Decorating
When to Bring in Statement Pendant Lighting
Top tips for how and where to use pendant lighting and why one pendant is never enough
While it’s often an after thought or last priority, lighting can become a real feature in any room and should be considered at the same time that other key design decisions are made. Dimmable downlights might be practical, but for impact and interest in a space add pendant lights. Depending on the bulbs used, or if you put a dimmer on them, they can provide both functional and ambient lighting. But don’t just stop at one, you’ll need at least two, three or more if you really want to add impact.
So when should you use pendants and where are they most suitable? Here are my top three tips.
1. To zone – particularly the dining or living space within a large open-plan living area.
2. To fill a space – such as in stairwells, hallways and entrance areas.
3. To task light – in a kitchen, where pendant lights are most commonly used.
Here are some ideas for choosing different types of pendants and making them work in these spaces.
So when should you use pendants and where are they most suitable? Here are my top three tips.
1. To zone – particularly the dining or living space within a large open-plan living area.
2. To fill a space – such as in stairwells, hallways and entrance areas.
3. To task light – in a kitchen, where pendant lights are most commonly used.
Here are some ideas for choosing different types of pendants and making them work in these spaces.
You need to hang at least two large pendants over a dining table to visually separate the dining area from the rest of the living space. Use different lighting, such as downlights and table lamps in the living room, rather than also using pendants in that space. Fabric pendants are great to add texture, colour and pattern to an otherwise plain interior.
Hang long pendants so they are nice and low over the centre of the dining table. You can also match the colour of your pendants to your dining chairs for maximum impact.
TO ZONE: Living area
Furniture can feel lost in large living spaces, especially when there are high ceilings, so a cluster of pendants hung at different heights can draw the eye to the centre of the living room and create a focus point within the space.
Furniture can feel lost in large living spaces, especially when there are high ceilings, so a cluster of pendants hung at different heights can draw the eye to the centre of the living room and create a focus point within the space.
TO ZONE: Conversation nook
Pendant lighting can create a cosy nook when positioned over a comfy seating setting within a large multi-use space.
Pendant lighting can create a cosy nook when positioned over a comfy seating setting within a large multi-use space.
TO FILL A SPACE: Stairwell
Stairwells tend to look plain and empty, so fill the space with long hanging pendants linked together to make the most of the height.
Stairwells tend to look plain and empty, so fill the space with long hanging pendants linked together to make the most of the height.
TO FILL A SPACE: Entrance area and stairwell
Entrance areas and stairwells have little else in them so make a statement with large pendant lights that stretch across and link both areas. Use large round pendants to add nice curves and soft shapes when all other finishes are straight, sharp or rectangular.
Entrance areas and stairwells have little else in them so make a statement with large pendant lights that stretch across and link both areas. Use large round pendants to add nice curves and soft shapes when all other finishes are straight, sharp or rectangular.
TO TASK LIGHT: Kitchen island
Pendants look better in odd numbers so hang three in a row over an island bench (or five if it is a particularly long island). A contrasting metallic finish can add some interest, contrast and personality to neutral or mostly white kitchens.
Pendants look better in odd numbers so hang three in a row over an island bench (or five if it is a particularly long island). A contrasting metallic finish can add some interest, contrast and personality to neutral or mostly white kitchens.
A plain white kitchen is anything but boring when you hang different-shaped pendants of the same style in an abstract cluster and a contrasting colour, such as the black ones in this kitchen. Remember, odd numbers are best, so ideally hang thee, five or seven.
A cluster of colourful glass pendants is a great way to add a pop of colour, especially when all other surfaces are plain white, exposed brick or made of natural finishes such as timber.
Pendant lighting comes in all shapes and sizes so find something that suits your style. This clever installation adds romance and old-world charm to this grand and traditional kitchen.
A cluster of pendants hung over the dining table will visually separate the dining area from the rest of the living area. When choosing pendants, think of them as another accessory and tie them in with the style and colour of your other accessories used in the space.