skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Kitchen & DiningKitchenModular Kitchen Dining RoomHome Bar
LivingLiving RoomHome TheaterHome Office Staircase
Bed & BathBedroomNurseryKid's RoomBathroom
OutdoorGardenPatioTerrace & BalconyCourtyard
More RoomsPuja Room Wardrobe ExteriorSwimming PoolView All
Find Professionals
  • DESIGN & RENOVATION
  • HOME IMPROVEMENT
  • Architects & Building Designers
  • Interior Designers & Decorators
  • Civil Engineers & Contractors
  • Design-Build Firms
  • Kitchen & Bath Designers
  • Landscape Architects & Contractors
  • Home Builders & Construction Companies
  • Photographers
  • Specialty Contractors
  • Furniture & Accessories
  • Flooring & Carpet
  • Tile, Stone & Countertop
  • Bedding & Bath
View All ProsView All Services
Stories
Stories From Houzz
Houzz ToursKitchen GuidesBathroom Guides Bedroom Guides Decorating Guides Outdoors Architecture
Houzz Discussions
Design DilemmaBefore & After PollsHome Decorating KitchensLiving RoomsBedrooms Dining RoomsExterior Lighting PaintBuilding a Home
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Advice
HOUZZ DISCUSSIONS
Design DilemmaBefore & After PollsHome Decorating KitchensLiving Rooms
Bedrooms Dining RoomsExterior Lighting PaintBuilding a Home
Sign In
Join as a Pro
History of Houzz
Houzz Logo Print

lighting

and123
and123
Photo

Add layers of lighting. In this kitchen seating area, the backsplash is lit, the artwork is highlighted and the cabinet interiors are filled with light. One central lighting fixture would not have had nearly the same dramatic result. Professionals build layers of lighting to create interest, intrigue and variety. In a room where everything is lit evenly, nothing stands out. Pick a focal point and perhaps a secondary focal point and highlight those. Add general ambient lighting and some lower lighting, like table lamps, for interest.

Q

Product

Wall Sconce, Single Socket

Q

Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Product

Global | LZF - Link floor lamp

Q

Photo

In this kitchen, the designer went with two larger pendants rather than three. The metallic highlights scattered around this room are repeated in the pendants and keep the focus low and centered. That the island is the center of this room is a point made with a combination of the lighting, the aluminum stools and the white, brick base. This is a kitchen that feeds multitudes and does it with grace and efficiency.

Q

Photo

The lights hanging over this island, like the lights from most manufacturers, come in a variety of sizes. In this case, the designer went with two larger sizes instead of three (or more) smaller ones. The cloud-like appearance of the Logico Suspension Pendants disguises the fact that they're hanging in a pretty rigid line. The line formed by these pendants, when combined with the crown moldings in the room, combine to imply a ceiling. This technique is a way to take high ceilings and draw them down to a more human scale by focusing a line or series of lines between eight and nine feet above the floor.

Q

Photo

Sometimes, a pendant isn't really a pendant at all. These articulated arm lamps provide an unexpected twist as well as flexible and effective task lighting. Their visual weight is offset by the graphic of the diver to the right. Despite its apparent simplicity, this is an exceptionally well-designed room.

Q

Photo

Sometimes, pendant lights are a way to inject some color and interest. These three pendants over the island are the focal point of this kitchen and that's due to their bright color in an otherwise neutral room. They are small enough that three of them fit comfortably in the space and they produce enough light to do their job.

Q

Photo

Over the foot of the bed. Another location that can be enhanced by hanging a pendant fixture is above the foot of a bed. How low to hang a fixture in this situation will be guided by the ceiling height as well as the size of the bed and fixture. The fixture must be hung high enough so that there is no risk of hitting your head when sitting on the bed, as well as when getting in and out of bed.

Q

Photo

In the bathroom. Pendants hung in front or to the sides of a mirror in a bathroom can be a good alternative to more traditional sconces. The height at which they are hung should provide the best lighting while avoiding being so low that one would bump their head when leaning over the sink. When selecting fixtures for a bathroom make certain they are rated for damp rooms.

Q

Photo

By the side of the bed. I've also begun to notice light fixtures hung on either side of a bed in lieu of table lamps. This can be an effective way to light the area, particularly in spaces where they may be limited room to set a table lamp on a nightstand.

Q

Photo

The same approach is taken in this living room, with the pendant hung low enough to allow it to be highlighted against the darker fireplace.

Q

Photo

n the middle of a room. Pendants can be hung lower in the center of a room if there is a piece of furniture placed below it, such as a coffee table. This creates a dramatic look that is also functional, with no fear that someone will walk under the fixture and bump their head!

Q

Photo

On the opposite end of the style spectrum for lighting hung above a kitchen island are these dual Dandelion fixtures. Stylish and dramatic, these help set this kitchen apart from crowd. Another tip in hanging pendants above an island or peninsula is to hang the fixtures high enough so that while standing you are not staring directly into the lights. More on lighting kitchen islands

Q

Photo

Above an island. When thinking of pendant lighting what probably comes to mind first are fixtures hung in a kitchen. They are a great solution for providing adequate task lighting while also providing an opportunity to enhance or reinforce the kitchen design. Typically pendants should be placed 28 to 34 inches above the countertop, or 72 inches above the floor. The nickel fixtures are a wonderful choice here, repeating the classic spirit of the kitchen design. A smaller version of the same pendant is hung in the window, creating a cohesive look.

Q

Photo

In a stairwell. Fixtures hung in a stairwell can add a sculptural element to the area, as well as provide needed lighting. The key is to hang the fixture high enough so that there is plenty of clearance while walking up and down the stairs.

Q

Photo

In the hallway. Fixtures hung in an entry or hallway can add a lot of drama and beauty, casting shadows while providing light. In spaces with tall ceilings it is important that the fixtures not be hung so high that they are outside of the line of sight while standing in the space.

Q

Photo

Hanging multiple pendants above a rectangular table can be a very effective choice, not only to properly light the entire table surface, but also for aesthetics. Here the pendants are hung sightly lower than in the previous example and both look appropriate for their specific spaces.

Q

Photo

Address whether or not the fixture is to provide task or ambient light (or both) and select a fixture which meets the lighting needs of the location to be hung. A large drum pendant hung over a table not only anchors the vignette, but if placed on a dimmer the fixture can provide brighter light for any tasks done at the table and softer light while dining.

Q

Photo

Duck Fabric Duck fabric, which is made from cotton fibers, is also referred to as canvas. Like drop cloth, it is very durable, thick and stiff, making it a choice for outdoor projects. Although it's not as soft as muslin, it is still easy to sew and dye. Cotton duck can be found at fabric stores, and it is usually available in basic colors. The natural structure of duck fabric makes it work well as a decorative lampshade, like in this project.

Q

Photo

Amanda from Red Jet Whistle had the ingenious idea to hang a thrifted ball light from an iron plant hanger to make this cool bedside lamp.

Q

Photo

This room is an exceptional example of a well-lit space. Look at all the sources of light! There are ceiling lights for general ambient light. Up-lights mounted on the wall send light to the high ceiling. The stair risers have lights to make it easy to watch your step. Table lamps provide flattering accent lighting and are a good height for reading as well. There are spotlights on each piece of art. You can also see that in the dining area, there are spots set to graze the wall, highlighting its texture, plus a chandelier over the dining table and accent lighting inside the display cases. And don't forget the candles on the coffee table! The combination of all of these lighting sources gives a richly layered look to the room. This avoids Mistake No. 3: Inadequate lighting. I often see homes that have all ceiling lights, but no other light sources. Or absolutely no ceiling fixtures and just one or two table or floor lamps with dark shades. Neither scenario provides all of the light that you need. A good lighting plan includes ambient light from ceiling or wall fixtures as well as natural light from windows, plus task lighting which may be for reading or food preparation if i...

Q

Photo

If you liked the first room with its raspberry walls and citron chairs, but you just can't bring yourself to go the full Monty with all of that color, then this pretty lamp may be just right for you. Notice how the pink lining reflects onto the citron base creating a lovely blend of the two colors. From The Natural Light. Will you be using any of these colors in your home?

Q

Photo
Photo

Despite the white walls, this bathroom has a dark, almost Neo-Gothic essence, thanks to the heavy carved wood vanity and mirror and metal pendants, which spread a wonderful texture on the walls through quatrefoil perforations.

Q

Photo

Challenge the idea of symmetry by placing pendant lights to only one side of your bathroom mirror. Remember: You’ll want to do this with accent lighting versus ambient, especially if you plan to use the mirror for functional activities, such as shaving. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, asymmetrical lighting lends a unique visual element a space.

Q

Photo

Play with opposing shapes too; it helps create a sense of dimension. A curved sconce with rounded designs adds an unexpected juxtaposition to a square mirror and sink.

Q

Photo

If your bathroom is outfitted with a wide vanity and mirror, pull that sense of width into your bathroom’s space with a fixture that involves a bar or track.

Q

Photo

Round out rustic charm with a light fixture of the same rural feel. You can find similar designs to the one seen in this photo at Barn Light Electric.

Q

Photo

Remember, you still want to the appropriate mix of task and ambient lighting in your bathroom to fit all needs. Be both practical and stylish by outfitting your vanity with functional sconces yet playing up an eclectic personality with a unique hanging fixture in the center of the room. I love how this piece emits light playfully, like a disco ball. A similar design is the Lotus Flower Chandelier by VivaTerra.

Q

Related Photo Topics
    Bedroom CabinetsDining Room LightingWall Mounted Dining Table DesignDining Room PartitionAmerican Dining Rooms
  • India
    © 2026 Houzz Inc.
    • COMPANY

    • About Houzz
    • In the News
    • Press Info
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Privacy
    • Copyright & Trademark
    • EXPLORE HOUZZ

    • Buttons & Badges
    • Mobile Apps
    • For Professionals
    • Review Professionals
    • Suggested Professionals
    • CONNECT WITH US

    • TwitterXCircleX
    • Facebook
    • RSS