Decorating
Style Crush: Smart Copper Pendants
Offering warmth, chic appeal and an oh-so-flattering glow, it's no wonder everyone's (still) crushing on luxe copper lights
Copper has enjoyed a renaissance over the past few years, and our love affair with the rosy not-quite-gold metallic finish isn’t over just yet. It’s timeless, exudes sophistication and warmth, and effortlessly mixes with other finishes and colours. Plus the metal can take on myriad looks, from edgy and urban to rustic and romantic, which adds to its charm and appeal.
One offshoot trend that has arisen from our love of all things copper is a penchant for copper pendant lights, which we’ve seen cropping up in kitchens, living zones, bedrooms and beyond. From high-shine suspended spheres to hip wire fixtures, there is an endless array of pendants to suit every space and style, and just as many exciting ways to work them into your interior.
One offshoot trend that has arisen from our love of all things copper is a penchant for copper pendant lights, which we’ve seen cropping up in kitchens, living zones, bedrooms and beyond. From high-shine suspended spheres to hip wire fixtures, there is an endless array of pendants to suit every space and style, and just as many exciting ways to work them into your interior.
Restrained radiance
If your design aesthetic is more refined than razzle dazzle, take a softly-softly approach to the trend and opt for a copper pendant that’s elegant and understated in form and finish, like the cone-shaped shade in this traditional living area. With a crisp white facade and brushed copper interior, this luxe fixture makes a statement without being too showy. The rosy metallic lining delivers the perfect amount of drama and decadent shine, and ensures the room is bathed in a warm, flattering glow when lit.
If your design aesthetic is more refined than razzle dazzle, take a softly-softly approach to the trend and opt for a copper pendant that’s elegant and understated in form and finish, like the cone-shaped shade in this traditional living area. With a crisp white facade and brushed copper interior, this luxe fixture makes a statement without being too showy. The rosy metallic lining delivers the perfect amount of drama and decadent shine, and ensures the room is bathed in a warm, flattering glow when lit.
Eye-catching cluster
Why stop at one copper pendant when you can have a cluster of three, four or more? The arrangement will not only deliver ample bright light to the area below but make for a conversation-starting design feature too. Hang identical copper shades at staggered heights for a richly layered look, or take things to the next level and cluster a selection of pendants in different shapes or sizes together.
Copper Shade pendant: Tom Dixon
Why stop at one copper pendant when you can have a cluster of three, four or more? The arrangement will not only deliver ample bright light to the area below but make for a conversation-starting design feature too. Hang identical copper shades at staggered heights for a richly layered look, or take things to the next level and cluster a selection of pendants in different shapes or sizes together.
Copper Shade pendant: Tom Dixon
This design trick is a great technique to employ if you have lofty ceilings or a void you need to fill in a stairwell, hallway or entrance. Case in point? This cluster of custom copper pendants; it helps fill the carnivorous space beside these stairs and makes it feel complete and cosy. These cool wire pendants add interest without being too clunky or disruptive to the room’s open, airy vibe.
Appealing and practical
Take cues from this fun, eclectic sleep sanctuary and ditch your bedside lamps in favour of low-hanging copper pendants positioned above both sides of your bed. They’ll add a glam touch to your bedroom and free up the surface on your bedside table for storage and display.
Copper Shade pendant: Tom Dixon
Take cues from this fun, eclectic sleep sanctuary and ditch your bedside lamps in favour of low-hanging copper pendants positioned above both sides of your bed. They’ll add a glam touch to your bedroom and free up the surface on your bedside table for storage and display.
Copper Shade pendant: Tom Dixon
Mix ‘n’ match
For a luxe, layered look, hang your copper pendant light alongside fixtures that are identical in shape and size but are crafted from different metals. The key to getting this look right is to choose pendants that aren’t overly large in size, otherwise your scheme may look too busy and garish. This tri-tone arrangement nails the pared-back approach and shows how it’s done.
Void pendant lights in copper, polished stainless steel and gold: Tom Dixon
For a luxe, layered look, hang your copper pendant light alongside fixtures that are identical in shape and size but are crafted from different metals. The key to getting this look right is to choose pendants that aren’t overly large in size, otherwise your scheme may look too busy and garish. This tri-tone arrangement nails the pared-back approach and shows how it’s done.
Void pendant lights in copper, polished stainless steel and gold: Tom Dixon
Bare brilliance
Another way to dip your toe into this trend is to go back to basics by working a bare bulb pendant with a copper lamp holder into your space. If you’re hankering for an extra hit of colour, hang your pendant from fun, brightly toned flex. My top cord colour picks are emerald, red, purple and hot pink.
Exposed Bulb Lighting: What’s All the Fuss About?
Another way to dip your toe into this trend is to go back to basics by working a bare bulb pendant with a copper lamp holder into your space. If you’re hankering for an extra hit of colour, hang your pendant from fun, brightly toned flex. My top cord colour picks are emerald, red, purple and hot pink.
Exposed Bulb Lighting: What’s All the Fuss About?
If you have exposed bulb fixtures that pre-date the copper frenzy, you can still jump on board the copper pendant bandwagon by switching out your plain bulbs with ones dipped in copper paint. Too easy!
Beyond the ball
Think outside of the box – or ball, in this case – when choosing a copper pendant for your interior. While globe-shaped fixtures are all the rage right now (Tom Dixon’s Copper Shade pendant, I’m looking at you), look beyond what’s popular in favour of a fitting that’s unique, oozes character and makes a strong design statement. This sculptural fitting has these three qualities in spades.
Artichoke Lamp in copper: Poul Henningsen
Think outside of the box – or ball, in this case – when choosing a copper pendant for your interior. While globe-shaped fixtures are all the rage right now (Tom Dixon’s Copper Shade pendant, I’m looking at you), look beyond what’s popular in favour of a fitting that’s unique, oozes character and makes a strong design statement. This sculptural fitting has these three qualities in spades.
Artichoke Lamp in copper: Poul Henningsen
If a showstopping sculptural fixture is a little to flashy for your tastes, a copper drum pendant may be a better fit for you. Simple yet unexpected, these cool fixtures will infuse any scheme with a touch of everyday elegance and laid-back flair, along with a hearty dollop of design cred too.
Touch-me texture
A copper pendant that features a textured facade will add a double dose of visual interest and appeal to your interior. If your home is decorated in an eclectic or global traveller style, a hammered copper pendant that exudes exotic flair may be the perfect choice for your interior, while burnished copper fixtures are a fitting option for industrial-style spaces.
Meanwhile, textured pendant lights that are fluid in style and don’t belong to a single design style, like this ridged cone-shaped creation, will work a treat in myriad schemes, from contemporary to country and coastal interiors.
A copper pendant that features a textured facade will add a double dose of visual interest and appeal to your interior. If your home is decorated in an eclectic or global traveller style, a hammered copper pendant that exudes exotic flair may be the perfect choice for your interior, while burnished copper fixtures are a fitting option for industrial-style spaces.
Meanwhile, textured pendant lights that are fluid in style and don’t belong to a single design style, like this ridged cone-shaped creation, will work a treat in myriad schemes, from contemporary to country and coastal interiors.
These exotic Egyptian copper pendants are scored with tiny holes that create a textured, patterned effect and bathe this living room in dappled light. Use them in the bedroom or bathroom to set the mood for rest, relaxation and romance.
Filisky copper pendants: Zenza
Filisky copper pendants: Zenza
On-point palette
Copper works a treat with most colours, but if you really want it to sing, set it against a backdrop of rich jewel tones, such as emerald, fuchsia, ruby or cobalt blue. I love the pairing of the forest green wall and chic copper pendant in this character-filled living room. While the zebra-print carpet lends a touch of sophistication to the scheme, I’d add a pop of hot pink for extra pep and playfulness.
Copper works a treat with most colours, but if you really want it to sing, set it against a backdrop of rich jewel tones, such as emerald, fuchsia, ruby or cobalt blue. I love the pairing of the forest green wall and chic copper pendant in this character-filled living room. While the zebra-print carpet lends a touch of sophistication to the scheme, I’d add a pop of hot pink for extra pep and playfulness.
Pretty pairing
For a softer, dreamier look, pair your copper fixture with chalky pastel hues. Introducing generous dollops of white, neutrals and timber will ensure the scheme looks chic and sophisticated, rather than saccharine sweet. The odd pop of neon – seen in this delightful living room in the form of a chartreuse chair and cushion – will also ensure your interior takes on a fresh, modern vibe.
For a softer, dreamier look, pair your copper fixture with chalky pastel hues. Introducing generous dollops of white, neutrals and timber will ensure the scheme looks chic and sophisticated, rather than saccharine sweet. The odd pop of neon – seen in this delightful living room in the form of a chartreuse chair and cushion – will also ensure your interior takes on a fresh, modern vibe.
Industrial allure
Copper pendants work oh-so-well in industrial-style spaces, because they add a touch of colour, warmth and softness to these edgy yet sometimes sterile schemes. For a chic, high-contrast look, select copper shades that are ultra-contemporary in style; or if you want to stay true to the theme, opt for rustic factory or vintage-inspired pendants like the ones pictured here. Bonus points if you choose fixtures with a burnished or brushed finish, both of which ooze cool, utilitarian style and tap into the theme.
TELL US
Where have you hung copper pendants in your home? Tell us in the comments section below.
MORE
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Weave Metallics Into Your Kitchen
Bathroom Inspiration: Add Shimmer and Sparkle With Metallics
Copper pendants work oh-so-well in industrial-style spaces, because they add a touch of colour, warmth and softness to these edgy yet sometimes sterile schemes. For a chic, high-contrast look, select copper shades that are ultra-contemporary in style; or if you want to stay true to the theme, opt for rustic factory or vintage-inspired pendants like the ones pictured here. Bonus points if you choose fixtures with a burnished or brushed finish, both of which ooze cool, utilitarian style and tap into the theme.
TELL US
Where have you hung copper pendants in your home? Tell us in the comments section below.
MORE
11 Pendant Lighting Tricks to Write Home About
When to Bring in Statement Pendant Lighting
Weave Metallics Into Your Kitchen
Bathroom Inspiration: Add Shimmer and Sparkle With Metallics
Don’t underestimate the power of a single copper pendant to elevate a room from stylish to sensational. Here, a large look-at-me copper light fixture introduces visual contrast and a warm, uplifting vibe to this combined living and dining zone. Notice how its rosy high-shine finish pops against the natural colour and material palette used throughout the space, and lends dimension to the scheme too. Take away the pendant and although the room would remain stylish, it would certainly lose some of its polish, appeal and shine.
See more of this eclectic home