How to decide on installing pendant lights?
Deciding on lighting fixtures can be a tricky affair because you just can’t choose the ones that look nice, but must also solve your lighting requirements well. When you’re browsing the market to explore options, you would definitely come across these hanging lighting fixtures which are commonly known as pendant lights. And, if you overlook this piece of lighting considering that you don’t have a particular point to install them, then you’re highly mistaken. Pendant lights are not just restricted to a specific point, but can be used to add a style statement to your décor when installed consciously. In fact, being stylish, compact and less expensive, the pendant lights are one of the most preferred lighting options among homeowners.
Also known as a suspender or a drop, a pendant light is a solo light fixture that hangs from the ceiling usually supported by a cord, chain, or metal rod. These lights can make for striking focal points while providing great lighting in any space. The pendant lights also work as task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, a suspender can be a space-saving choice against floor lamps and table lamps as they can provide ambient lighting over a greater surface area. Pendant lights are not very big and often installed in multiples. They can be hung in a straight line over kitchen countertops and dinette sets, or even in bathrooms. They can also be used in a cluster to give the effect of a chandelier. The pendant lights are available in a variety of sizes, and materials like metal, glass, concrete and plastic.
Selecting the Right Pendants
According to your space where the fixture would be used, you can choose from different shapes and sizes of the pendant lights. Yet it would be great if you consider the following points before buying a pendant light.
Material and Finish – The pendant lights come in various materials like glass, metal, concrete, cloth and plastic. If you’re using it for ambient lighting, pendants made of clear glass will work best as they can diffuse light more effectively in all directions. Likewise, metals with polished chrome or brushed nickel finish can also help reflect light. Pendant lights crafted from cloth attract more dust, thus, can be used in spaces where cleaning means quick dusting. Plastic can be a cheaper option but they’re prone to discoloration over time; you can use them in corners to help make them long-lasting.
Big or Small Pendants – A solo big pendant light works great for an entrance where one source of lighting is usually sufficient. You can also use a big pendant to make a focal point in any space. Similarly, round dining tables look great in the company of big pendant lights. In contrast to the bigger ones, small pendants are great options for track lighting. As they offer bright but less intense lighting all around, small pendants work well as task lighting in the kitchen.
Ambient or Task Lighting – According to the shape or the type of shade used on a pendant, light is either directed up or down. Some pendants are inverted (they appear as upside down table lamps) and stream light up to the ceiling, making for ambient lighting in the space. On the other hand, pendants with open bottoms focus light downward, and work perfectly as task lighting above a workspace such as the kitchen island.
LEDs or Traditional Bulbs – The newest, efficient and economical option would be definitely LEDs. Yet there can be pendants lights which need traditional bulbs as their lighting source. The style of the pendant will determine the type of bulb needed. LED bulbs may be pricey than the traditional bulbs but they are far better in terms of efficiency and brightness. So, before buying a pendant light, look for the options beforehand.
Plug-in or Hardwiring – Both plug-in and hardwiring do the job but with a difference. Hardwiring is neater as there will be no dangling cords and visible plugs, but installation is much labor intensive. On the other hand, plug-in pendant lights are much less labor intensive as they don’t require longer cords. If you’re not planning to change the fixtures soon, it is better to invest in hardwiring as they are better and secure.
Consider the Height – Knowing the way in which a pendant light will be used can help you determine at what height it should be hung. For an entrance, it is recommended to hang the pendant seven feet above the floor. If you’re using a pendant in a dining area, it’s best to hang the light at least 30″ above the table. Likewise, pendant lights used for a kitchen island area should be 30″-40″ above the counter. These are general calculations. You can otherwise consider the height of the tallest member in your family and keep at least 20-25″ gap between the person’s head and the pendant fixture.
Cord Length – For a hardwire pendant, prefer a cord which is at least 4′-6′ long. And look for 9′ long for a plug-in pendant. These pendants should have enough scope for adjustments as per how high or low you would like to hang the pendant light above a surface. For spaces with high ceilings, choose the one with the longest cords.
To Conclude
Consider the above-mentioned points before buying pendant lights. Choosing the right light fixtures can enhance the appearance of your space and serve as an efficient source of lighting. Havells, one of the premium brands of electrical goods, offers a stylish range of pendant lights to beautify your home. You can find pendants in different shapes, sizes, colors and designs which can meet your requirements. Click here and get ready to beautify your space aesthetically.