What is a Pendant?
Pendant lights hang from a ceiling and place strong light over an island, table or furniture. Often the light is aimed downwards to help with tasks, but also outward to provide ambient lighting. A central stem or chain usually supports a single shade, although it may also support multple light bulbs. Pendants work well for dining and sitting areas. They can also be used in a hall or foyer if there is head-room. They are installed electrically and operated by a wall switch, and can also function as a centerpiece.
Pendant Benefits
- Shines a stronger light onto a table or surface.
- Can be used instead of chandeliers.
- Work well in a row of 2 or 3 fixtures.
- Ideal over a kitchen island or dining table.
- Can be hung over or near to seating areaas.
- Speads light outward in the lower half of room.
- Can be hung overhead if enough headroom.
- Adjustable height.
- Over a table, the shade shields the eyes.
Mission Style
The Arts and Crafts movement gave rise to the popularity of Craftsman design, in addition to Mission revival and the Prairie architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Mission Style Lighting is defined by the use of art glass with geometric shapes, solid materials, natural woods, and understated design elements that radiate substance and tranquility.
Ambient Centerpiece Lighting
These hanging lights can form a centerpiece in any room, ideally positioned over a table, counter-top, kitchen island or in the middle of a larger room. They produce a lot of ambient light but also center the light below them. Great for dining rooms and living rooms or over a kitchen island. A larger number of light bulbs tends to produce more light and lights up the whole room.
For which rooms?
Pendants are ideal over a table or seating area. They work well in kitchens and dining rooms. But also can be useful in a living room, office, bedroom or guest room.
Placement/Layering
Since pendants hang from the ceiling they'll shine most of their light at mid-level height. This may produce less ambient light in the upper part of the room. You may want to pair it with some lamps or closer-to-ceiling fixture to fill out the area.
Mounts to the Ceiling
Attaches to a flat ceiling. The provided decorative canopy covers up the electrical installation area.
Installed by an Electrician
An electrician or person with electrical installation knowledge will need to permanently wire the pendant light into the building's electrical supply.