Are you looking to brighten up a room or add a bit of personality into your home without breaking the bank?
Do you have a particular style in mind but want to explore your options?
We understand how hard it can be trying to tick off so many boxes at once.
- You want a particular style to add character to a room.
- You want it to be bright or warm.
- You want to make sure its the right size and scale.
- You want the installation process to be fast and easy.
- You want an affordable price at the highest quality.
But don't worry, you'll have an answer to all these questions in the next 10 minutes.
Why choose a Pendant Light?
Pendant lights are designed to be extremely flexible, they come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials, allowing you to find the perfect match for your home.
They can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room, without taking up any floor space as they're typically mounted to the ceiling and hang from a chain, rod, or wire.
And because they come in so many different types of designs and styles, they can be used as your main source of light for a room, or a statement piece to compliment other sources.
1) What style are you going for?
Before you get into the details, start with the overall theme for your home or area.
Here's a list of popular styles for you to consider:
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Modern / Contemporary: Featuring clean lines, minimalistic designs, and often using materials like glass, metal, or polished finishes.
These pendants offer a sleek and sophisticated look, perfect for modern interiors.
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Traditional: A timeless elegance, think classic shapes, ornate detailing, and materials like brass, bronze, or stained glass.
These pendants are perfect for traditional or formal settings.
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Bohemian: Bohemian pendant lights draw inspiration from cultures around the world. They may feature intricate patterns, colorful beads, or even woven elements like rattan or bamboo.
These pendants are perfect for adding a free-spirited, artistic touch to any space.
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Retro: Harking back to the design sensibilities of the 1950s and 1960s, retro modern pendant lights feature organic shapes, sleek lines, and often incorporate materials like teak, brass, or colored glass.
They add a retro flair to contemporary interiors while remaining timeless.
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Art Deco: Art Deco is all about luxury, glamour, and bold geometric shapes. It features sleek lines, shiny metallic finishes like chrome or gold, and eye-catching details such as geometric patterns or frosted glass.
These pendant lights are perfect for adding a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour to your space.
2) What part of the house is it for?
Now that you have an overall style in mind, what part of the house are you trying to bring to life?
This is important because each area has its own practical use and vibe.
For example, if your looking for a soft, cozy light for your bedroom, you wouldn't put a grand chandelier in it.
So below are some examples of pendant lights suitable for each area:
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Kitchen Islands: For a kitchen island, you want pendant lights that not only provide functional lighting for food prep and cooking but also add a dash of personality and flair to the heart of your home. The most popular option is to hang multiple shade pendants above the length of the island, or a long linear light.
- Dining Room: Your dining room is where you gather with friends and family for meals and conversations. A statement-making chandelier-style pendant light above the table can steal the show and set the mood for elegant dinners. However, if you have a long dining table, consider installing multiple smaller pendants to ensure even lighting across the entire space.
- Living Room: The living room is all about relaxation and entertainment, so you'll want pendant lights that reflect that vibe. Opt for pendants with soft, diffused lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. If you have a reading nook or a specific area for activities, consider adjustable pendant lights that can be directed for task lighting.
- Bedroom: Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so choose pendant lights that promote relaxation and comfort. Hang them on either side of the bed for a modern twist on bedside lighting, or install a single pendant light with a dimmer switch for adjustable ambiance. Soft, warm lighting is key for creating a soothing environment conducive to sleep.
- Entryway/Stairwell: The entryway is the first impression guests get of your home, so make it count with a stunning pendant light. A grand chandelier or a statement-making pendant can instantly elevate the space and welcome guests with style. Consider the height of your ceiling and the size of the entryway when selecting the right pendant light.
- Bathroom: Pendant lights in the bathroom can add a touch of luxury and sophistication. Hang them above the vanity mirror to provide even, shadow-free lighting for grooming tasks. Choose pendant lights specifically designed for damp or wet environments to ensure safety and longevity.
3) How much light do you need?
Pendant Lighting can be used as a primary or secondary source of light. For example, if the room already has downlights (as a primary source), then you can choose a pendant light purely based on aesthetics.
However, if the Pendant Light is the only source of light (or the primary source), then you need to consider the size and design of the pendant.
For example, Globe Pendant Lights are perfect as a primary source, because they cast light in all directions. You also have the option of using multiple lights or long linear ones that stretch across larger areas.
Below are the main types of Pendant Lights:
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Globe Pendants: Perfect for all-around illumination, they cast light in all directions, creating a soft, ambient glow that fills the room evenly.
They are perfect for spaces where you want to create a welcoming atmosphere like entryways, high ceilings, or cozy living rooms.
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Shade Pendants: Shade pendant lights are perfect for areas where you need focused illumination, such as over a kitchen island, dining table, or reading nook. The shade directs the light downward, making it ideal for tasks like chopping veggies, enjoying a meal, or diving into a good book.
They're also great for spaces where you want to add warmth and intimacy, like bedrooms, living rooms, or dining areas.
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Linear Pendants: If you have a long dining table, kitchen island, or workspace, linear pendant lights are your go-to. They're like the lighting version of a runway, providing even illumination across the entire length of the surface, making them ideal for tasks like cooking, dining, or working.
If you have an open-concept living space where multiple areas flow seamlessly into one another, linear pendant lights can help define and delineate different zones.
- Multi-Light Pendants: If you have a big dining table, kitchen island, or expansive living room, multi-light pendant lights are your lighting superheroes. With multiple light sources, they ensure even illumination across the entire surface, making them perfect for larger areas where one single light might not be enough.
4) How important is quality?
Having a budget is important when it comes to buying anything, but don't let that drive your decision from the very start. This is because high quality pendants:
- Meet safety standards - Cheap or poorly made lights pose a risk of electrical faults and hazards.
- Lasts you a lifetime - Well made fixtures will save you having to worry about it breaking or malfunctioning shortly after purchasing. This will save you money in the long run.
- Look better - Quality pendant lights tend to have better craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the material of the design to the finishing touches that can elevate the look and feel of your space.
- Have better functionality - They are designed with functionality in mind and often offer features like adjustable height, dimmable options and compatibility with various bulb types.
But ultimately, it's all about what makes you happy, these are just guidelines that can help you make a decision.
But to make things easier for you, here at Luxe Pendant Lighting, we specialize ONLY in pendant lights, so that you can easily browse and filter through our wide range of pendant lights to suit your needs.
We hope this guide has been helpful!
Now that you have a better idea of what pendant light your looking for, check out our great range of Pendant Lights and reach out to us if you ever have any questions!