Choosing the best lighting for your home is such an exciting task! It's the finishing touch that breathes life into a space, adding warmth, character, and your unique sense of style. But when it comes to picking the perfect pendant light, how do you choose the right size, fitting or shade? We know that with busy lives, you just want to get it right the first time without the hassle of sending something back.
Deciding on the proper lighting can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Please think of us as your friendly guide! At The Wall Lighting Company, we believe finding the perfect light should be a joyful and straightforward part of your design journey. We've put together our best expert advice and practical tips to help you select the ideal pendant light with total confidence.
Let's get started and make sure your next lighting choice is the perfect one for your home!
Why Pendant Light Size is So Important
Getting the scale of your lighting right is just as important as the style itself. A perfectly proportioned pendant light can completely transform a room. It creates a sense of visual balance, making the fixture feel like it truly belongs. The right size also ensures you get the perfect amount of light – not too dim, not too glaring, but just right.
A large, dramatic pendant can become a stunning focal point, while a series of smaller lights can create a subtle, sophisticated atmosphere. A tiny pendant over a huge dining table can look lost and out of place, while an oversized fixture in a room with low ceilings can make the space feel cramped. We’re here to help you find that perfect balance and create a space you'll love.
Your Fail-Safe Method: The Cardboard Template Trick
Before we get into the numbers and rules, let us share our absolute favourite, can't-go-wrong tip: make a cardboard template! It is hands-down the best way to see how a pendant will look and feel in your space before you commit.
It’s so simple! First, find the dimensions (height and diameter) of the light you love on our website's product page. Next, grab a piece of cardboard and cut out a simple shape representing the size of the shade. Then, hang your template from the ceiling with a piece of string right where you plan to install the light.
This brilliant little trick lets you step back and really see how much space the pendant will take up. You can walk around it, see it from different angles, and get a true sense of its scale in your room. It’s an incredibly effective way to make your final decision with confidence!
How to Choose a Pendant Light for Your Dining Room
A pendant light over the dining table is a classic choice that creates a beautiful centrepiece and an intimate setting for meals with family and friends.
- Finding the Right Diameter: A great rule of thumb is to choose a pendant light that is between one-half and two-thirds the width of your dining table. So, for a table that’s 120cm wide, you would look for a light with a diameter between 60cm and 80cm. This ensures the fixture is substantial enough to make a statement without overpowering the table.
- Getting the Height Just Right: The bottom of your pendant should hang about 75cm to 90cm above the tabletop. This is the sweet spot! It’s high enough that it won’t block anyone’s view across the table but low enough to feel connected to the space and provide lovely, focused light for your meals.
- Lighting for Long Tables: If you have a long, rectangular dining table, consider hanging a pair of beautiful pendants or even a row of three smaller ones. This creates a wonderful visual rhythm and ensures the entire length of the table is evenly and beautifully illuminated.
Perfect Pendants for Your Kitchen Island
Kitchen island lighting is where function and style truly come together. These lights are workhorses, providing essential task lighting for all your kitchen prep, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to inject personality and style into the heart of your home.
- How Many Pendants? For most kitchen islands, two or three pendants work beautifully. Two larger pendants can create a bold, balanced look that feels clean and modern. A row of three medium-sized pendants is a timeless arrangement that always looks fantastic. Using an odd number often creates a more dynamic and visually interesting design.
- The Secret to Spacing: To space your pendants perfectly, first measure the length of your island. Then, divide that length by the number of pendants plus one. This simple sum gives you the ideal spacing from each end of the island and between each light. For example, if you have a 240cm island and want to hang two pendants, you would divide 240 by 3, which gives you 80cm. You would place a pendant 80cm from each end, leaving 80cm in the middle. Easy!
- The Right Clearance: You’ll want plenty of headroom, so make sure the bottom of your pendants hangs about 75cm to 90cm above the countertop. This keeps them well out of your way while you’re working and ensures your line of sight remains clear. Our Newbury Large Clear Glass Shade Pendant Light is a customer favourite for kitchen islands because its classic design works perfectly in this setting.
How to Light Rooms with Low Ceilings
If you have ceilings that are a bit on the lower side (usually under 2.4 meters), you absolutely do not have to give up on beautiful ceiling lighting! The trick is to choose flush or semi-flush mount fixtures that save on vertical space.
- Streamlined Flush Mounts: These fixtures sit directly against the ceiling, making them the ultimate space-savers. They are perfect for providing excellent ambient light without taking up any headroom.
- Stylish Semi-Flush Mounts: These hang just a short distance from the ceiling. They offer a bit more decorative flair than a flush mount but are still compact enough for lower ceilings. Our Mono Prismatic Ceiling Light, for example, is a fantastic choice that combines a stylish, low-profile design with brilliant light diffusion.
Choosing Cluster Pendants for Maximum Impact
If you’re looking to light a hallway with a high ceiling or make a statement in a large bathroom, a cluster pendant is a fabulous choice. These fixtures group multiple lights together for a dramatic effect.
- 3-Drop vs. 5-Drop: How do you know whether you need a 3-drop or 5-drop cluster? Think about the scale of your space. A 3-drop cluster is perfect for standard-height ceilings or smaller entryways, providing a beautiful focal point without overwhelming the area. For a grand, double-height stairwell or a large, open-plan living area, a 5-drop cluster will fill the vertical space beautifully and create a truly showstopping feature.
- Slim Pendants for Narrow Spaces: If you love the look of a pendant but are working with a narrow space, like a small hallway or a compact kitchen, look for a slim pendant shade. A slender profile provides that lovely hanging light effect without encroaching on the walkway. Our Brook Pendant Light from the British-made Cranbrook Collection has a wonderfully slim design that is perfect for these situations.
We Are Always Here to Help!
We put our customers first, and we always want to hear from you. We genuinely care about lighting, and our small yet dedicated team is so excited to share our insight into which lights are right for you. If you’ve made your cardboard template and still feel a little unsure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We know every home is unique, and sometimes all you need is a friendly, expert opinion. You can call us, send an email with photos of your space, or even book a free lighting consultation. We would be absolutely delighted to offer personalised advice to help you find the perfect light.
Good luck with choosing your lighting and have fun creating a home you love!
As always, if you are still in doubt, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our expert team members on 01580 712805 and they will be happy to help.
