8,969 Pendant Lighting

Should I use inverted or downlight pendant lighting?

Whether you direct the light up or down will depend on what function the lighting will serve. Inverted pendant lighting is ideal for casting a soft, mood-evoking glow so is best used as an ambient light source in the dining room, for example, where you might want to avoid a harsh glare. On the other hand, downlight kitchen pendant lighting over work surfaces or the kitchen island will help you to chop vegetables instead of fingers.

How many pendant lights should I purchase for one space?

Depending on what you're lighting, you can choose one single pendant light or group several together. A sculpture or painting could be showcased with a single pendant light; alternatively, a beautiful glass pendant light might itself be the work of art, displayed in a hall, dining or living room. Multiple lights, such as rise and fall pendant lights, can be arranged in a circle, line or on a track to emphasise a certain part of a room, such as a dining table or sofa. Play with colour combinations of pendant light shades or cord extensions and ideally hang them on an adjustable flex so you can vary the height and placement as required.

What styles of pendant light shades are available?

Pendant lighting can be discreet and functional or elaborate and eye-catching. Glass pendant lights are crafted to resemble anything from tulips to globes and stars. These help to maximise the light output and are great for hanging over desks and work surfaces. Fans of industrial lighting will appreciate tough metal forms such as cages and domes. A copper pendant light would bring warm task lighting into a country kitchen and work well beside exposed brick walls. Elsewhere, a lantern-style pendant light shade (either in woven fabric or paper) can lend a flattering diffused glow to a bohemian living room. A cluster pendant light is a modern yet decadent alternative to a chandelier, while a drum shade is a neutral style that casts even light; perfect for guest bedrooms and halls.