Pendant lights have transformed greatly over the years in both size and design options. These versatile fixtures hang from the ceiling with a cord, chain, or a metal rod. Shades and globes for pendants come in various color, texture, and material choices. Pendants are great for adding task lighting to a room or to use as ambient light. Pendants of all sizes can hang over a kitchen island, countertop, over a sink, and even over bedside tables. Pendant lights are the jewelry to enhance a meaningful space.
The New Trend: GO BIG
Mini pendants used to be popular but larger pendants are growing in popularity and becoming more trendy. Bold statements are being made with large pendants. Abstract and geometric shaped pendants are ideal for providing a unique focal point in almost any room. A large pendant can make a statement on its own by being the centerpiece over a table or in a hallway. Depending on sizes, pair two or three pendants to create visual balance over a kitchen island or workspace.
Hanging pendant lights is a simple way to add decorative yet functional task or ambient lighting to a space. Choose from many pendant light styles, shapes, sizes, and colors to complement the room. Different shapes of pendant lights include round (or globe), linear, clustered, and multi-light. Each of these styles offer a unique look to a space and will certainly enhance a room.
Be sure to consider the material of the pendant’s shade or globe when selecting a fixture. Glass creates an elegant appearance and is ideal for indoor rooms. Metal shades work well in indoor or outdoor settings. Fabric shades are a great option for bedrooms because of the soft look that comes from fabric. Other types include materials like seashells, cork, cement, and stone onyx.
Where to use Pendants in the Home
The most common area for pendant lights are over the kitchen island, but there are several other areas in the home that can also benefit from these jewels. Large pendants, available in many styles, unique materials, and colors are now trending. These products are excellent for kitchen counters, hallways, bedroom, stairways, or foyers and can set the style for the rest of the home. Over the kitchen sink is a great location to add a pendant light that aims directly onto tasks like hand or dish washing.
Another location is in the bathroom, on the sides of a vanity mirror. Pendants will evenly distribute light to the task at hand and appear like floating sconces. This works well when wall space is limited and does not allow sconces. Another location where pendants are useful is in the bedroom. Place a pendant light over your nightstands to create a less-cluttered look and eliminate the need for a table lamp.
Choosing Pendant Lighting
When it comes to choosing a pendant light, there are several factors involved. Lighting & Bulbs Unlimitedhas years of experience with helping customers narrow down which pendant to choose by the following factors: Style, ceiling height, and functionality
STEP #1: DETERMINE YOUR STYLE
The first step is to determine what your style is. Finding items based on your personal taste opens the opportunity to be open-minded to various pendant fixture designs. Pendants can be unobtrusive but, in most cases, they are the gems, the focal points, and the conversation starter. It is perfectly acceptable if they are different or edgy, so experiment and have fun with them.
STEP #2: CONSIDER THE CEILING HEIGHTS
The second step is to consider is the room’s ceiling height. The ceiling height is important because this will affect the overall size of the pendant or pendants. A common error is assuming that all pendant sizes hung at the same heights will look fine for all countertops. For example, pendants hung over a counter in a kitchen with a ceiling height of 8 or 9 feet may be different for a 10 or 12 foot ceiling. Although the counter size remains the same, the size of the pendant might differ. As pendants grow in width they also grow in height. Large pendants correctly scaled for the specific counter size on a higher ceiling might not look as good as on a lower ceiling even though the island size remains the same.
STEP #3: FUNCTIONALITY
The last step is to consider if the pendant is functional for the space. A good example is when a pendant is used next to a mirror over a vanity. A higher light level will be necessary for this compared to a pendant that hangs over the nightstand. When choosing the light source (some pendants have integrated LED modules, and some might require a bulb) for the pendant, pay attention to the lumen output. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light will be. A good example for comparison is a 60-watt incandescent light bulb is equivalent to 800 lumens and an old 100-watt lamp is comparable to the 1400 lumen range. Also pay attention to the color of the light source – especially when selecting LED light sources. The color of the light is determined by its Kelvin rating: the higher the Kelvin rating, the whiter the light will be. Selecting the appropriate amount of light and color of light is essential due to the range of color temperatures available. The color of a regular light bulb is 2700k, halogen light measures at 3000k, and natural daylight measures at 5000k.
Why Pendant Lighting?
Pendant lights are a very popular light fixture that are used in homes, restaurants, businesses, and more. They add style and draw attention to parts of the room, even when the lights are off. Larger pendant lights are becoming more and more popular and are available in a wide assortment of styles, materials, shapes, and colors. They’re versatile and not specific to any room, either. Try adding a pendant light over your nightstand, in your hallway, or in the foyer. Remember to be open-minded and have fun with it. If you need assistance choosing pendant lights, give us a call (704) 602-0150 or stop by our showroom!
