How high to hang pendants?
Hanging your pendant lighting is a little more precise than other types of lighting. You aren’t just finding the right place to put the light; you also have to consider the length it hangs and the spaces between the fixtures (for multiple pendants).
Most companies include more than enough rope, cord, or whatever material is used to hang the light. This allows you to customize it to fit your home. You don’t want it to hang too high or too low, so decide what is best before you make any adjustments.
The rule of thumb is provide a 30- to 36-inch clearance between the surface of the table or countertop and the lowest part of the pendant. Also, consider the light disbursement as well as the likelihood that your lights will encounter human traffic (and bump their head on it).
If your lights are suspended by a rod, check the length. Many brands have rods that are adjustable, but there are some that don’t so make sure you know what you are getting.
Can I hang my pendant lighting wherever I want?
The lighting police are not likely to come banging on your door and make you take down your pendants but be aware that some lighting is made specifically for outdoor use or spaces that may be prone to moisture like bathrooms. Others are not. If you are planning to add lighting to a space with unique atmospheric needs, check the electrical specifications for the location rating of your light. Make sure you are getting a fixture designed for wet or damp environments.
What’s the difference between the types of lighting?
Before you buy, check the type of light or light bulb that your pendant uses to make sure it is something you can live with (can you replace the bulb easily?). Pendants use all types of light bulbs from fluorescent to LED to halogen. Have an idea of what you like and how easy it is to get.
The other aspect of lighting is the illumination type. There are three: General, task, and accent.
- General – Overall illumination
- Task – Illuminate specific spots
- Accent – Visual interest by spotlighting focal areas
Make sure you check the specifications on the pendant light before you buy so you can make sure you are getting exactly what you want.
Should I get a dimmer switch?
Some lighting fixtures are pre-set with multiple lighting modes or dimmer switch compatibility. If you want the ability to change the ambiance of the room with the flip (or turn) of a switch or change the lighting level depending on the time of day, then you may want to go with lighting that can be adjusted.
How do I determine how much lighting I need?
Determining the amount of lighting that you need in a room is mostly personal preference. Of course, you want the bathroom and kitchen to be very well lit and you probably want adjustable lighting in the living room and bedrooms. However, there is a more scientific way to find out how much lighting your room needs. Try this formula:
Width of Room X Length of Room = Square Footage of Room Square Footage of Room X Foot Candles Needed = Amount of Lumens
Foot candles are how bright a light is when it is one foot away from its source. These are some general guidelines for the number of foot candles needed per room:
- Living room – 10-20
- Kitchen – 30-40
- Over stove and sink – 70-80
- Dining room – 30-40
- Bedroom – 10-20
- Hall – 5-10
- Bathroom – 70-80
You can find the rated lumens on most pendant lighting fixtures. If you aren’t certain, you can contact the company and they should be able to provide you with the information.
Pendant lighting is a great way to add your own personal touch to even the starkest of rooms. Take the time to find something that speaks to you as well as works in your room. The beauty of decorating is that you don’t have to stick to the standards. You can write your own rules.
