Using illumination to your advantage is key when it comes to designing eye-catching spaces because the architecture itself can only go so far, that’s why it’s best to have it under control, placed exactly where you want it. And there’s no better way to do so than with a pendant light.
Now, pendant light goes well and beyond just lightbulbs and chandeliers, so, like with any tool in the wide designer repertoire, it’s up to you to decide which best suits the needs of your project. Luckily for you, we are here to give you the rundown, on the 8 types of pendant lights on offer to be exact, and, of course, how to use them:
1. Cord Pendant Light
Let’s start small, why don’t we? Minimalism is a thing after all, and cord pendant light itches that scratch just right—besides, it doesn’t get more minimalistic than a bare bulb held by a suspension cord. These little touches of illumination work best in eateries and dining rooms, as they are both unobtrusive and, as such, fit for managing creative modern arrangements. Designer bulbs, cluster compositions, whatever it is you can pull it off just fine with a fair share of these, whether you want to impress your customers or your guests during the Sunday get-together.
2. Linear Pendant Light
Following the trend of cord light, simple and effective is to the name of the game with linear pendant light. With the straightforward design of one long tube bulb placed on a singular canopy, these are ideal as illumination for long dinner tables, cafés, or bars, seating areas, and even kitchen islands. Thanks to their wide array of uses, linear pendant lights are as viable for both modern and classic-style spaces. You really can’t go wrong with these.
3. Shade Pendant Light
The Swiss army knife of the bunch, shade pendant lights come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and illumination purposes, this grants it incredible flexibility, allowing it to fit—if not embellish—whatever décor statement you may have in mind. From the finesse of brass to the delicate touch of porcelain, from the rustic wicker style to the more sophisticated wooden finish, it’s all up to you with shade pendant light.
4. Lantern Pendant Lightning
Want to go vintage? Then lantern pendant lighting is probably your best bet. Fitting the “timeless” moniker to a t, this style of illumination holds unending amounts of appeal, no matter how much the industry may change or how many new fads may pop up. They fit—and enhance—almost any sort of space, from hallways to dining rooms, whether you go minimalistic or complex on the styling of the lantern. Whatever your pick turns out to be, one thing’s for certain, that first impression on your guests will be well worth it.
5. Globe Pendant Light
Closely related to the corded variety, but on a larger scale, globe pendant light makes use of complete spherical shades that are either diffused or clear. This evenly distributes the lighting throughout the living space, making it ideal for kitchens and hallways. With that said, it is more restrictive in terms of fitting specific styles, what with its eye-catching shape, compared to the more restrained size of a regular lightbulb, so make sure to consider that before implementing it in your project.
6. Glass Pendants
Matched only by shade pendant light in the versatility department—and closely related to the globe pendant light in terms of general look and function—glass pendant lighting is a tried and true tool of customization and lightning design, whether you’re looking to spruce up a home or a business space. Thanks to its focus on shades, glass pendants allow for amazing diffuse and tinted lightning compositions—and, should you opt to go for a smoky finish on the shade, refined, vintage touches as well.
7. Drum Shaped Pendant Light
If glass pendant lighting doesn’t quite catch your fancy, then this is as good as an alternative can get. The drum-shaped pendant light is exactly what you think it is, lighting implements set in drum-shaped cylinders of varied materials. Fabric is, more often than not, the go-to material, if you’re wondering, this makes it so that drum-shaped pendant light gives off a soft, diffusing type of illumination. As such, you can use this for large kinds of areas, from fancy restaurants to your own living room, giving it an, overall, calm and cozy feel.
8. Multi Light Pendants
As the name implies, multi-light pendants come in twos, the first being multiple light sources attached to a central core, and the second being multiple pendant cord lights attached to a ceiling rose. The former finds the best use in bars and bedrooms, due to their cozy design and calming illumination. The latter, on the other hand, are best for stairwells, entry foyers, and other transitional living spaces.
There you have it! Nothing like a quick run-through to see things in perspective—or rather, light your way forward. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to breathe new life into your projects.