July 12, 2023
HOW TO HANG PENDANT LIGHTS AT DIFFERENT HEIGHTS FOR EFFECT
Make a statement with stylish pendant lights—they are a must for building ambience and creating a focal point in your favourite spaces.
The use of pendant lights are not only a want, but a need, according to interior designer Alex Papachristidis. “With the height of the ceiling, particularly in tall hallways or large rooms, you need something that hangs down to make the proportion of the room feel more intimate and human,” he says.
When hanging pendant lights, you’ll want to be aware of the ceiling height, the function of the lighting and what sits below the fixture. The lower the pendant, the more concentrated and direct the light will be—plus, it’ll make more of a statement as the room’s focal point. Higher-placed pendants provide a wider, gentler light projection, and contribute to a more casual feel.
Light up your kitchen island
Kitchen islands and pendant lights are the perfect pairing—it’s a classic combo of style and function. Here, you’ll want to position them high enough to be practical, while still maintaining the dramatic look of a suspended shade. You'll want at least 2.5-3 feet between your countertop and the bottom of your fixtures to ensure they light the space effectively, while not getting in the way of your day-to-day activities. It’s also worth keeping in mind the heights of the people in your household. No one should have to duck to stand comfortably around the kitchen! Islands that are five feet long or less usually suit one large or two medium pendants—like this carved conical ceramic light—while two larger or three medium sized pendants work well with longer kitchen islands.