Are Pendant Lights A Good Idea?
Pendant lights are hanging light fixtures that are suspended from the ceiling by a cord, chain, or metal rod. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials and styles. Pendant lights became popular in the 1950s and remain a staple in many homes today. They can provide both ambient and task lighting while adding a decorative touch to any room. However, pendant lights aren’t necessarily the right lighting option for every space. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether pendant lights are a good idea for your home.
On the plus side, pendant lights free up table and floor space since they don’t take up room on surfaces below. They also draw the eye up, creating a sense of space and height in a room. Pendant lights allow flexibility in placing light right where it’s needed. They come in many different styles to match any home’s aesthetic. On the downside, pendant lights can obstruct views and make rooms feel closed in if placed too low. They may not provide enough illumination for tasks like reading. Additionally, hardwired installation can be complicated and pendant lights often need to be dusted.
Pros
One of the biggest benefits of pendant lights is that they can serve as a stylish focal point in a room (The Beauty of Pendant Lights). With a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials and designs to choose from, pendant lights allow you to make a statement and express your personal style. They instantly draw the eye upwards and create visual interest.
Pendant lights also offer the benefit of directed, task lighting (Pendants – House & Hold). Hanging over a kitchen island, bar, or workspace, they provide concentrated illumination right where you need it most. This makes them ideal for activities like cooking, reading, or doing paperwork that require extra light.
Finally, pendant lights come in seemingly endless designs to match any decor. You can find minimalist, modern options as well as ones with colorful, ornate details. Pendants range from sleek and cylindrical to spherical, drum, or geometric shapes. With all the variety, it’s easy to find the perfect pendant to complement your home’s style.
Cons
While pendant lights have many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well:
- Can feel cluttered if overused – Pendant lights work best when used thoughtfully and in moderation. Installing too many pendant lights close together can start to feel cluttered and overwhelming in a space. It’s generally best to stick to 1-3 pendant lights over an island or dining table.
- Don’t provide ambient lighting – Pendant lights are a directional light source, meaning they cast light downwards rather than illuminating a whole room. If pendant lights are the only light source, a room may feel too dark. Pairing pendants with other light fixtures can help add ambient lighting.
- Require hardwiring – Pendant lights typically need to be hardwired into the ceiling, which means electrical work is required for installation. This makes them a more complex lighting option than something plug-in like a table lamp.
Sources: https://www.oceansidepaintingnj.com/pendant-lights-vs-chandeliers-in-kitchen, https://lightcheckup.com/top-reasons-to-opt-for-home-depot-hanging-lights/
Types of Pendant Lights
One of the most critical decisions when choosing pendant lights is determining what type or shape you want. The shape dramatically impacts the look and feel of the light fixture. Some popular types of pendant lights include:
Mini Pendants
Mini pendants are smaller lights, usually 12 inches or less in diameter. They work well for task lighting over counters or desks. Mini pendants allow you to add pops of light in a more customizable way than larger fixtures. Their small size makes them versatile to use in combination and groupings.
Island Pendants
Island pendants hang over a kitchen island or peninsula to provide focused task lighting for food prep and dining. Island pendants often come in sets of 3-5 lights hung at the same height. Their communal design provides both style and ample illumination for the island space.
Drum Pendants
Drum pendants have a simple cylindrical shade that resembles a drum. This popular, versatile shape fits well over islands, dining tables, counters, and more. Drum pendants work with many home decor styles from traditional to contemporary.
Bowl Pendants
Bowl pendants feature an open-bottom shade in the shape of a bowl, funnel, or curved rectangle. The wide shade style casts light in a soft, ambient glow. Bowl pendants work well hung low over dining tables and kitchen islands.
Styles
When choosing a pendant light, you’ll want to consider the overall style and how it fits with your home’s decor. Here are some of the most popular styles of pendant lighting:
Modern – Modern pendant lights feature sleek, contemporary designs. They often have simple, geometric shapes and are made from materials like metal, glass, or acrylic. Modern pendants work well in contemporary, minimalist, or industrial style homes.
Rustic – Rustic pendant lights have a more natural, worn-in look. They are often made from materials like wood, iron, or leather. Rustic pendants pair nicely with farmhouse, country, or craftsman style decor.
Industrial – Industrial pendants reflect an edgy, urban warehouse vibe. They typically have exposed bulbs, black metals, and Edison style filaments. Industrial lights can add a bold accent to modern or urban living spaces.
Transitional – Transitional pendant lighting combines elements of traditional and contemporary styles. Simple orb or bell shapes in brushed metals create an updated but not overly modern look. Transitional pendants work in both classic and modern homes.
Materials
Pendant lights come in a variety of materials, each with their own aesthetic appeal and functional properties. Some popular materials include:
Glass
Glass pendant lights allow light to shine through for a bright, luminous effect. Glass also comes in many colors and patterns to match different decor styles. Glass pendants should be handled with care as they can break if bumped or knocked over (https://www.lighterior.com.au/blogs/guides-tips/designer-lighting-popular-pendant-light-materials).
Metal
Metal pendants like brass, copper, and nickel provide an industrial modern look. Metallic finishes don’t allow light to pass through as much as glass, creating more of a directional glow. Metal lights are durable and long-lasting (https://www.pooky.com/blogs/inspiration/lighting-materials-a-guide-to-lamps-shades-and-the-various-things-theyre-made-of).
Wood
Wood pendant lights create a natural, rustic feel. Different wood types like oak, walnut, or bamboo provide unique grains and textures. Wood is softer than metal or glass and can be prone to scratches or dents with rough handling.
Fabric
Fabric lampshades diffuse light softly for a cozy ambiance. Cotton, linen, jute, or silk in soft colors complement cottage, vintage, or bohemian decors. Fabric shades should be cleaned gently to avoid tearing or damaging the material.
Sizes
When choosing the size of pendant lights, it’s important to consider both the height of your ceiling and the dimensions of the space you want to illuminate. Here are some standard size guidelines:
For an 8-10 foot island, pendants around 15-18 inches wide are usually recommended. According to this kitchen island lighting guide, the ideal pendant size for an 8 foot island is 16 inches.
Over a dining table, pendant lights are often 24-36 inches wide. Smaller 12-18 inch pendants can work over a compact dining set.
For lower 7-9 foot ceilings, avoid oversized pendants that hang too low. Petite 12-15 inch wide fixtures keep the space feeling open.
Pendants should hang around 30-36 inches above the counter or tabletop. To avoid them feeling too low, choose slimmer pendants for low ceilings versus wider fixtures.
Take measurements of your existing space and envision the pendant lights hanging at an appropriate height before selecting a size. This will ensure your new pendants are sized just right.
Placement
When choosing where to hang pendant lights in your home, there are some key spots that are ideal:
Over tables – Hanging a pendant light over your dining table or desk is a great way to provide focused task lighting for eating or working. The pendant can hang centered over the table or offset to one side.
Over kitchen islands – Island pendants are one of the most popular uses for pendant lighting. Hanging pendants over a kitchen island provides both good task lighting for food prep and accent lighting. Usually two or three pendant lights work well spaced evenly over an island. [1]
Over sinks -Utilizing a pendant light over sinks in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms helps illuminate this space for tasks like washing dishes and brushing teeth. Opt for pendants with moisture-resistant finishes in these wet areas.
In entryways – Hanging a pendant light in an entryway, hallway or foyer helps welcome people into your home. Position the pendant light centrally so it’s one of the first things you see upon entering. Opt for a dramatic or artistic pendant to make a statement.
Wiring
When installing pendant lights, you have two main options for wiring – hardwiring or using a plug-in kit. Hardwiring involves connecting the light fixture directly to your electrical wiring. This provides a clean, seamless look, but requires basic electrical skills. If you’re uncomfortable working with household electrical wiring, it’s best to hire an experienced electrician to install pendant lighting.
Plug-in pendant lights are much easier to install yourself. They simply plug into a nearby outlet like any household appliance. However, you’ll need to run the cord in a tidy, inconspicuous way. Make sure to use the right gauge extension cord based on the wattage of the light fixture.
If your home doesn’t have an outlet near where you want to hang pendant lighting, a plug-in installation won’t be feasible. In that case, hardwiring is the only option. Carefully review the wiring instructions that come with the light to ensure proper, safe installation.
Conclusion
In summary, pendant lights have both pros and cons to consider. On the positive side, they can provide directed task lighting, create a stylish focal point, and allow flexibility in placement and wiring. However, potential drawbacks include glare, lack of overall ambient lighting, and challenges with sizing and positioning.
Pendant lights work best as part of a comprehensive lighting plan, combined with other sources like recessed ceiling lights, chandeliers, or table and floor lamps. They shine when used thoughtfully over spaces like kitchen islands, dining tables, seating areas, or work desks. Consider pendant lights when you want to accentuate a specific zone within a room.
Overall, pendant lights can be an attractive and functional lighting choice when selected and installed properly for the space. Pay attention to your goals, activities, and aesthetics to decide if pendant lights are a good fit for your lighting needs.
