Pendent lights are one of the best modern décor lights. This is because they promote space, they designate certain areas within a room and are visually pleasing. Interior design the last 30 years has been based around basic shapes, clean cut angles and minimalism. Pendent lights evoke each of these feelings when you see them. When you’re using pendent lights within the home, they should be used in areas that are used for socializing but have some visual demands. This is why they’re so popular in kitchens, entryways and living rooms. Each of these areas are based around socializing while needing a clear visual experience. This is where light direction and color temperature come in.

Pendant Light Applications

Pendant lights are used in the 2 main types of lighting. Task and general lighting. Lights suspended from the ceiling are mostly thought of as pendant lights, however chandeliers are included as pendants as well. When it comes to their applications, pendant lights are used in entryways, kitchens and living rooms the most. This is due to their aesthetic look and their illumination effect. So let’s take a look at their best applications in detail:

Pendant Lighting Kitchen Islands

The most common use of pendant lights, over a kitchen island. A whole kitchen does require layered lighting, however the combination of general lighting from recessed or bulbs combined with pendants over the island is one of the most popular modern home lighting effects.

How to Light a kitchen Island

The rule of 3. When lighting a kitchen island, it is best to group them in threes. Even if the island is bigger or longer, it is recommended to keep with 3 lights and just increase the size of the pendants. The best approach with kitchen island is match the pendant to the chairs. If there are 3 seats, space the lights out evenly across 3 spaces. This will provide task lighting for each small area, while producing a modern look.

How to Hang Pendants over kitchen Island

As a general rule looking between 30-36 inches above the kitchen surface and 30-36 between each pendant. So, if your surface is shorter, just use 2 lights as a pair at the minimum distance. The height away from the surface and the space between each light is recommended to be even, this is so that from every angle of the room it appears symmetrical.

Pendant Lights in a Living Room

If you want to use the space in your living room more effectively, pendant lights can do this. Wherever you place the pendants hanging is where social activities will gather. Talking, reading, etc. will all happen around where the lights are hanging leaving the rest of the room feeling spacious. If you have a living room table you can install pendants over this or single lights over specific areas to outline each space in the living room. Using pendants can set borders and areas within the room, promoting more open space in the center.

Pendants in Entryways

With entryways pendant lights are great as they hang overhead and provide comfortable illumination for grabbing keys, putting coats and shoes on, etc. If you’re looking for added dramatic affects, you can install an overhead chandelier, these still work as pendant lights and are great for entrances to homes. If you’re looking for more subtle lighting in the doorway basic pendant lights will do. Watch out not to fill the space with overbearing chandelier if the area is small.

Choosing Pendant Shape

Pendant lights come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The shape of your pendant fixtures will depend on the bulbs you buy and the look you’re going for. If you purchase omni-directional bulbs, you won’t want clear glassed pendants. If you’re looking for cleaner sharper looks, industrial styled pendants would be the right choice. So, this aspect does come down to personal taste.

Modern/Industrial Pendants: Provide a cleaner sharper look to match with minimalist modern kitchens. This type of pendant goes well with darker grey, black décor.

Drum Style Pendants: Used more in living rooms, bedrooms, etc. they fit every type of décor and create a unique lighting effect. These are better suited over table, in the center of rooms, etc.

Clear Glass Pendants: Create a nice bright area lighting due to the open fixture, depends on the brightness of your bulbs. The effect they have over kitchen islands looks great; you just need to watch out how bright the bulbs are first.

What is the Best Bulb to Use in Pendant Lights?

SGLEDs 27W omni-directional bulb is one of the best bulbs you can buy for indoor the home. The omni-directional output means light is evenly distributed across a whole area. These bulbs can be used over kitchen islands, in ceilings in entryways. Just look out for using them in transparent glass pendants as the light may be too strong, especially within a close vicinity as a kitchen island. These bulbs are versatile, energy efficient and long lasting, making them one of the best indoor lighting investments for your home.

Why is SGLEDs Better?

SGLEDs bulbs use ceramic technology to prolong their lifespan. Their independent heat sink allows for the chips to be directly attached to the body of the light. Meaning there is no need for internal fans and extra pieces. The less piece, the less heat, the less problems. SGLEDs are currently one of the most cost-effective purchases on the market.

If you're looking for a high return on your investment with high quality lighting and perfect performance, SGLEDs 27W indoor bulbs are for your home!