February 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM PST
Lighting is one of the most important elements in a room. With a quick dim to a golden glow or a sculptural design, you can instantly transform the space, giving it a new look and feel. Of the many styles available, pendant lamps are a good choice for creating a cool and serene ambiance. Their unique hanging design adds dimension to an area and can even focus the room. That said, it’s not surprising that pendant lighting has become a buzzy topic in the design world.
Whether suspended by chain, cord, or fixture, these lamps aren’t just functional. They are elements of decor and need to be installed accordingly. Below, we’ve gathered the top tips to know when shopping for and hanging your pendant lamp and the best styles to add to your home.
Pendant lamps are a functional design, meaning they’re meant to create a certain atmosphere through the shape, style, and amount of light they produce. With that in mind, finding the right height to hang the lamp is essential. Most styles are designed to delicately hover above a surface and need adequate space to ensure they appear balanced. A good rule of thumb is to choose a position that doesn’t impede your line of sight. Whether you’re sitting down or standing up, you should be able to see the entirety of the room without having to look around the lamp.
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These are two important measurements to keep in mind when shopping for pendant lighting. If you’re opting for two lamps above a long table or kitchen island, you’ll need to think about the size and shape to ensure that the lamps don’t look out of place. Consider the size of the room you’re planning to hang the lamps in and how spacious it is. This will help you determine how big or small the lamps should be and how far apart from each other they should be hung.
These types of lamps amplify the mood of a room by illuminating an area with a warm glow. Positioning the lamps at the right height is important to set the tone, but there also needs to be a focal point to make the space look cohesive. Hanging a lamp above a surface, such as a coffee table, dining set, or island, is a good starting point. Adding elements to the surface directly underneath the fixture is another tactic that helps focus the look and draw the eye in.
This lamp is a good entry into pendant lighting because of its unique shape. The design features three individual lamps that span out in a triangle shape to illuminate the surface evenly while creating a stunning statement in the room.
Many of Ikea's pendant lamps have amassed a cult following, but this style is favored among interior designers. Its sculptural shape and unique woven pattern create a gorgeous and soft glow of light and make the lamp look much more expensive than its $35 price tag.
This lamp is perfect for coffee tables and low living room seating. The design, which features a classic shape and is inspired by mid-century style, has a timeless appeal. Even the light is designed to add a touch of amber glow that makes the room feel traditional and polished.
If you prefer a more traditional pendant lamp with an ambient glow, consider this lamp a winner. Its artful paper shade gives the room a soft wash of golden color that's tranquil and soothing. Plus, it comes in two sizes, which can be coupled to create an elevated look.
This delicate design instantly infuses your space with color and personality. From the pleated cotton shade to the braided fabric cord, it's an elegant and refined version of trendy paper versions. The shade also comes in a rainbow of colors that can easily be changed to match your mood or the decor in your home.
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