When it comes to sophistication and character, lighting makes all the difference in the world.
No other element has quite as much impact on the feel of a space as effective pendant fixtures. Versatile, eye-catching, and visually stimulating, pendants work in just about every room of the home. But they do so in a subtle, stylish fashion when chosen carefully. In fact, a pendant light adds a sleek, modern energy to any room without drawing excessive attention.
What’s so great about pendant lighting is that you can find a harmony between design and style. No matter how subtly you want to install the pendant, or how bold its design, the vast array of designs and styles makes finding that balance infinitely possible. Of course, the most appealing modern pendants are available in collections like the ones model homes offer in the home and living line of Serena & Lily glass pendants. In this scenario, homeowners get expertly designed lights that function well beyond decorations.
Why Pendant Lighting Works in Any Room
What makes pendant fixtures stand out among other options is that they deliver the best of ambient and task lighting. For example, pendants in the kitchen deliver the best lighting for an island or countertop because they direct beams exactly where needed. In the dining room, pendants offer that perfect blend of both decor and functionality. Plus, since glass or metal pendants now have such a range of designs, you can find the perfect light for your bedroom without sacrificing style. And all of these regard other popular home and living trends.
Size and Hanging Height Matter
If you’re shopping for any trending fixture, know this… Scale and height can make or break your lighting success. So for larger spaces with high ceilings, feel free to go with an oversized pendant because it will add much more character than its smaller counterpart. But in a room where the ceiling is lower, either install more than one of something smaller, or get a grouping of small pendant lights. Also, when hanging lights over the dining room table, aim for a chandelier about 26–34 inches above the table. For every additional foot, you actually have more headspace; add 3 inches.
Material and Finishes to Consider
The truth is that material determines much of the mood and character a pendant has when installed. So a glass pendant works well in a coastal or laid-back living space because the light takes on a soft, warm glow through the glass. In contrast, a pendant with a metal frame boasts a cooler energy but adds contrast to a kitchen or dining room with wooden chairs. Examples of popular natural fibre pendants include rattan or wicker, often used in homes around the Seattle area and always for suspended ceiling light pendants. And of course, ceramic orbit pendants bring in the light glow but feel slightly more industrial or modern.
Layering With Other Fixtures
A fail-proof approach to island or overhead pendant placement is the practice of layering. Simply put, install enough recessed lighting so the overhead fixtures aren’t the only light in the room. You will need side-end wall sconces for this approach to work best. From there, the pendant pulls the room together. But when you centre the lighting over all 3 layers mentioned above, it eliminates shadows (which opens up the space). And best of all, when you layer the light with more than one source, you can also turn off the fixtures without feeling like you’re in a dark hole.
Making Pendant Lighting a Long-Term Design Choice
Embrace change. The wisest people said that the only constant in this world is change. As much as we value it, current trends will always come and go. Of course, we have the growing eco-conscious consumer base, for example, but right now, they want plastic-free packaging, while in 10 years, they might think differently. So how does this apply to pendant lighting? It’s simple: choose a neutral and high-quality design. You can have this lamp as long as you want, and it will always look great. Bright colours, plastic, and weird designs, on the contrary, tend to go out of style quite quickly.