Perfect Pendant Lights!

A pendant light is a light fixture that hangs from the ceiling, usually suspended by a cord, chain or a metal rod. Pendant lights are traditionally used in multiples, hung in a straight line over kitchen islands, dining areas and bathrooms but designers are using them in many other decorating scenarios as well - flanking them on each side of a bed or even using a mini-chandelier pendant above a baby's crib (as shown in one of the pictures below). With the widespread popularity of pendant lights, the materials and designs have changed and become much more creative than a simple glass shade or globe suspended from a cord.

Here are some things to consider when selecting pendant lights for your room.

• The size and scale of the room: a large room with high ceilings will command a larger fixture with wider, more prominent shades. If you choose a smaller-scale light fixture, then you may want to hang more multiples of the fixture so that they don't "get lost" in the room.
• With the variety of materials available, make sure you consider how well they will illuminate the space. Obviously, a clear glass shade or an open-frame style will allow the light to spread throughout the room. A darker shade or less transparent style will direct the light downward - however if there are openings at the top, it will allow the light to reflect on the ceiling above.
• Make sure your selection of a pendant light works well for your space - you don't want it to hang too low so that they are in the way or people will hit their heads on them!
  

With the last point in mind, here are some tips for the proper height to install them. As a general rule, they should be installed a minimum of 28" to 36" above the surface they are hanging and 60" to 72" from the floor to the lower edge of the fixture's shade. Install them about 24 to 30" apart when you are hanging in multiples.

I found some great pictures (from Better Homes and Gardens and HGTV) of rooms with great pendant lights and I've featured some great pendant lights available on our website, as well.

A kitchen with tall elongated pendant lights...

A similar Pendant Light made of recycled glass:

**********************************************************************

Here's an example of using pendant lights in a bathroom with a vintage design:

A similar Open Framed "Saucer" Style Pendant Light:

*******************************************************************
A baby's room with a Chandelier-Style Pendant light:

A Pink and White Pendant Chandelier that would work well:

Or... How about a Set of Two Antique Gold Pendant Chandeliers with clear beading...

***************************************************************
And another beautiful kitchen.....



How about the option below:

Vintage-Style Burlap and Chicken Wire Framed Pendant Light

Hope these pics inspire you - Remember - updated lighting can change the entire look of a room!

********************************************************************