Pendant lighting is a beautiful, versatile fixture that adds a touch of modern style to any space. They can be a stand alone feature light or used as a backdrop for other fixtures in a room such as wall sconces.
While there are many ways to style pendant lights, there are some things you should always keep in mind when selecting yours. Here are the top five tips for selecting your pendants:
Size & Sizing
To determine how large of a pendant you need, measure the length and width of the table or counter where you intend to hang it. Once you have these measurements, subtract 12 inches from each measurement to ensure you have enough clearance on all sides of your fixture.
This will also help you determine how many pendants are needed to hang above the space and give you a good idea of the maximum diameter your fixtures should be. For instance, if you have a 6-foot kitchen island, you may want to use two small pendants for a spread of light and three large pendants for an even spread.
Pendant lights can be hung as low as 30 inches from the base of the ceiling to the floor, but this is not a recommended height for a kitchen island due to the fact that it will block views over the island and will make it difficult to see anyone working on the island from your kitchen. The ideal height for a kitchen island is about 30 to 36 inches from the bottom of the pendants to the countertop so that you are able to see anyone who is working on the island without having to duck your head down and around your pendants as you are talking with them.
Inverse Pendants
A very effective way to get a nice spread of light over your island is to use an inverted pendant. These are often called uplighters, and are a great option for those who have a large island or one with lots of counter space because they direct light upwards rather than downwards so it doesn’t cast a shadow over the counter surface.
The inverted pendant can look very elegant and classy, but can be difficult to position because it doesn’t have a definite centre point so it needs to be evenly spaced across the counter surface to provide an even spread of light.
You can use metal extension tubes to creatively customise your lamp or posaluce so that it has an overall longer length and can be hung higher or closer to the ceiling. They are available in six different lengths from 5 to 30 cm and are made from aluminium or brass.
Adding Color & Style
Pendant lighting is a great way to add personality and style to your home. It can add a splash of color to your living room, add drama and brightness to the kitchen, or create a cohesive mood throughout your home.