or fluorescent bulbs. They come in a huge variety of sizes and vary in materials. They can be metal, cloth, glass, or plastic.
Clear glass pendants will naturally diffuse light more effectively in all direction. This makes them perfect for spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Metals with shiny finishes, such as polished chrome and brushed nickel, can also help reflect light.
Drum shaped pendant lights made of cloth should be put in the living room. This is because the cloth material collects dust easily. Putting them in a living room or common area makes cleaning easy with a quick dusting.
Plastic is the most cost effective, but they are prone to discolouration over time. Use plastic in corners and nooks that are not highly trafficked in order to make them last longer. This material makes them perfect for a pendant grouping that serves as an aesthetic home feature.
A large, single pendant is perfect for an entryway where only one source of lighting is needed. This also makes it an artistic focal point. A big pendant works great above a dining room table for the same reason.
Small pendants, like mini globes, are great alternatives to installing track lighting. Their lighting is bright but less intense all around, so it is perfect for task lighting in a kitchen or other work area. Hanging small pendants in multiples allows for sufficient lighting. Make sure to hang them above eye level to prevent glare.
Light will either be directed up or down, depending on the shape or type of shade used. Pendants that are inverted will stream light to the ceiling. This provides ambient or mood lighting in a space. Pendants with open bottoms focus light downward, allowing them to be task lighting above a workspace like a kitchen island.
LED bulbs are becoming the more popular choice for pendant lighting. They are perfect for task lighting and they are energy efficient, but they can be more expensive than traditional bulbs. However, LED bulbs also last longer than standard bulbs. The style of the pendant determines the bulb required.
Entryways need to have pendant lights seven feet above the floor. A pendant in the dining room needs to be at least 30 inches above the table. Pendants used for a kitchen island need to be 30 to 40 inches above the counter. The height of the tallest person in the home needs to be considered. Make sure all pendants are at least 20 to 25 inches above the top of the tallest person’s head.
