10 Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas From the Experts
Thinking of hanging a pendant in your culinary zone? Take a look at these bright, beautiful spaces (and expert tips) for inspiration
Natasha Saroca
20 October 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
Visually appealing and practical, pendant lights are a smart lighting solution for any kitchen. They can be used to create a certain ambience or mood, or illuminate a work area (or both); anchor a lofty space; define different zones; and lift the look of any room thanks to their high-impact suspended style.
If you’re toying with the idea of incorporating a single pendant (or several) into your kitchen’s lighting plan, but not quite sure what shape, size and style of fixture would best suit the space (and let’s not forget about material, colour and finish options, too), or where to install it, the appetising areas below are sure to spark some serious design inspiration. But first, here are some helpful pointers on choosing the right pendant lights for your kitchen and where to position them in the room.
If you’re toying with the idea of incorporating a single pendant (or several) into your kitchen’s lighting plan, but not quite sure what shape, size and style of fixture would best suit the space (and let’s not forget about material, colour and finish options, too), or where to install it, the appetising areas below are sure to spark some serious design inspiration. But first, here are some helpful pointers on choosing the right pendant lights for your kitchen and where to position them in the room.
FACTORS THAT WILL DETERMINE THE PERFECT PENDANT
Size of your kitchen
How big your kitchen is will play a key role in determining the number of pendants you use to illuminate the area. “If you have a large rectangular space or island bench, then you can generally go with more than one light,” says Brisbane kitchen designer Darren James, who designed the Asian-inspired culinary zone above. “However, the number of lights is not as important as the scale of the pendant to the space.”
Moxie Transitional Pendant Light and Transitional Rectangular Kitchen Island Light: Custom Lighting
Size of your kitchen
How big your kitchen is will play a key role in determining the number of pendants you use to illuminate the area. “If you have a large rectangular space or island bench, then you can generally go with more than one light,” says Brisbane kitchen designer Darren James, who designed the Asian-inspired culinary zone above. “However, the number of lights is not as important as the scale of the pendant to the space.”
Moxie Transitional Pendant Light and Transitional Rectangular Kitchen Island Light: Custom Lighting
Kitchen to pendant scale
Scale is an important consideration as the dimensions and layout of your cooking zone will determine what size and shape of fixture is the best fit for the area in terms of visual appeal and practicality. For example, attention-grabbing oversized pendants are often better suited to large, airy kitchens, rather than modestly sized cooking zones which may call for fixtures that are more petite and unobtrusive in size and style.
Ceiling height
The height of your ceiling will come into play, too. “If you have a standard ceiling height (or lower), make sure you don’t select pendants that are too large or hang down below eye height,” advises Brisbane kitchen designer Kim Duffin. “Larger pendants can be selected for ceiling heights above 2400mm.”
The job of the pendant
Also, think about how you’ll be using the pendant. Do you require task, accent or ambient lighting?
When it comes to choosing a pendant to provide task lighting, James offers this advice: “A pendant light fixture that is directional will provide the best task lighting, as opposed to a fixture that is filtered and allows light to penetrate. The size of the pendant is important also; generally, the larger the space you want to illuminate, the larger the pendant.”
Pendants that deliver focused illumination are also ideal for accent lighting.
Scale is an important consideration as the dimensions and layout of your cooking zone will determine what size and shape of fixture is the best fit for the area in terms of visual appeal and practicality. For example, attention-grabbing oversized pendants are often better suited to large, airy kitchens, rather than modestly sized cooking zones which may call for fixtures that are more petite and unobtrusive in size and style.
Ceiling height
The height of your ceiling will come into play, too. “If you have a standard ceiling height (or lower), make sure you don’t select pendants that are too large or hang down below eye height,” advises Brisbane kitchen designer Kim Duffin. “Larger pendants can be selected for ceiling heights above 2400mm.”
The job of the pendant
Also, think about how you’ll be using the pendant. Do you require task, accent or ambient lighting?
When it comes to choosing a pendant to provide task lighting, James offers this advice: “A pendant light fixture that is directional will provide the best task lighting, as opposed to a fixture that is filtered and allows light to penetrate. The size of the pendant is important also; generally, the larger the space you want to illuminate, the larger the pendant.”
Pendants that deliver focused illumination are also ideal for accent lighting.
Kitchen aesthetics
Consider the aesthetics of your kitchen. Do you want the pendant to take centrestage or have a supporting role? Does the fixture have to be a specific style so it complements the surrounding area, or do you want to create a high-impact look with a contrasting shade? What materials and colours will enhance the visual appeal of the room? Taking these factors into account will ensure you feel confident when making your final lighting fixture selection.
And remember, the look of the pendant will effect the atmosphere of the area, too. “If you are trying to soften the space or create some warmth, a more natural, organic-style pendant, such as timber or a woven product, might be more suitable than, say, a concrete pendant,” explains James.
Caravaggio Opal Pendant: Royal Design
Consider the aesthetics of your kitchen. Do you want the pendant to take centrestage or have a supporting role? Does the fixture have to be a specific style so it complements the surrounding area, or do you want to create a high-impact look with a contrasting shade? What materials and colours will enhance the visual appeal of the room? Taking these factors into account will ensure you feel confident when making your final lighting fixture selection.
And remember, the look of the pendant will effect the atmosphere of the area, too. “If you are trying to soften the space or create some warmth, a more natural, organic-style pendant, such as timber or a woven product, might be more suitable than, say, a concrete pendant,” explains James.
Caravaggio Opal Pendant: Royal Design
WHERE DO YOU HANG THEM?
“The first thing is to consider when deciding on the location for your pendant lights is to work out what mood or effect you are trying to create with the pendant: is it for accent lighting or task lighting?” James explains. This, he says, will determine where the fixture should be positioned.
When it comes to task lighting, pendants are often used to illuminate specific kitchen zones, such as an island bench that’s used as a work surface and spot for casual meals, benchtop space used for food prep, and the sink and general clean-up area.
The height of your ceiling will, of course, influence your decision, too. “If the pendant is being hung in the middle of a kitchen, then you will need to consider the height of people using the space – this is why you generally require higher ceilings for pendants,” James says. “Pendants can be hung lower over a dining or bench area, hence why the island bench or dining area is a favourite spot for hanging pendants.”
If you’re considering hanging multiple pendants in your kitchen, keep in mind that how you configure the lights will affect the look of your cooking space. For example, a group of identical pendants that are evenly spaced above a benchtop will help create a chic scheme that’s balanced and exudes visual harmony, while a cluster of pendants adds visual drama and is sure to be the focal point of any room.
“The first thing is to consider when deciding on the location for your pendant lights is to work out what mood or effect you are trying to create with the pendant: is it for accent lighting or task lighting?” James explains. This, he says, will determine where the fixture should be positioned.
When it comes to task lighting, pendants are often used to illuminate specific kitchen zones, such as an island bench that’s used as a work surface and spot for casual meals, benchtop space used for food prep, and the sink and general clean-up area.
The height of your ceiling will, of course, influence your decision, too. “If the pendant is being hung in the middle of a kitchen, then you will need to consider the height of people using the space – this is why you generally require higher ceilings for pendants,” James says. “Pendants can be hung lower over a dining or bench area, hence why the island bench or dining area is a favourite spot for hanging pendants.”
If you’re considering hanging multiple pendants in your kitchen, keep in mind that how you configure the lights will affect the look of your cooking space. For example, a group of identical pendants that are evenly spaced above a benchtop will help create a chic scheme that’s balanced and exudes visual harmony, while a cluster of pendants adds visual drama and is sure to be the focal point of any room.
10 BRIGHT (AND BEAUTIFUL) PENDANT LIGHTING IDEAS
1. Colour pop
Pendant lights provide an easy way to inject a stylish but somewhat bland neutral kitchen with a burst of fresh, energetic colour and hearty dash of personality. Take note of how these zesty orange drum pendants breathe life into this cooking and dining zone. Orange accents have been peppered around the space to provide extra pops of colour and tie the scheme together.
BONUS TIP: Not a fan of block brights? Opt for a pendant with a patterned shade instead. Choose a fixture that pairs a lively shade with a soft, neutral hue for a look that’s striking but not shocking. Or, if you desire a scheme that oozes stop-and-stare appeal, select a pendant that is dressed in a kaleidoscope of eye-popping colours.
1. Colour pop
Pendant lights provide an easy way to inject a stylish but somewhat bland neutral kitchen with a burst of fresh, energetic colour and hearty dash of personality. Take note of how these zesty orange drum pendants breathe life into this cooking and dining zone. Orange accents have been peppered around the space to provide extra pops of colour and tie the scheme together.
BONUS TIP: Not a fan of block brights? Opt for a pendant with a patterned shade instead. Choose a fixture that pairs a lively shade with a soft, neutral hue for a look that’s striking but not shocking. Or, if you desire a scheme that oozes stop-and-stare appeal, select a pendant that is dressed in a kaleidoscope of eye-popping colours.
2. Cluster cool
Hanging multiple pendants in an artfully arranged cluster, rather than lining them up above your kitchen bench in a neat little row, will instantly boost the visual interest and chic appeal of any culinary space. This contemporary kitchen is a study in how to create the perfect pendant cluster. Notice how the lights are hung at different heights to add drama and fill the space below the lofty ceiling, while using pendants in contrasting shapes adds an extra layer of striking style and a cool, creative vibe to the scheme.
BONUS TIP: Where possible, try to group pendants in odd numbers. Why? “Odd numbers provide balance and groupings create substance in the aerial aspect of a space,” explains Duffin. Kitchens that feature a trio of pendants, for example, are quite commonplace (if you don’t believe us, take a look at the latest kitchen photos on Houzz – we bet you’ll spy a handful on the first few pages!), while groupings of five (as you can see here) or seven fixtures work just as well.
Beat Fat, Tall and Wide Pendant Lights in black: Lighting55 Australia
Hanging multiple pendants in an artfully arranged cluster, rather than lining them up above your kitchen bench in a neat little row, will instantly boost the visual interest and chic appeal of any culinary space. This contemporary kitchen is a study in how to create the perfect pendant cluster. Notice how the lights are hung at different heights to add drama and fill the space below the lofty ceiling, while using pendants in contrasting shapes adds an extra layer of striking style and a cool, creative vibe to the scheme.
BONUS TIP: Where possible, try to group pendants in odd numbers. Why? “Odd numbers provide balance and groupings create substance in the aerial aspect of a space,” explains Duffin. Kitchens that feature a trio of pendants, for example, are quite commonplace (if you don’t believe us, take a look at the latest kitchen photos on Houzz – we bet you’ll spy a handful on the first few pages!), while groupings of five (as you can see here) or seven fixtures work just as well.
Beat Fat, Tall and Wide Pendant Lights in black: Lighting55 Australia
3. Perfectly balanced
Mini pendants are an ideal solution if you desire bright, focused lighting above your benchtop but don’t necessarily want the fixtures to be the focal point of the space. Here, a trio of petite white pendants prove that bigger is not always better. They provide ample lighting to ensure the prep and casual dining zone below is well-lit and functional, without compromising the clean and airy aesthetic of the room or drawing attention away from the striped yellow and hoop pine plywood panels, which are the hero of the scheme.
BONUS TIP: Not sure what lights to use along with pendants to create a practical and visually appealing lighting plan for your kitchen? “I’d recommend using LED lighting in different combinations – downlights for under cabinets and in ceilings to give general lighting,” Duffin advises. “This would then be matched with strip lighting under kickboards, under benchtops and above cabinets to highlight and create drama. LED strip lighting can also change colour to suit the mood of the task or event happening in the space.”
Mini pendants are an ideal solution if you desire bright, focused lighting above your benchtop but don’t necessarily want the fixtures to be the focal point of the space. Here, a trio of petite white pendants prove that bigger is not always better. They provide ample lighting to ensure the prep and casual dining zone below is well-lit and functional, without compromising the clean and airy aesthetic of the room or drawing attention away from the striped yellow and hoop pine plywood panels, which are the hero of the scheme.
BONUS TIP: Not sure what lights to use along with pendants to create a practical and visually appealing lighting plan for your kitchen? “I’d recommend using LED lighting in different combinations – downlights for under cabinets and in ceilings to give general lighting,” Duffin advises. “This would then be matched with strip lighting under kickboards, under benchtops and above cabinets to highlight and create drama. LED strip lighting can also change colour to suit the mood of the task or event happening in the space.”
4. Conversation-starting style
If you desire a pendant that makes a bold style statement and instantly attracts the eye, you can’t go wrong with an arresting sculptural pendant like this one. The organic, undulating form of the woven timber veneer pendant softens the sleek lines of the contemporary culinary zone, while the fixture’s orange-tinted woody tone infuses the room, which is dressed in soft whites and greys, with subtle colour and warmth, bringing the area to life.
LZF Large Link Suspension: Kezu
If you desire a pendant that makes a bold style statement and instantly attracts the eye, you can’t go wrong with an arresting sculptural pendant like this one. The organic, undulating form of the woven timber veneer pendant softens the sleek lines of the contemporary culinary zone, while the fixture’s orange-tinted woody tone infuses the room, which is dressed in soft whites and greys, with subtle colour and warmth, bringing the area to life.
LZF Large Link Suspension: Kezu
BONUS TIP: For a softer, airier look, choose a sculptural pendant with a filmy fabric shade that looks dreamy and delivers gentle illumination.
5. Over and above
These futuristic floating forms may look like pendant lights, but they’re actually range hoods that double as suspended light fixtures. These multitasking appliances provide the perfect air-filtration-meets-lighting solution for any culinary zone, whether your cooktop is integrated into your island or a wide benchtop.
Dual-function hoods don’t only offer functionality but statement-making style and personality, too, says Duffin, who designed this sleek space. And with their high-shine finish, space-age shape and bold blue lining, the two clever gadgets seen in this kitchen prove his point.
These futuristic floating forms may look like pendant lights, but they’re actually range hoods that double as suspended light fixtures. These multitasking appliances provide the perfect air-filtration-meets-lighting solution for any culinary zone, whether your cooktop is integrated into your island or a wide benchtop.
Dual-function hoods don’t only offer functionality but statement-making style and personality, too, says Duffin, who designed this sleek space. And with their high-shine finish, space-age shape and bold blue lining, the two clever gadgets seen in this kitchen prove his point.
BONUS TIP: Is your kitchen more traditional or elegant in style? Opt for an all-in-one pendant-extraction fan that echoes a classic pendant light shape and style. We love the sparkling round chandelier-esque range hood seen in this chic entertainer’s kitchen designed by James.
6. Industrial strength
Want to infuse your kitchen with a cool, industrial vibe? Pendant lights crafted from raw, gritty materials such as concrete, steel or rustic wood, will do the job just fine.
Here, a quintet of moody grey concrete pendants offset the warmth of the timber cabinetry and panels, while their smooth, speckled finish cuts a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the unrestrained wood grain patterns in the flooring, walls and benchtop.
Foscarini Aplomb Pendant Light: Lumens
Want to infuse your kitchen with a cool, industrial vibe? Pendant lights crafted from raw, gritty materials such as concrete, steel or rustic wood, will do the job just fine.
Here, a quintet of moody grey concrete pendants offset the warmth of the timber cabinetry and panels, while their smooth, speckled finish cuts a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the unrestrained wood grain patterns in the flooring, walls and benchtop.
Foscarini Aplomb Pendant Light: Lumens
BONUS TIP: What’s another way to embrace this style in your kitchen but give the popular scheme an up-to-date and personalised twist? “The industrial look is still going strong but we are bringing a newness to the old; for example, using a fresh, contemporary colour or finish on an old industrial-style factory light,” explains James. With a bold red vintage-inspired pendant the focus, this eclectic kitchen shows this idea in action.
7. Shadow play
A pendant with strategically placed cut-outs offers a winning combination of form and function. We love the chic spherical shade that steals the spotlight in this open-plan family kitchen, which provides mood lighting while also casting a pleasing and playful shadow across the space. The size and striking silhouette of the fixture, along with its eye-catching cut-out pattern, makes for a conversation-starting design feature, too.
BONUS TIP: Not quite sure how low to hang your pendant above a benchtop? James offers this advice: “If you are installing the pendant over a dining area (whether an island or table), as a guide, I would recommend hanging the light 700-900mm off the finished bench height. You can go slightly higher or lower depending on the fixture size and what is appropriate for the space.
“Generally, large lights can be hung a little higher and smaller pendants lower. I usually adjust the height to suit the client and the space – keep in mind you don’t want the light shining directly into someone’s eyes, nor do you want the light blocking the view across the kitchen.”
Coral Pendant Light: Designer Lights
A pendant with strategically placed cut-outs offers a winning combination of form and function. We love the chic spherical shade that steals the spotlight in this open-plan family kitchen, which provides mood lighting while also casting a pleasing and playful shadow across the space. The size and striking silhouette of the fixture, along with its eye-catching cut-out pattern, makes for a conversation-starting design feature, too.
BONUS TIP: Not quite sure how low to hang your pendant above a benchtop? James offers this advice: “If you are installing the pendant over a dining area (whether an island or table), as a guide, I would recommend hanging the light 700-900mm off the finished bench height. You can go slightly higher or lower depending on the fixture size and what is appropriate for the space.
“Generally, large lights can be hung a little higher and smaller pendants lower. I usually adjust the height to suit the client and the space – keep in mind you don’t want the light shining directly into someone’s eyes, nor do you want the light blocking the view across the kitchen.”
Coral Pendant Light: Designer Lights
8. In the zone
While pendant lights are often used to illuminate common kitchen workspaces (such as prep and clean-up areas), these fixtures can also be utilised to visually define different zones. Here, two sculptural pendants work in tandem with the lowered integrated table to mark this area as a spot reserved for casual meals. Notice how the pendants also make the dining area feel intimate, while the staggered heights of the fixtures add another layer of visual appeal to the space.
BONUS TIP: “I would strongly consider installing dimmer switchers on your pendants so you have the ability to control the level of light and the mood it creates,” advises James. Dimmers would work particularly well with pendants, like the ones shown here, that are used to define dining zones.
While pendant lights are often used to illuminate common kitchen workspaces (such as prep and clean-up areas), these fixtures can also be utilised to visually define different zones. Here, two sculptural pendants work in tandem with the lowered integrated table to mark this area as a spot reserved for casual meals. Notice how the pendants also make the dining area feel intimate, while the staggered heights of the fixtures add another layer of visual appeal to the space.
BONUS TIP: “I would strongly consider installing dimmer switchers on your pendants so you have the ability to control the level of light and the mood it creates,” advises James. Dimmers would work particularly well with pendants, like the ones shown here, that are used to define dining zones.
9. High expectations
Do you have a lofty ceiling that looks empty and overwhelming? Hanging multiple pendants (oversized fixtures work particularly well) from your ceiling is a clever and visually appealing way to fill the void, and make the airy space feel balanced and more intimate. We love the trio of large bell-shaped woven pendants that take a starring role in this kitchen.
BONUS TIP: Want to soften the clean, linear look of your kitchen? Duffin recommends using globe-shaped pendants to offer balance and offset strong, sleek lines. While these pendants aren’t perfect spheres, their domed tops and circular shape create the same effect.
Do you have a lofty ceiling that looks empty and overwhelming? Hanging multiple pendants (oversized fixtures work particularly well) from your ceiling is a clever and visually appealing way to fill the void, and make the airy space feel balanced and more intimate. We love the trio of large bell-shaped woven pendants that take a starring role in this kitchen.
BONUS TIP: Want to soften the clean, linear look of your kitchen? Duffin recommends using globe-shaped pendants to offer balance and offset strong, sleek lines. While these pendants aren’t perfect spheres, their domed tops and circular shape create the same effect.
10. Full exposure
There’s just something oh-so cool about exposed bulbs, don’t you think? Hang a single bare bulb pendant in your kitchen for a look that’s simple yet chic, or opt for a pendant with multiple hanging bulbs (like the one seen in this contemporary-meets-industrial kitchen) to create a scheme that oozes interest and a hip, urban vibe.
BONUS TIP: While the colour of your pendant fixture is important, so too is the colour of your lightbulb, explains Duffin, which he says, “needs to complement the colour palette in the space”. For example, bulbs that offer a soft yellow-tinged light suit warm tones, like the neutral and earthy brown hues seen in this kitchen. Meanwhile, lights with a cooler colour temperature are ideal for spaces decorated in a cool, calming shades, such as blue, green and grey.
There’s just something oh-so cool about exposed bulbs, don’t you think? Hang a single bare bulb pendant in your kitchen for a look that’s simple yet chic, or opt for a pendant with multiple hanging bulbs (like the one seen in this contemporary-meets-industrial kitchen) to create a scheme that oozes interest and a hip, urban vibe.
BONUS TIP: While the colour of your pendant fixture is important, so too is the colour of your lightbulb, explains Duffin, which he says, “needs to complement the colour palette in the space”. For example, bulbs that offer a soft yellow-tinged light suit warm tones, like the neutral and earthy brown hues seen in this kitchen. Meanwhile, lights with a cooler colour temperature are ideal for spaces decorated in a cool, calming shades, such as blue, green and grey.
SHOW US
If you have a single show-stopping pendant light in your kitchen or an eye-catching arrangement featuring several suspended fixtures, we’d love to see it! Please share your photos in the comments section.
Coco Pendant Mini in white: Coco Flip
MORE ON LIGHTING
When to Bring in Statement Pendant Lighting
Light Up Your Kitchen With LEDS
12 Ways Perfect Illumination Can Make a Dining Room Light Up
If you have a single show-stopping pendant light in your kitchen or an eye-catching arrangement featuring several suspended fixtures, we’d love to see it! Please share your photos in the comments section.
Coco Pendant Mini in white: Coco Flip
MORE ON LIGHTING
When to Bring in Statement Pendant Lighting
Light Up Your Kitchen With LEDS
12 Ways Perfect Illumination Can Make a Dining Room Light Up
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@webby and @barbara I hear you! We installed some lights and then decided they were wrong after a couple of weeks. But now with products like https://www.snaplighting.com.au/ is not an issue. Super easy to change the whole light fixtures yourself. Hope that helps!
@adamqk,
OMG they are brilliant, you could effectively change from winter to summer style pendants if they weren't so expensive in the first place ha-ha.