Decorate

Light the way: Pendants are here to stay

Show-stopping pendants are a feature set to remain on the renovating landscape for some time to come. Here’s how to get the look right.
Natalie Hunfalvay

The setting sun heralds the entrance of what should be one of your home’s most sophisticated stars – an exquisite pendant, delivering a dinner party ambience, soft bedroom lighting or a dream living room’s comforting glow. Our experts show you ideas for hanging the perfect pendant.

Heads up (Credit: Derek Swalwell)

For lovely living rooms, pair a pendant with high ceilings that allow visitors to gaze upon its beauty – after all, it is the star of the show – without risking a bump to the head. Here, double height ceilings showcase an incredible black ‘Maxim’ pendant light from Schots Home Emporium.

Tie it together (Credit: Natalie Hunfalvay)

Open-plan areas need cohesion; ensure pendants share a visual link, or your space risks resembling a lighting showroom. The connection could be via colour, material or style, or keep it simple with the same design, such as these ‘Norfolk’ glass pendants from Magins Lighting connecting dining to living.

“Pendants requiring hardwiring must be installed by a licensed electrician”

Steve McArthur, Pro Electricians
Citrus hit (Credit: John Paul Urizar)

Capitalise on colour; punctuate a neutral scheme with pops of bold colour. Understated hits of lovely lemon brighten this kitchen by Melissa Bonney of The Design Hunter. A trio of Muuto ‘E27’ pendant lights from Great Dane Furniture hangs above the island bench. Accessories in similar hues lead the eye around the room for a cohesive, balanced look.

So long, lamp (Credit: Simon Whitbread)

Pendants installed each side of the bed free up valuable table space. Choose a model that allows enough light to fall onto your book for reading, but is well-shaded enough to protect your eyes from glare. Alternatively, an Edison-style pendant such as the one pictured (left), from Ici Et La, features an eye-friendly low-wattage E14 bulb.

Soft and subtle (Credit: Melissa Heath)

In the bedroom, look to simple fabric shades or round, shapely pendants to enhance the ambience. Mood lighting is important, install dimmers and a two-way switch, so you don’t need to get out of bed to turn off the light!

Pretty punch (Credit: GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens)

Small spaces like powder rooms offer opportunity to go all out: we love contemporary copper design, such as this petite Beacon Lighting ‘Luna 1’ pendant (right) in a space designed by Gia Bathrooms & Kitchens.

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