What is Pendant Lighting?

by Christine
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So what actually is pendant lighting? It’s a question that can be both simple and complex to answer. In this article we’ll get into some of the factors that define a pendant light, as well as how best to use one. We’ll also be looking at the difference between pendant lights and hanging lights.

Good pendant lighting requires both function and aesthetic. Whether you’re setting up pendant lights in a home, business office, warehouse, or anywhere else, these remain important factors. If your pendant lights are either too bright or too weak, it can damage the aesthetic of the entire room. They’re also one of the best lights for the kitchen

If you’re interested in learning more about what pendant lights are and how best to use them, then read on!


Styles of Pendant Lighting. Matching your interior style!

Styles of Pendant Lighting. Matching your interior style!

The basic principle behind a pendant light is that they involve a single bulb suspended in the air. That being said, the majority of pendant lights have a shade of some sort attached to make them appear more interesting and reduce the glare of the bulb.

Some of the most common materials with which pendant lights are made include glass, metal, plastic and paper. Each of these materials result in a different style and ambiance. While it’s your choice, certain materials do work better in different settings, for example a glass pendant light in a room with a lot of natural light is a great combination.

Their shapes vary from simple globes to woven cages: there are tons to choose from. If you don’t find a specific shape that you want, it’s often possible to get a custom design made for your own preferences.

Whether you’re looking for something practical or aesthetic, pendant lights are just as good as any!

A Pendant for every style

Where and how do you use pendant lights! General, Area and Task Lighting.

General lighting. Spreads light through the room!

General lighting. Spreads light through the room!

This refers to the use of pendant lights to illuminate a room. Placing a pendant light in the center of any main room would count as general lighting. If you mean to illuminate the majority of your lounge, dining or any other room, a pendant light is capable of accomplishing this. You can also use a pendant light to illuminate your porch in a similar.

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Area lighting. Highlighting part of room!

Area lighting. Highlighting part of room!

Involves using a pendant light to illuminate part of a room. For example, if you wanted to light up a dining table or a corner of a room, that would count as area lighting. Pendant lights are great for area lighting. Whether you need the light to go over your sofa or next to a bookshelf, pendant lights will work perfectly.

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Task lighting. Sufficient, direct light!
Task lighting. Sufficient, direct light!

When using your pendant light as a spot light you want your light to focus specifically on a work desk or table, that counts as task lighting. Instead of lighting up an entire room or part of a room, your pendant light will focus on a single location.

Regardless of where you choose to place your pendant lights, they’ll all look awesome hanging from any part of your ceiling. Don’t forget to read our guide if you want some tips on how to install pendant lights.



Difference Between Pendant Lighting and Hanging Lights

Pendant lights are actually considered a form of hanging lights. However, not all hanging lights are pendant lights.

A pendant light hangs from the ceiling from either a rope or chain. Sometimes, pendant lights also hang from three ropes or chains instead of one.

Pendant lights also use a single bulb. They never have more than one bulb in them.

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As you can see, pendant lighting is incredibly useful for so many reasons. Using pendant lights in your home improves your ability to light your home well and boosts the aesthetic of the rooms they’re placed in.

Now that you know more about pendant lights, you’re free to shop around for your own – you never know when you might find the perfect light for your home!