The Pick of Perfect Pendant Lights
From oversized to all in a row, pendant lights add statement style and a gorgeous glow
Pendant lighting delivers two treats for the price of one, as a valuable light source that also cuts a dramatic dash in any room. From a single, gigantic shade hung over a coffee table, to a row of three hanging above an island, pendant lighting has a direct relationship with the furniture around it and, typically, beneath it. While pendants don’t provide directional task light, they will contribute to overall light levels in a room and produce a gorgeous pool of light on any surface below. Here is a handful of cool and creative ways to pop up a pendant…
Go supersize
An oversized pendant hung over a table anchors the space and, when connected to a dimmer switch, it can provide a range of light levels to suit the mood and time of day.
An oversized pendant hung over a table anchors the space and, when connected to a dimmer switch, it can provide a range of light levels to suit the mood and time of day.
Define a zone
A row of pendant lights hung above a kitchen worktop provides ample lighting for food preparation, especially when, as here, artificial light is boosted by the natural light flooding in from windows and skylights. Feel free to hang an even number of lights, too. Three is traditional, but four looks great!
A row of pendant lights hung above a kitchen worktop provides ample lighting for food preparation, especially when, as here, artificial light is boosted by the natural light flooding in from windows and skylights. Feel free to hang an even number of lights, too. Three is traditional, but four looks great!
Hang above an island
Hung above a kitchen island, pendants provide valuable light while enhancing the kitchen design. Typically, pendants should be hung around 70 to 85cm above the worktop, or 182cm above the floor.
Hung above a kitchen island, pendants provide valuable light while enhancing the kitchen design. Typically, pendants should be hung around 70 to 85cm above the worktop, or 182cm above the floor.
Mix and match
Hang different styles of pendants over different sections of an open-plan room. Here, a trio of pendant lights drip down from the ceiling to illuminate the island work zone, while three decorative lights above the dining table provide a visually stunning statement.
Hang different styles of pendants over different sections of an open-plan room. Here, a trio of pendant lights drip down from the ceiling to illuminate the island work zone, while three decorative lights above the dining table provide a visually stunning statement.
Transform a hallway
A large pendant light hung in a hallway gives real identity to this in-between space and can totally transform even the most vanilla scheme. In hallways with tall ceilings, remember to think about flex length. If the light is hung so high that it is outside the line of sight, its impact will be diminished.
A large pendant light hung in a hallway gives real identity to this in-between space and can totally transform even the most vanilla scheme. In hallways with tall ceilings, remember to think about flex length. If the light is hung so high that it is outside the line of sight, its impact will be diminished.
Choose eye-catching shapes
Think beyond the classic half-sphere shape much used in kitchens and go for something more unusual. These wonderfully interesting pendants look like clouds floating through the room and provide a stunning contrast to the traditional cabinetry.
Think beyond the classic half-sphere shape much used in kitchens and go for something more unusual. These wonderfully interesting pendants look like clouds floating through the room and provide a stunning contrast to the traditional cabinetry.
Go for a cluster
Instead of one huge light, numerous smaller lights strung together are a striking take on a trad pendant. They can be hung 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 functional, too.
Instead of one huge light, numerous smaller lights strung together are a striking take on a trad pendant. They can be hung 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 functional, too.
Hang by the bed
Think beyond the kitchen or dining room and consider hanging pendants on either side of a bed, in lieu of table lamps. This idea is practical, too, as hanging lights take up no surface area and so work particularly well in bedrooms with limited space to set a table lamp on a nightstand.
Think beyond the kitchen or dining room and consider hanging pendants on either side of a bed, in lieu of table lamps. This idea is practical, too, as hanging lights take up no surface area and so work particularly well in bedrooms with limited space to set a table lamp on a nightstand.
Hang at different heights
If you have the space, hanging pendant lighting at different height levels creates a really striking display, like an illuminated installation. In this double-height space, a mass of pendants create a glowing focal point, visible from both floors.
If you have the space, hanging pendant lighting at different height levels creates a really striking display, like an illuminated installation. In this double-height space, a mass of pendants create a glowing focal point, visible from both floors.
Made from aluminium, these tubular pendant lights give this living room a focal point. They also punctuate the all-white scheme, drawing the eye up to the ceiling and down to the dark armchairs below.