Pendant Light Size
To help find the right size, consider the location and the purpose of the light. Pendant lights range in widths or diameters from 5 to 45 inches or more.
To find the right size pendant lights for your space, consider the light size, spacing for multiple lights and the height of the lights. Here are some tips to help you plan.
Pendant Light Sizing
For a quick calculation of the maximum size pendant for a table or countertop, simply subtract 12 inches from the width of the space. For example, if you’re lighting a 5-foot (60-inch) long by 3-foot (36-inch) wide island:
36 – 12 = 24
The maximum pendant width or diameter is 24 inches. This gives you 6 inches of space at each edge of the table or countertop. The lighting won’t look crowded and there’s less risk of someone bumping their head on the fixtures.
Pendant Light Spacing
Now think about how many pendants can fit the space. Because there’s such a wide range of light sizes and designs there’s not a standard spacing that works for every light. There are some general principals, however.
- You need at least 6 inches of clearance on each end of the table or countertop.
- Groupings of two or three lights work well for small and medium spaces. For longer tables and countertops, add more lights if you can space them properly.
- Groupings of odd numbers of pendants create more interest, so consider sizes that allow groupings of three, five, etc.
- Plan spacing from the center of the area. With an even number of lights, space two the same distance from the center and space the others equally, working outward. For an odd number of lights, start with one in the center.
With those starting points in mind, here are some pendant spacing tips:
- If you have a space that’s 5 feet long, you can often fit one large pendant or two medium-sized pendants.
- For a larger table or island, try a couple of large pendants or up to three medium-sized fixtures.
- For medium and large lights that are 10 inches wide and larger, a spacing 18 to 24 inches between the fixtures can provide an attractive, comfortable look. Some designers recommend a larger spacing and use a range of 24 to 30 inches.
- You can use the width or diameter of the light as a minimum measurement for spacing, but you typically won’t want them closer than 18 inches apart.
- For larger tables or countertops, you can extend the spacing to about twice the pendant width or diameter.
Pendant Light Height
When installed above a dining table or countertop, pendants should typically hang so that the bottom of each light is about 30 inches to 36 inches above the surface. If you have 8-foot ceilings, consider hanging the lights at the lower end of the range, for ceilings that are 9 feet or higher, plan for the upper range.
Most pendant lights come with enough cord and the necessary chain or extension rods to allow you to change the hanging height as needed.
Use the measurements above as guidelines but be sure the fixture doesn’t block views or hang so low that people bump into it.
Sketch out your space on graph paper to plan your light sizes and placement.
Factors to Consider When Buying Pendant Lights
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a pendant light that include:
- the style
- the finish
- the type
- whether you prefer shades or globes
- pendant light accessories
We'll explain the various choices in order to select the best lighting pendants for kitchens, baths or living spaces.
Pendant Light Styles and Finishes
Style is the most common characteristic when shopping for hanging lights. Pick a style you like and one that works with the rest of your décor.
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Traditional Pendant Lights: Traditional hardware has a more ornate and classic look. Its details and embellishments work with a range of styles, including farmhouse, antique and rustic.
- Contemporary Pendant Lights: With clean lines and a sharp, minimalistic look, contemporary or modern hanging lights are simple and understated.
- Transitional Pendant Lights: Combining traditional and modern, transitional allows you to mix elements of both styles for a personalized look.
- Unique Pendant Lights: If you’re seeking a more informal and fun look, unique fixtures allow you the most personalization.
Within each style, you have a choice of themes such as:
- Farmhouse
- Coastal
- Vintage
- Industrial
- Wrought iron
- Novelty
Pendant lights come in a variety of finishes. Take a cue from the existing finishes in your home. If the door handles and cabinet hardware are all in brushed nickel, choose lighting fixtures in a complementary finish. Popular pendant light finishes include:
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Polished chrome
- Brushed nickel
- Polished nickel
- Black iron
Shades, Globes and Accessories
Pendant light shades come in glass, fabric and metal. Mini pendant lights sometimes come with the shade sold separately so you can mix and match. Fabric shades provide a diffused light that works well in bedrooms. For a stylish look, choose fabric shades with metal or wood panels. Metal shades look great in kitchens with an industrial motif. Popular pendant light shades include:
- Colored glass
- Frosted glass
- Smoked white glass diffuser
- Tiffany-style glass
- Linen
- Burlap
- Polished chrome
- Oil-rubbed bronze
Pendant light accessories can provide extra flair. Mount a decorative ceiling medallion to give a polished look to a large inverted pendant light or a pendant light with a shade.
Consider matching your wall plate to your new pendant lighting finish.
Types of Pendant Lights
Pendant lights with shades pointing up (uplights) are designed for ambient light, and those with shades pointing down (downlights) provide task light. Use uplighting in the bathroom, bedroom, dining room, foyer, hallway, kitchen, living room, game room or bar. Downlighting is a good choice for the dining room, kitchen or game room. For more information on lighting your home, check out How to Choose the Right Lights.
Mini Pendant Lights
Mini pendant lights can be used solo or in a group for task and accent lighting. Install a single mini pendant light above a sink or desk or several in a row above a breakfast bar or kitchen island. Mini pendant lights are also compatible with track lights. Mix mini pendant lights in with track light heads to have a mixture of task, accent and ambient lighting.
Island Pendant Lights
Island pendant lights provide the same task lighting as mini pendant lights, typically with two or three light sources in a single fixture. Use them over a kitchen island, desk, bar or pool table in the game room.
Pendant Light With Fabric Shade
A pendant light with fabric shade adds a luxurious look to the traditional pendant light. These lights provide ambient lighting in spaces like the foyer, living room, kitchen or bedroom. Try one as a substitute for a chandelier above a dining or breakfast table.
Multi-Light Pendant Lights
Multi-light pendants provide ambient lighting with three — and sometimes up to 10 — light sources stemming from the same fixture. This type of pendant light can also be used as a chandelier alternative.
Inverted Pendant Lights
Inverted pendant lights project light upward for ambient lighting. An inverted pendant light is similar in style to a semi-flush mount light, but it hangs from a chain instead of being mounted directly to the ceiling. Popular spots for inverted pendant lights include the dining room, foyer and breakfast nook.
A dimmer switch allows you to change the mood of the room. Check the packaging to see if the pendant light is dimmable.
Lighting Collections
If you find a pendant light you like and need other lighting fixtures, check to see if it’s part of a collection. Lighting collections offer fixtures in the same style and finish for many areas of the home. For more information on lighting options, check out Lighting Trends to Follow Now.
Installation
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for step-by-step directions, safety, warning and caution information. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician. Trust Lowe’s with your lighting or ceiling fan installation.
Light Bulbs
Don’t forget light bulbs. Things like color temperature, lumens and wattage all play a factor in your room’s quality of light. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescents (CFLs) help lower energy costs. Both have a lower wattage but provide the same light output as higher-wattage incandescent bulbs. LEDs are also cool to the touch. In general, look for a warm-white color temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, a bright-white color temperature for kitchens and workspaces, and a daylight color temperature for reading nooks and studies. For more information on light bulbs, check out the Light Bulb Buying Guide.
Never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your light fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a pendant light?
There are numerous considerations when selecting a pendant light.
- First, measure the space carefully to ensure the light won't overwhelm the space or be too small.
- Determine the style of your room. Is it traditional, transitional or modern? The pendant light should coordinate with the rest of the space.
- Next, consider the finish. If your predominant finish is brushed gold, then you might want to stick to gold. A good rule of thumb with mixing finishes is that there should be one finish that's dominant, while the other acts as an accessory.
- Finally, think about the type you'd like. Would you prefer several smaller pendants or one large one? Do you want fabric shades or glass globes?
What are the rules for pendant lighting?
With pendant lighting, you'll need to ensure that the sizing, spacing, and height meet certain guidelines for an optimal look. For quick formulas and suggested heights and spacing, read our recommendations at the beginning of this article.
How many lumens do I need for a pendant light?
It depends on the room that you're lighting. If you're in an area where task lighting is needed, such as a kitchen island or an office, you'll need more lumens. As a general rule, approximately 4,000 lumens is sufficient. Living rooms and bedrooms require less. We recommend 2,000 - 3,000 lumens. However, there are numerous factors that can affect lumens including the wall color, ceiling height and overall square footage.
How many watts should a pendant light be?
Again, the watts can depend on several factors including: the room that you're lighting, the purpose and the mood you want to evoke. For task lighting in a kitchen, you'll want more watts. We recommend 60-75 watts. For a cozy look in a bedroom or living room, you'll want less wattage. We recommend 40-60 watts.