Pendant lighting

When it comes to decorative ceiling lighting, it can be tricky to know the right size, the right height and the right area to place them. Decorative pendants can bring so much to a room. Above a kitchen island, above a dining table, or the centrepiece of a room, chandeliers and pendants are great focal points.

The height you hang a pendant at depends on the height of the ceiling. In addition, you need to think about the size of the pendants. If you are having three pendants instead of two above your kitchen island, for example, then the size may need to be a little smaller or else it may look a little cluttered. For larger pendants think about 30 to 32 inches apart. Smaller hanging lights, such as the industrial style free-falling bulbs, can sit closer together.

Pendants should also be 30 to 32 inches from the kitchen island countertop to the bottom of the pendant. You want to be able to see what is happening on the other side of the pendant, in addition to not banging your head!

Two or three pendants in a row suit a kitchen island, and a single large chandelier suits a dining table. The same height rule applies over a table, so allow between 32 and 34 inches from the tabletop to the bottom of the fitting.

For chandeliers in living rooms or hallways, height is important too. In a living room place the chandelier in the centre of the room or in front of the main fireplace. It will be a focal point so show it off. In addition, a chandelier placed in the centre of a room will create symmetry on either side. In terms of height, you want a large pendant or chandelier to be at least 7 feet above the ground. If you are wanting a large decorative light, do think about the height of your ceiling because it may not be possible in some situations.

It is important that the light you choose is the right size for the size of room it is being placed in. You may really like a light, but if it is too big for a specific room, or too small, it will look out of place and stand out like a sore thumb.

Pendant lights come in every style, from modern and industrial to traditional and eclectic. One fitting changes how a room reads.

A light can either match the room or deliberately sit against it. Either works, as long as the decision is made rather than defaulted to. Treat the fitting as a piece of furniture that also happens to light the room.

Lighting is one of the first things we set out on a renovation, because the wiring has to be right before the plaster goes on. Tell us about your project, or read about our in-house mechanical and electrical team.