What Is a Pendant Light?
A pendant light is simply a type of light fixture that hangs from the ceiling. Most homeowners use pendant lights in kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms to provide task lighting, ambient lighting, or accent lighting.
While it might seem simple to choose the right pendant light, they come in a variety of styles, including chandeliers, lanterns, and industrial-style lights. Likewise, pendant lights can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and wood.
Where Should You Use Pendant Lights?
Pendant lights are a versatile lighting option that can be used in a variety of settings. One of the most popular places to use pendant lights is over a kitchen island. This type of light is ideal for providing task lighting, and it can also help to create a sense of ambiance.
Pendant lights can also be used in living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. When choosing pendant lights, it is important to consider the overall style of the room. For example, sleek and modern pendant lights would not be appropriate for a traditional space.
Ultimately, regardless of which room you put your pendant lights in, they tend to look best when hung at eye level or slightly above. This ensures that they provide ample light without being too glaring.
If you’re interested in drawing the eye inward then hang them in your entryways and hallways as a welcoming light for guests. They can also be used over kitchen islands or dining room tables for task lighting.
With so many possibilities, it's easy to see why pendant lights are such a popular choice for home lighting. Before deciding on where to install a pendant light, let’s walk you through some of the different style options available, though.
Choose the Right Type of Pendant Light
As mentioned, choosing the right type of pendant light is going to be the difference between a very cohesively designed room and one that looks somewhat off to the eye. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right style of pendant light.
Here are just a few of the most popular styles to help you become familiar with this type of lighting.
Drum Shade Pendant Lights
Drum pendant lights are popular in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any decor. One benefit of drum pendant lights is that they provide diffused lighting, which can be beneficial in areas where glare is a concern.
Additionally, the shape of the shade helps to prevent the bulb from being directly visible, making it a more aesthetically pleasing option than other types of pendant lights.
Our Arteriors Middlebury Pendant is a great example of an elegant drum shade pendant light.
Bowl Pendant Lights
A bowl pendant light is a type of light fixture that is typically used to provide ambient or task lighting. The bowl-shaped shade of the fixture diffuses the light, giving the room a soft, glow.
Bowl pendant lights are often hung over a kitchen island or dining room table, but can really be used in any room where you want to add a touch of style.
Our Mitzi Marlene Pendant is a great example of a simple yet upscale bowl pendant light.
Glass Pendant Lights
Glass pendant lights are a type of light fixture that hangs from the ceiling and has a glass shade. The glass shade can be clear, frosted, or colored. Glass pendant lights typically look best in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms.
They can provide ambient, task, or accent lighting. However, when shopping for glass pendant lights, pay attention to the size of the shade and the height of the fixture. You'll also want to consider the wattage of the bulb.
Our Mitzi Neko Pendant is a great example of a beautiful clear glass pendant light.
Consider Your Space
Ultimately, when you choose a pendant light, it is important to consider the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and the type of light you’ll be using. Pendant lights can add style and personality to any room, but only if they match the rest of your decor.
If you’ve chosen your Meadow Blu pendant light from some of the options above, then it’s time to think about how that light will fit into your space. Here are some tips to consider.
Ceiling Height
If your ceiling is too low, the light will hang down too close to the head, creating a harsh and unpleasant glare. On the other hand, if the ceiling is too high, the light will be too diffuse and might not provide adequate illumination.
The ideal ceiling height for a pendant light is around eight feet, which allows the light to hang down at a comfortable level while still providing plenty of light. When installing a pendant light, be sure to take ceiling height into account in order to get the best results.
Fixture Height & Diameter
When installing a pendant light, it's important to consider the height and diameter of the light. The height should be such that the light is at eye level when standing or sitting. The diameter should be proportional to the room size; a small room can have a smaller diameter light, while a larger room can have a larger diameter light.
The size of the pendant also affects how much light is emitted; a smaller pendant emits less light, while a larger pendant emits more light. Therefore, it's important to choose the right size pendant for both the height and diameter of the room. By doing so, you'll ensure that the pendant provides adequate lighting while also complementing the room's decor.
Browse Designer Pendant Lighting
Whether you’re interested in adding task lighting to your study or want to install pendant lighting in your living room to make a bold statement to guests, we have plenty of designer pendant lighting options available for you.
Browse through our entire collection of pendant lights to find the perfect fit for your home.