Tag Archives: kitchen lighting

How to Pick the Perfect Pendant for Your Kitchen Island

Pendant Lighting for Kitchen

 

Why settle for blasé, run-of-the-mill pendant lights when you can have your pick of fresh and exciting fixtures to really bring your kitchen to life?  With islands becoming almost second nature to kitchen remodels, pendant lighting is also becoming equally important to the design process.  These five types of pendant lighting can really bring style and flare to your kitchen and what would normally be a fairly monotonous environment.  Liven up your island space with some of these pendant ideas.

  • Colorful

Colored pendants can be tricky.  You want to use just the right pop of color without overdoing it and causing it to look tacky.  If you use a lot of whites or neutral colors in your kitchen, then colored pendants can be just what you need.  Use them for an exotic edge on a normally traditional design idea.

Colored Pendant Light

  • Clear Glass

Clear glass pendants can do just the opposite.  They add an elegant touch to an already busy kitchen area.  They are also great for smaller spaced kitchens, as you can see through them, causing them not to block anything out of view.  Hand-blown are going to be the best quality and will be sure to give a modern, yet stylish feel to your kitchen.

Clear Glass Pendants Light

  • Oversized

Going big on overhead pendants can be scary, but they definitely have a huge impact on a space.  They can really liven up an otherwise minimalistic area.  Oversized pendants can be perfect for the added touch and dramatic accent piece that you’re looking for in a wide-open kitchen.  The appearance that they add is unlike anything you’ll see.

Oversized Pendant Light

  • Industrial

If you’re looking for an edgy feel for your kitchen space, industrial pendants are the way to go.  They have a rough quality to them that can really transform the island area.  Go with stainless for a crisp, clean look or a rustic black version for a more serious approach.  Either way, industrial pendants will give a sculptured finish to your kitchen vibe.

Industrial Pendant Light

  • Chandeliers

Chandeliers in a kitchen can be pretty unexpected, but that’s what makes them exciting.  They are dramatic and really add life to a room.  If you’re looking to soften up all of the hard lines and surfaces in your kitchen, then chandeliers are the right choice for you.  They give your kitchen a glamorous touch and feel.  The shine and sparkle can be very refreshing for your island décor.

Chandelier Pendant Light

Where to Use Pendant Lighting

Pendant Light

Pendant lighting allows a homeowner to get creative when it comes to style and ambience. Pendants are a great way to illuminate task areas or showcase certain elements in your home by enhancing a particular space. If you have an open floor plan, pendants can be used to break up the feel and create a layout that is more separated.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of home décor. With so many different styles and sizes to choose from, deciding on what works best can become an overwhelming task. Before you choose your style and size, you will need to know where the best places to use pendant lighting are. Pendant lighting works best in conversation areas like family rooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. They are also typically used in task areas such as the kitchen, reading areas, or a workspace.

In the kitchen: If you have an island in your kitchen, pendants are a great way to draw attention to this feature and add task lighting. The same goes for other unique features such as a breakfast nook or a bar, making it more distinct and highlighting it as a conversation or gathering area.

TIP: If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank by remodeling, consider replacing older fixtures with a pendant fixture, or a row of pendants to give your kitchen a more modern look.

Dining areas: Get rid of that outdated lighting fixture and replace it with a unique pendant fixture. If you have a larger dining area, use 3 or more fixtures in a row to highlight your dining space.

TIP: Be sure to use a dimmer switch so you can brighten the area up for a dinner party, or set the mood when it is time for a romantic dinner for two.

Open floor plan: Pendant lighting can be used to break up a large open floor plan, giving the space a more separated feel and creating “zones” within it. If your living room and kitchen are adjoined, consider positioning your couch so the back is towards the kitchen. Hang a row of pendants above the couch and another row in the kitchen. This will separate the two areas and showcase your décor.

TIP: If you have a large living room, consider breaking it up into smaller areas. Create a focal point around a fireplace or entertainment center and hang a pendant fixture above this area. Use a chair or two, and a table in the corner with a single pendant fixture to create a reading nook.

The bedroom: Looking to make that master bedroom more romantic? Consider hanging a pendant fixture above the bed, or a row of pendants above your headboard. Install a dimmer switch to create a more inviting ambience.

TIP: Pendants can also be used above a dresser or vanity to create an extra layer of light or give your room a fresher look.