Pendant Lighting in General

Despite the grandeur of chandeliers and the simplicity of ceiling fixtures, the popularity of pendant lighting continues to grow as more and more people discover the added value these exciting fixtures bring to any home décor.  Pendant fixtures are mounted to the ceiling and may have one, two, or even three separate shades/bulbs shedding illumination throughout the space.  Unlike other ceiling fixtures that tend to create ambient illumination and provide the overall lighting for a space, a pendant is more commonly used as a source of task lighting in places like: 

• Kitchen island
• Desk
• Breakfast area
• Reading nook

Pendants are typically used for task lighting because most are downlight and project illumination downwards towards the work space.  However, inverted pendants will direct the illumination upwards off of the ceiling and thus bathe the space with indirect ambient lighting. 

If you have but a small space that you wish to illuminate or simply want to create an intriguing decorative effect, then perhaps a mini-pendant would be better suited for your home and décor.  Mini pendant lighting tends to be around 6-8 inches in diameter and are perfect for your favorite reading nook and will greatly enhance and beautify your space.  However, while normal pendants are typically mounted between 27 and 30 inches above the surface of the kitchen island or work space, it is best to keep a mini-pendant suspended 18-24 inches above the area to be illuminated. 

Tiffany hanging lamps are yet another option and perhaps more appropriate for a more traditional décor.  These exquisitely crafted fixtures feature hand cut art glass and are crafted using the same copper foil production method first perfected by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself when making his masterpiece lamps and fixtures.  The art glass is imbued with vibrant color that helps diffuse the illumination so that the surroundings are washed in a soothing ambiance. 

However, sometimes it just is not practical to buy a pendant, mini-pendant, or Tiffany hanging lamp for your home or apartment because they all require hardwiring.  If no wires are available, then a more convenient and affordable option is to purchase a hanging swag lamp.  Rather than requiring hard wiring, these eclectic fixtures have plugs that work in any outlet making them portable and usable just about anywhere. 

Ambient lighting is essential in any space and pendant lights are a great way to beautify and illuminate your décor.  Fortunately, the diversity of pendant styles means that you can surely find the right fixture for your décor, taste, and budget.