Interior Lighting Design Tips For Pendant Light Fixtures
Pendant lighting can provide both general and task lighting. Pendants are great for task lighting, because they normally come equipped with globes or shades to avoid unnecessary glare. Since these fixtures hang in the room, as opposed to on the wall or in the ceiling, they add a unique style element to your décor. Whether you choose to use pendant light fixtures over kitchen islands or billiard tables, this type of task lighting is a smart addition to any space.
Types Of Pendant Light Fixtures
Pendant light fixtures (ranging from mini to multi-light) create unique general lighting, task lighting, or decorative accents to any room.
- Drum Pendants: Cylindrical drum shape, versatile in style, shades can be dark, light, have accents or patterns
- Mini: Great for smaller spaces, additional task lighting, creates lighting focal points, simple or highly stylistic
- Up Light Pendants: Directs light upward, best for general lighting
- Down Light Pendants: Directs light downward, best for task lighting
- Multi-Light Pendants: Multiple lights connected to one fixture, similar to individual pendants, convenient for rooms with only one ceiling electrical opening, versatile, good for larger task lighting
Should I Add Dimmer Switches?
Why not? Adding a dimmer switch allows you absolute control over the level of illumination in any space you choose. Dimmer switches can be easily installed by a professional electrician, save money, and add value to your home or business.
What Size Pendant Do I Need?
Choosing a pendant light is similar to that of choosing a chandelier, in that it should have a diameter that’s in proportion to the size of your space and/or furnishings. We recommend the following guidelines for choosing (and placing) an appropriately sized pendant ceiling light fixture.
For Larger, Single Pendants or Drum Pendants:
| Room Size |
Type |
Pendant Diameter Size |
| Smaller room (10′ x 10′) |
Mini |
20″ and smaller |
| Rooms between 12′ x 12′ up to 15′ |
Mid-Sized |
20″ – 36″ |
| Large rooms/foyers 15′ and up |
Large |
36″ and larger |
Where Do I Place My Pendant Light Fixtures?
A professional electrician can properly hang your pendant fixtures in no time. However, before any holes are drilled, here are some tips to follow for where your pendant will hang in relationship to the room it will be in:
- Kitchen Island: Hang 30″ to 40″ above island surface, use 2-3 single pendants or multi-light
- Dining Room/Kitchen Table: Hang 30″ to 36″ above table, ensure pendant is 12″-14″ smaller than the width of the table, size of fixture depends on table and room size, great alternative to chandelier
- Billiard (Pool) Table: Use downward, multi-light pendants, hang 32″ to 36″ over surface
- Hallway: For longer hallways use several single light pendants with first pendant at center point, if hallway is 8′ tall choose pendant length of 12″ to 16″, if hallway is 9′ tall use pendant length of 18″ to 24″
- Foyer: Hang 9′ to 10′ from the floor, center in front window (if applicable), use larger fixtures
- Bedroom: If room is 9′ tall, bottom of fixture no less than 6′ to 7′ above floor, use mini, smaller drum, or upward pendants depending on the use
- Bathroom: If bath has high-moisture—bulbs can freeze into sockets, choose mini, smaller drum, or upward pendants, bottom of fixture no less than 7′ above floor
- Night Tables: Hang smaller single pendants to free up this space otherwise occupied by table lamps
- General: Keep fixture at least 4′ from wall, 48″ from furniture
- Rule of Thumb: Add dimensions of room in feet, convert to inches, answer should equal diameter of fixture (if room is 10′ x 15′, diameter of pendant would be 25″)
Pendants are a beautiful addition to any room, in any space of your choosing. If you’re still unsure that you want pendant lighting, browsing other types of lighting can be helpful. To get the ideas flowing—take a look at chandelier light fixtures, ceiling light fixtures, and even ceiling fans.
