Where to place pendant lights and other FAQs
Choosing the right pendant light is quite an involved process that requires knowing quite a lot before you even get started. Where to place the pendant lights, the spacing, height, installation - all of these are key aspects that one should have some certainty around before proceeding. Familiarising yourself with the most frequently asked questions will give you a strong start for knowing what you need to know to make the right choice.
Where should I place pendant lights?
Pendant lights look amazing over any space you want to draw attention to. They are not recessed or hidden away like other lighting styles. Pendant lights add to your vertical space and catch the eye. There are also many types of pendant lights making them incredibly versatile.
Kitchen islands are a popular placement as they serve as a focal point of your kitchen. The pendant lighting captures the attention of guests and highlights the island as the centre of the kitchen.
The same goes for dining rooms. Pendant lights look amazing over any dining table and add functional, stylish lighting to your space. They can also help set different tones as pending lighting can be bright and lively or dim and intimate.
Other popular locations include entryways, bars, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
How far apart should pendant lights be?
Depending on the style and size of your pendant lighting, your lights should be hung approximately 60-70 cm apart. Of course, if your lights are especially large, you can space them out more as needed.
How heavy can a pendant light be?
Weight can vary widely by the style of pendant light chosen. Some pendant lights may be less than 1 kg, others may exceed 10 kg.
Keep in mind that larger hanging pendant lights may require some additional support to mount securely which a professional will be able to advise on.
Related article: 7 modern pendant lighting choices for your home
Can you shorten pendant lights?
Yes, it is possible to shorten pendant lights that are too long for your space. If your light is suspended with a chain, the process is as easy as removing links until you reach your desired length and trimming the excess wire. Professional advice should be followed with respect to this.
Can you install pendant lights by yourself?
Yes, you can install pendant lights yourself if you have the proper skills. However, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind.
It is always safer to have somebody with you while installing in case of an accident, particularly if you are installing the pendant light on a high ceiling which would require a ladder. If any sort of electrical wiring or rewiring is required, it is always best to hire a trained and licensed electrician in Australia.
How do you clean glass pendant lights?
Glass pendant lights are a beautiful type of ceiling light but they do require regular cleaning. A damp microfibre cloth and a small amount of dish soap should help remove grime that builds up over your kitchen.
Glass cleaner also works well for clearing away any buildup. The key is to dry the cleaner thoroughly to prevent any streaks.
Regularly dusting your glass pendant lights should also help prevent buildup over time.
How high above a dining table should a pendant light be?
As a rule of thumb, the bottom of your pendant light should be 75 centimetres above the surface of your table. This may vary depending on a few details, such as the style of your pendant lights.
The key is to avoid having the pendant lights too close to the table. You do not want your light fixtures to get in the way of the food or decor, and you do not want the pendant lights to block the view of one another from across the table.
You also do not want your pendant lights to be so high that they distract from the room. Your lights are a chance to bring the whole room together, and having the pendant lights at just the right height will help create an intimate and inviting dining space.
Related article: Stylish dining room lighting ideas for your dining table
What height should pendant lights be over an island?
Like dining rooms, the bottom of your pendant lights should be about 75 centimetres above the surface of your island and kitchen bench as a general rule of thumb. Some homeowners prefer to have their island lighting a bit higher to ensure that the lights do not interfere with cooking on the island.
You will want the lights to be high enough to stay out of the way, but not so high you do not get task lighting onto your island bench.
How many pendant lights do you need over a 7ft Island?
The answer to this will vary widely depending on the style of pendant lights you select. If you are using single-bulb pendant lights, many homeowners decide to use three pendant lights across this sized space.
However, if you are using a very large pendant, you may only need one or two. Conversely, if you are using small pendant lights, a few extra may be required.
Do pendant lights need to be centred over an island?
When designing your home, you are free to choose any lighting configuration that you like best. However, many homeowners do opt to centre their pendant lighting over their island. As just mentioned, many homeowners opt to use 3 smaller pendant lights, evenly spaced.
Where to place pendant lights answered and more
Now that you have read these FAQs, hopefully, you feel more prepared to upgrade to pendant lighting in the living space you have in mind, be it the living room, dining room, bedroom or over a kitchen island. It’s a beautiful choice for any home, adding essential ambient and task lighting as well as a bit of stylish pizzazz too.