When it comes to lighting, finding the correct fixture is crucial. You need to consider what kind of light you need and how it will be of use with regard to the purpose of the room. Also, if you want to ensure that the space is adequately lit, you need to secure multiple light sources because one is not going to cut it. There should be task lights, ambient lights and accent lights to ultimately elevate and liven up the visuals of your home!
Ambient lights are used as the overall illumination of the space, while task lights focus on a particular area. On the other hand, accent lights are more decorative and can also be used to highlight special places. While some fixtures are recommended for a specific use, pendant lights are perfect anywhere in your home. Because of this, they make an excellent choice for kitchen lighting.
Mostly seen suspended over a kitchen island or sink, pendant lights can provide outstanding brilliance in style! You can use them to illuminate preparation surfaces, accentuate the room’s centrepiece, and bring in a variation of colours and texture, all while pitching into your kitchen’s overall brightness. So, to know more about kitchen pendant lighting here’s a guide to help you out!
Different Styles for Kitchen Pendant Lighting
Pendant ceiling lights come in various shapes, sizes and styles. It hangs from your ceiling, casting light directly on the surface below. To slightly reduce the overwhelming luminance of the bulbs, many pendant lights feature shades or drums made of metal, fabric, glass, and more.
Typically, pendant lamps exude a prominent presence in a room. That is why it’s ideal to select a style that will complement the aesthetic of your space. Pendants with chrome or glass are better suited for a more modern interior, while woven shades fit a boho or coastal style. On the other hand, metal shades and exposed bulbs look excellent in an industrial or farmhouse-inspired kitchen!
Selecting a Kitchen Pendant
When it comes to task lighting, choosing a pendant with an open top, like a classic drum shade, is your best bet because it diffuses the light underneath. In addition, pendants with opaque shades create a softer glow, while those with translucent glass shades lessen distracting glares. To prevent dealing with impeccably bright circles of light, use a slightly opaque light bulb or opt for a pendant lamp with a light-diffusing shade.
If you want to ensure that your area is covered with illumination, space your pendants evenly throughout your room or over your working area. To add a little art, cluster small pendant lights over your dining table or get a pendant light with multiple bulbs and hang it over your kitchen island. If you want to avoid making mistakes, remember this. The bigger the space, the bigger your pendant lights need to be. You can also consider getting a chandelier or a more prominent lighting fixture. A small pendant light looks perfect over a desk area or a sink. However, you’ll need a more oversized fitting or a series of decent-sized pendants over your island.
Installing a Kitchen Pendant Lamp
Although it’s easy to get lost in the comprehensive selection of styles, colours, and materials, installation is also a critical factor that you should not forget when it comes to kitchen pendant lights. Rule of thumb, your pendants should hang 12 – 20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For every additional foot in your ceiling’s height, increase by 3 inches. So, for example, if you have a 9-foot ceiling, your pendant light should hang 15 – 23 inches below.
You can also determine your pendant lamp’s height by measuring up from the surface directly below the fixture. Leave a 30-36-inch clearance above your tables or countertops for task lighting. Also, don’t forget to consider your sightline and adjust the cord or chain as necessary. Your pendant lights should suspend over your work area at a height that does not obstruct your views across the kitchen.
Different Pendant Light Features
When adding pendant lights to your kitchen, choose the ones that you will benefit from and that serve your needs. Don’t buy it just because it’s beautiful. If it’s not practical for your space and can hinder an efficient flow in your kitchen, you need to reconsider your option. Try a pendant light with a retractable cord. It’s easily adjustable to fit your preference, especially for task lighting. Also, you can retract it for overall diffused light and pull it close for a more intimate setup.
Choosing Pendant Light Bulbs
Another factor to consider is choosing a light bulb that suits your pendant’s characteristics and function. The intensity and colour of your lights can affect the mood of your kitchen and influence its effectiveness, whether it’s a task, ambient, or accent lighting.
Dimmable light bulbs and colour temperature adjustable bulbs are perfect for the kitchen because they can quickly adapt to the mood you want to create and the task you have at hand. Choose an LED bulb instead of a traditional fitting for a more energy-saving option. Don’t worry! It won’t limit your options because there are a variety of LED bulbs that you can get. You can also buy a smart LED light bulb that lets you control your lights using your phone or voice command through Alexa or Google Home.
Pendant lights are one of the most decorative fixtures that you can find. Compared to chandeliers, they’re easier to maintain, install, and incorporate in your home, whether you have a big or small space. Once you find the right pendant light for your kitchen, it will be harder for you to leave the beautiful room even if you don’t have anything to do!
If you don’t know where to buy high-quality pendant lights, you can visit our website, Simple Lighting. We have an extensive collection of not only pendant lights in various shapes, styles, and sizes, but we also have other lighting solutions and accessories like downlights, strip lights, power supplies, dimmers, controllers, smart devices and more.
