Pendant Lighting Basics

Pendant light fixtures add charm and value to your home, while providing functional lighting. Pendant lights are used not only to illuminate a specified area but also for their beauty and aesthetic appeal. Pendant light fixtures are named after the type of jewelry usually used to adorn a necklace. Similarly, a pendant light is a single lighting fixture suspended from the ceiling. They are also popularly known as suspenders and drops.

Pendant lights are usually 9 inches or more in diameter. Some might call them chandeliers, but pendants are usually less "sprawling" than a chandelier. If you are looking for a smaller pendant, check out our mini-pendants. Pendant lights are commonly available in single or multiple pieces that ensure a distinctive appeal and alluring effect. The intensity of light required to illuminate any area can be decided by the choice of bulb used in the lighting fixture. Pendant fixtures are used with dim and natural lights to give the best possible effect to any room.

Pendant lighting fixtures are usually mounted about 24 to 30 inches above the area to be lit. Two or three pendant lights can also be used with the help of a pendant bar which helps fix the different fixtures at varying heights to provide a different lighting effect. Apart from the pendant bars, rods and chains are also available that enable height variations in placing the pendant lights.

The style of your pendant light is an important aspect when considering your lighting needs. The various styles in pendant fixtures include: hand blown glass, reflective stained glass, crinkle glass, inverted bowl and traditional designs. Your choice of having a diffused or direct light depends on the style of your pendant light fixture. You can also coordinate the pendant lights with other fixtures such as wall sconces, table lamps, and flush-mount ceiling fixtures.

There are a wide variety of pendant lighting fixtures that are available and can suit every budget. It is important to plan your lighting requirement and buy quality lamps that ensure durability. Kitchen, breakfast tables and corners of any room are ideal locations for a pendant lighting fixture. The intensity and style of lamp adds to the décor of the space you intend to include a pendant lighting fixture.

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