By Savannah Sher | Updated Mar 15, 2023 4:03 PM
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Pendant lights come in many shapes and styles and add either ambient or task lighting in any room of a home. A lighting fixture that hangs from the ceiling using a rod, chain, or cord is considered a pendant light, with the style encompassing simple dome lighting, traditional chandeliers, and modern geometric lighting installations.
Read on to learn more about these decorative—and functional—home accessories and how to choose the best pendant light for a space.
The right pendant fixture can add a touch of class to a space and provides a unique ambience during dinner parties, late nights, or working days. Selections for the best pendant lighting depended upon ease of installation, adjustability, and the number of bulb sockets.
Each of the above pendant lighting fixtures comes with easy-to-moderate installation with some picks requiring hardwiring. In these cases, professional help may be necessary during installation. Adjustability is also prioritized in these picks as many are compatible with sloped ceilings and multiple types of light bulbs; others are dimmable and height adjustable.
Though some of these pendant lights come with only one bulb socket, others are made with up to eight for ample light coverage. With that in mind, these light fixtures come with unique design styles and/or multiple colorways to match a home’s current fixtures.
Armed with this information about pendant lights, it’s time to start shopping. Our top picks consider the features above, including size, style, finish, and brightness. This list offers a variety of top-notch pendant lights to suit every space of a home.
This rubbed-oil bronze pendant from Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse is a versatile pick that would complement most spaces in any home. It works well as a single fixture in a bathroom, an entryway, or a hallway, though shoppers who are looking for kitchen lightingideas can use this model for a dramatic pop of unique style. The geometric steel frame comes in multiple finishes to complement a space including rubbed-oil bronze, antique silver leaf, polished chrome, and black polished chrome.
It has an adjustable chain height with a maximum hanging height of 114.5 inches as well as dimmable capabilities. This single pendant light can hold up to four bulbs and is 12 inches wide. It is compatible with E12 bulbs of up to 60 watts.
Get the Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse pendant light at Wayfair.
This affordable warehouse-style pendant light from Hampton Bay has a brushed-nickel finish, lending to a vintage or industrial look. Because of the dark opaque canopy, it’s better suited for spaces that don’t require bright light output like dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms. The shade’s interior is painted white for improved light distribution.
It has an adjustable hanging length of up to 78 inches, meaning it can be adjusted to an appropriate height for almost any space. The canopy has a width of 16 inches. It uses a 100-watt E-26 light bulb, which is not included, but buyers can also use a light-emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescent light (CFL)-equivalent bulb. Hardware is included to aid in easy installation.
Get the Hampton Bay pendant light at The Home Depot or Amazon (black).
This clear-glass drum pendant is a versatile pick that would complement most spaces in any home. It would work well as a single fixture in a bathroom, an entryway, or a hallway, though buyers could also install them in a group of three or more to display over dining tables or kitchen islands. The base has a brass finish, while the translucent glass shade provides optimal light distribution.
It has an adjustable height, with a minimum total height of 12 inches and a maximum total height of 108 inches. This single pendant light has a diameter of 10 inches. An LED Edison-style bulb is included with the light, and it’s compatible with standard E26 bulbs of up to 60 watts. Finally, this fixture is dimmable, so buyers can set the mood for different occasions.
Get the AllModern pendant light at AllModern.
While many people opt to hang multiple individual pendant lights over their kitchen islands, this linear light by Globe Electric achieves a similar effect in a single fixture. It features four lights with glass shades and an oil-rubbed bronze frame and canopy. The look is inspired by turn-of-the-century factory lighting, which gives this pendant a vintage aesthetic.
Because the shades are made from translucent glass and the bulbs are exposed, this fixture provides ideal task lighting to aid in kitchen jobs while creating an ambient effect. Like mostkitchen light fixtures, this model has an adjustable height with a minimum hanging height of 25 inches and a maximum hanging height of 45 inches.
The total width of the fixture is 43.25 inches. It requires four E-26 60-watt bulbs, and like most kitchen lights, it is fully dimmable with a compatible dimmer switch and can be installed on sloped or vaulted ceilings. For easy installation, mounting hardware is included.
Get the Globe Electric pendant light at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Entryways need a lot of light to see shoes, keys, bags, and more. For the best pendant light for entryways, we elect the Joss & Main Ellis four-light square/rectangle chandelier. Designed for sloped ceilings, this lantern-shaped light is height adjustable with a maximum height of 65 inches; the dimmable capability for the four bulbs provides added convenience.
This pendant light is large enough to provide enough light on its own, or it can be paired with multiple pendant lights for larger entry spaces. It features canopy lighting and six finish options. Though there are no bulbs included with purchase, this option can accommodate E12 LED bulbs of 60 watts.
Get the Joss & Main pendant light at Wayfair.
Bedrooms are one space in a home where dimmer lighting is often desirable. This drum-shade pendant light from Andover Mills has a light shade that directs the light downward, making it a perfect choice for suspending over a bedside table for ambient evening lighting. It would also work well over a dining table or in a den.
It has a minimum height of 17 inches and a maximum hanging height of 53 inches. It takes standard E26 bulbs with a wattage of 60. Plus, it comes with a downrod.
Get the Andover Mills pendant light at Wayfair.
Clear, bright light is typically sought after for bathrooms and powder rooms, making this glass globe pendant from Linea di Liara a perfect pick. It comes with either brushed nickel, polished chrome, or antique brass hardware, so buyers can coordinate with the existing bathroom fixtures. The glass shade comes in either a clear translucent finish or a frosted white finish. Depending on the finish chosen, it can suit either traditional or more contemporary decor.
It has a minimum height of 14 inches, a maximum hanging height of 100 inches, and a diameter of 8 inches. It’s compatible with 60-watt E26 bulbs. This pendant is fully dimmable.
Get the Linea di Liara pendant light at Amazon.
An injection of personality and style can be added to a living room with this striking pendant light from Mercer41. This unique linear chandelier is dimmable and acts as a statement piece in any room with its modern lines and angular construction. Its dramatic, glamorous style and antique brass finish would also be well suited to a dining room or an entryway.
It has an adjustable hanging length with a minimum height of 27.8 inches and a maximum height of 47.8 inches. It takes 60-watt E26 bulbs and is meant to be paired with clear, oversize bulbs to achieve the intended effect.
Get the Mercer41 pendant light at Wayfair.
This structural linear pendant light from Birch Lane features five candle-style hanging lights for a contemporary chandelierlike aesthetic. The vintage gold-tone finish provides either a traditional or modern appearance, depending on the rest of the room’s decor. While this light makes for a great addition to a dining room, it would also work well over a kitchen island.
It has a maximum hanging height of 92 inches, a height of 20 inches, a width of 40 inches, and a depth of 12 inches. It is dimmable and uses five 60-watt E12 candelabra light bulbs.
Get the Birch Lane Glenhaven pendant light at Wayfair.
Trust the Birch Lane Dormody lantern geometric chandelier to light the way in dark hallways, night and day. This geometric lantern has a weathered-oak look that is simple enough to fit in with any home’s current style, and the distressed wood and metallic frame can hold four B10 bulbs.
With adjustable height options of 17 to 82.25 inches, this model is perfect for high ceilings as well as standard ones. Plus, it can accommodate sloped ceilings for those uniquely designed homes. The dimmable feature is also suitable for entertaining or ambience.
Get the Birch Lane Dormody pendant light at Wayfair.
Before choosing a model, consider these key factors when shopping for the best pendant lights for a home.
Pendant lights come in a variety of styles with unique aesthetics and practical effects.
Drum pendants get their name from their drumlike shape and construction. They typically feature a fabric shade stretched over a metal frame and can have either open or closed bottoms. Drum pendants with dark shades will create a moodier ambience while lighter shades provide more brightness. Glass and metal pendants can also be constructed in a drum shape.
Globe pendants have a spherical shape. They are often made of clear glass, providing a bright option that works well in kitchens with recessed lighting. Their orblike design also fits well with midcentury-modern decor styles. They are well suited for bathrooms or placement above kitchen islands because they provide optimal and direct light dispersal.
Lantern pendants are shaped like traditional street lamps, combining metal frames with multiple panes of glass. They can also be configured without glass panes with the bulbs fully exposed. They are well suited for entryways and hallways, though the design is also popular as farmhouse-style pendant lights for kitchens.
Bowl and bell pendants are similar in concept but vary slightly in their appearance. Bell pendants are shaped like overturned bowls, while bell pendants taper at the top. Bowl and bell lights can be made in a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and plastic, meaning there’s an option to suit nearly any decor style. If they are made from dark or opaque materials, they are better suited for a moodier effect or directional task lighting.
Exposed-bulb pendants have become increasingly popular in recent years. They provide plenty of light because the light bulbs are entirely exposed rather than covered by a shade. They can come in various shapes, materials, and styles. They pair well with stylized light bulbs like Edison bulbs rather than coiled LEDs.
Linear pendants feature multiple lights hung on a single rod. They typically have metal or wooden frames and can feature a variety of shade styles. They are often used to provide light over a dining table or a kitchen island.
Multilight pendants feature an arrangement of numerous lights. They can be sold as such or created as a DIY project by combining various single fixtures into one lighting installation. Multilight pendants work well in dining rooms, over kitchen islands, and as a visual centerpiece in living rooms.
Mini pendants are smaller versions of traditional pendant lights and can come in many shapes, materials, and colors. They can be clustered together for a multipendant effect or used alone to highlight a specific area like a reading nook. They are also well suited to being hung above bedside tables.
A room’s size and decor style will dictate the best kind of pendant light for the area. More spacious rooms call for larger light fixtures, while smaller fixtures are better suited to cozier spaces.
One rule of thumb that designers use when choosing the size of a pendant light is to add up the dimensions of a room and then convert them to inches to find the ideal diameter for a lighting fixture. So if, for example, a room measures 12 feet long by 12 feet wide, the pendant light should have a diameter of 24 inches.
In terms of height, the bottom of a pendant light should hang between 60 and 66 inches from the floor or between 30 and 36 inches from a table or a countertop. If users require a longer cord, pendant light extension cords are also available for purchase.
When shopping for a light fixture, consider whether ambient lighting or task lighting is needed.
Most lighting fixtures on the market are compatible with LEDs and CFLs, saving energy and requiring users to replace their bulbs less frequently than when using standard incandescent bulbs.
LED and CFL bulbs use lower wattages to produce the same level of brightness. While a light fixture may have a maximum wattage per bulb of 60 watts, using an LED or CFL bulb will allow for a brighter effect while still meeting the manufacturer’s requirements.
Because the bulbs of pendant lights are often exposed, specific lamp types are sometimes required that may be more difficult to find. When considering a hanging fixture that requires large clear bulbs or candle-style lamps, ensure these bulbs are readily available.
Pendant lights come in countless materials and finishes. Here are some of the features of the most popular styles:
Some pendant lights come equipped with extra features.
Most pendant lights on the market require electrical installation. Though buyers can install them without a professional’s help, those who are inexperienced with electrical work may prefer to hire an electrician.
Plug-in pendant lights, however,don’t require electrical installation and can simply be plugged into an outlet and hung from a hook in the ceiling. They are ideal for renters and those who don’t want to attempt electrical work.
There are plenty of DIY tutorials available to help users get creative when hanging a pendant light.
If you still have questions about pendant lights, the following commonly asked questions may help.
Depending on the style of pendant light you choose, it can provide enough light for use in a living room or dining room. In spaces that need lots of bright light, like a kitchen, you may need to consider additional lighting.
The size of your island and the diameter of each fixture dictates how many lights you should hang. The general rule is to have at least 2 feet (24 inches) of distance between each fixture. Many designers favor three pendants over two or four to achieve a balanced look.
Pendant lights should be hung so that the bottom of the light fixture is between 30 and 36 inches above your kitchen island.
It’s important to turn off your electricity and follow best practices for safety when hanging any light fixture. Make sure you turn off the electricity first. Install the mounting hardware that came with your purchase. Adjust the cord’s length to the desired height and then attach the electrical wires to the wires of the corresponding color in the electrical box. Finally, attach the cover and shade.
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