Burning Question: How Do I Choose, and Hang, a Pendant Light?
Three lighting experts answer a Houzz reader's burning question about how to illuminate a dining table
Georgia Madden
6 July 2017
“I would like to update the pendant light above my dining table but I have no idea how to match it to the rest of my decor or how to actually get the thing in. How do I know what style to choose (my home is mid-century, with a tropical flavour), whether I can do it myself, and how high to hang it?”
In this week’s Burning Question, we put a reader’s problematic pendant issue to a panel of lighting pros.
In this week’s Burning Question, we put a reader’s problematic pendant issue to a panel of lighting pros.
Denise Hammond, product knowledge specialist at Beacon Lighting
1. Ask the right questions
The first step to choosing the perfect pendant light, Hammond says, is to ask yourself a couple of key questions. “How much light do you need in this space? Is the current amount of light enough, too bright or too dull? This is a great opportunity to not only update the look, but the amount of light delivered too.”
Then consider function, she says. “Many dining rooms are used as multi-purposes spaces, for example as somewhere for the kids to do their homework or spread out their projects. If that’s the case in your home, then different levels of light may be required. Also think about the amount of time the light will be turned on – perhaps an energy-saving light is an option.”
1. Ask the right questions
The first step to choosing the perfect pendant light, Hammond says, is to ask yourself a couple of key questions. “How much light do you need in this space? Is the current amount of light enough, too bright or too dull? This is a great opportunity to not only update the look, but the amount of light delivered too.”
Then consider function, she says. “Many dining rooms are used as multi-purposes spaces, for example as somewhere for the kids to do their homework or spread out their projects. If that’s the case in your home, then different levels of light may be required. Also think about the amount of time the light will be turned on – perhaps an energy-saving light is an option.”
2. Hire a pro
“You will need to engage the services of a qualified electrician with a current Australian electrical licence to install the light,” says Hammond. “According to the Australian Building Code and Safety Standards it is illegal to conduct domestic electrical works unless done by a qualified electrician with a current Australian electrical licence.
It is also unlikely that you will be covered under insurance if something like a fire should arise from your own work. A licensed electrician is required to supply you with a certificate of compliance, which is a worthwhile safeguard for your peace of mind.”
Browse electricians in your area
“You will need to engage the services of a qualified electrician with a current Australian electrical licence to install the light,” says Hammond. “According to the Australian Building Code and Safety Standards it is illegal to conduct domestic electrical works unless done by a qualified electrician with a current Australian electrical licence.
It is also unlikely that you will be covered under insurance if something like a fire should arise from your own work. A licensed electrician is required to supply you with a certificate of compliance, which is a worthwhile safeguard for your peace of mind.”
Browse electricians in your area
3. Consider all your options
“If you are living in a northern climate then you may consider a ceiling fan with a light, which will help keep you and your guests comfortable around the dining table on warm evenings. There are many to choose from, including some with retractable blades that don’t even look like fans,” says Hammond. “If you have purely a light source in mind, you might consider timeless metal or timber.”
“If you are living in a northern climate then you may consider a ceiling fan with a light, which will help keep you and your guests comfortable around the dining table on warm evenings. There are many to choose from, including some with retractable blades that don’t even look like fans,” says Hammond. “If you have purely a light source in mind, you might consider timeless metal or timber.”
4. Get the height and shape right
“When it comes to the hanging height of your pendant, a range of about 70 to 80 centimetres above the dining table is generally suitable. This height allows people sitting at the table to talk comfortably without the light becoming intrusive,” Hammond says. “A rounded or spherical pendant will complement an oval or round table, while an angular or squared shape will balance with a rectangular or square table.”
“When choosing size, consider the proportions of the space the pendant will feature in. An undersized pendant will look insignificant, while an oversized fitting will clutter the room and restrict lines of vision.”
Chambord walnut pendant light: Beacon Lighting
“When it comes to the hanging height of your pendant, a range of about 70 to 80 centimetres above the dining table is generally suitable. This height allows people sitting at the table to talk comfortably without the light becoming intrusive,” Hammond says. “A rounded or spherical pendant will complement an oval or round table, while an angular or squared shape will balance with a rectangular or square table.”
“When choosing size, consider the proportions of the space the pendant will feature in. An undersized pendant will look insignificant, while an oversized fitting will clutter the room and restrict lines of vision.”
Chambord walnut pendant light: Beacon Lighting
“Style-wise in 2017, we’re seeing a return to timeless period character,” Hammond says. “This is about mixing modern simplicity with old-world elements. Opulence is also making a comeback in subtle and sophisticated ways – perfect for your decor blend of mid-century modern and tropical.”
Asher Abergel, lighting designer and founder of Dezion Studio
1. Get your wiring checked out
“It’s good practice to ask the electrician to check your wiring and switches when replacing a light fixture, especially with an original light or one that hasn’t been checked for a while,” Abergel says. “Pendants normally come with a ceiling plate. If not, make sure you obtain one that is compliant for the Australian market.”
1. Get your wiring checked out
“It’s good practice to ask the electrician to check your wiring and switches when replacing a light fixture, especially with an original light or one that hasn’t been checked for a while,” Abergel says. “Pendants normally come with a ceiling plate. If not, make sure you obtain one that is compliant for the Australian market.”
2. Think beyond trends
“I would try to stay away from trends as they tend to change rapidly,” Abergel says. “Instead, seek out classic-contemporary designs. A simple round or rectangular shape in modern materials such as plywood, concrete, glass or stainless steel would be right in place. And in my opinion you can never have too much wood, which adds warmth to any interior.”
Read about dining room lighting
“I would try to stay away from trends as they tend to change rapidly,” Abergel says. “Instead, seek out classic-contemporary designs. A simple round or rectangular shape in modern materials such as plywood, concrete, glass or stainless steel would be right in place. And in my opinion you can never have too much wood, which adds warmth to any interior.”
Read about dining room lighting
3. Create impact with clusters
“Using clusters of lights can be more effective than a single source. They can serve a practical purpose too; multiple small pendants will illuminate the edges of the table rather than just the centre,” he says.
“Remember that with clusters, the impact of the whole setup will be greater than the sum of its part. For example, three small 200 millimetre pendants in a cluster will have a greater impact than a single 600 millimetre pendant. Material also plays a role here, as a pendant made from a rich, grainy timber will be more noticeable than a glass pendant.”
A good cluster plate can be hard to find, he says. “Consider having one custom-made that matches your lighting needs and kitchen joinery perfectly.”
“Using clusters of lights can be more effective than a single source. They can serve a practical purpose too; multiple small pendants will illuminate the edges of the table rather than just the centre,” he says.
“Remember that with clusters, the impact of the whole setup will be greater than the sum of its part. For example, three small 200 millimetre pendants in a cluster will have a greater impact than a single 600 millimetre pendant. Material also plays a role here, as a pendant made from a rich, grainy timber will be more noticeable than a glass pendant.”
A good cluster plate can be hard to find, he says. “Consider having one custom-made that matches your lighting needs and kitchen joinery perfectly.”
4. Consider lighting output
If, like many of us, you or the kids work at the dining table as well as eat, make sure you choose a globe that emits enough light, Abergel says. “I would go for a warm light with a high output of around 1500-2000 lumens. LED lights have a longer life span than halogens, and investing in good quality ones normally pays off.”
“Having the light on a dimmer means you’ll be able to work comfortably without straining your eyes, and then dim the light for dining. Adding dimmers, if you don’t already have them, is a pretty straightforward job for an electrician.”
If, like many of us, you or the kids work at the dining table as well as eat, make sure you choose a globe that emits enough light, Abergel says. “I would go for a warm light with a high output of around 1500-2000 lumens. LED lights have a longer life span than halogens, and investing in good quality ones normally pays off.”
“Having the light on a dimmer means you’ll be able to work comfortably without straining your eyes, and then dim the light for dining. Adding dimmers, if you don’t already have them, is a pretty straightforward job for an electrician.”
5. Don’t forget glare factor
“Glare is another big consideration, especially with low-hanging pendants,” Abergel says. “Choose pendants where the light source is behind a diffuser or where the light rays are reflected downwards.”
Clever lighting ideas you might not have considered
“Glare is another big consideration, especially with low-hanging pendants,” Abergel says. “Choose pendants where the light source is behind a diffuser or where the light rays are reflected downwards.”
Clever lighting ideas you might not have considered
Adam Williams, electrician at Electrician Man
1. Check the paperwork
Unless the light fitting is labelled DIY and you’re a competent DIYer, then you will need to enlist the services of a registered electrical contractor to replace your pendant light fitting,” Williams says.
“Before hiring an electrician, ask to see their electrical licence and request a safety compliance certificate on completion of the job.”
1. Check the paperwork
Unless the light fitting is labelled DIY and you’re a competent DIYer, then you will need to enlist the services of a registered electrical contractor to replace your pendant light fitting,” Williams says.
“Before hiring an electrician, ask to see their electrical licence and request a safety compliance certificate on completion of the job.”
2. Complicated jobs may cost more
“If the existing cabling and circuit protection in your home are up to today’s standards, installing a standard pendant light should take an electrician about one hour,” Williams says “More complicated jobs, such as clustered light fittings, chandeliers or lights with staggered heights, can take a lot more time, which will add to the installation cost.”
“You will also have to pay for upgrades to cabling or circuit protection if your existing ones do not meet current standards.”
“If the existing cabling and circuit protection in your home are up to today’s standards, installing a standard pendant light should take an electrician about one hour,” Williams says “More complicated jobs, such as clustered light fittings, chandeliers or lights with staggered heights, can take a lot more time, which will add to the installation cost.”
“You will also have to pay for upgrades to cabling or circuit protection if your existing ones do not meet current standards.”
According to Williams, electrician prices range from about $80 – $120 per hour, taking into account city or regional living.
3. Set the mood
Adding a dimmer switch to your pendant is a good idea, the experts agree, as it will give you the flexibility to go from task to mood lighting in a flash. “Dimmer switches are easy to install depending on the space you have behind the existing switch, which an electrician will be able to determine on inspection,” Williams says. “Dimmers themselves start from about $50.”
Adding a dimmer switch to your pendant is a good idea, the experts agree, as it will give you the flexibility to go from task to mood lighting in a flash. “Dimmer switches are easy to install depending on the space you have behind the existing switch, which an electrician will be able to determine on inspection,” Williams says. “Dimmers themselves start from about $50.”
4. Make it easy
“To make a job run quickly and smoothly, move any furniture or accessories out of the way so the electrician has easy access,” Williams says. “And a cup of coffee is always a welcome treat!”
“To make a job run quickly and smoothly, move any furniture or accessories out of the way so the electrician has easy access,” Williams says. “And a cup of coffee is always a welcome treat!”
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Do you have a particular question you’d like answered in our new Burning Question series? Tell us in the Comments section below and we’ll put it to our experts.
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Read more stories about lighting
Do you have a particular question you’d like answered in our new Burning Question series? Tell us in the Comments section below and we’ll put it to our experts.
More
Read more stories about lighting
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Any tips for hanging pendants from very high, open truss ceilings?
Hi Nat and Nancy, I saw your comments above and just thought I'd put forward a couple of suggestions. For open truss ceilings it is still possible to hang pendants, you just might look into adding some extra support beams if you need a different location or if you can't find pendants with long enough cabling, maybe an electrician can rewire for you. Other than that a combination of track lighting and pendants could be the way to go for the light levels required. In regards to low ceilings Nancy, LED oyster lights can be an affordable option for low height ceilings, there are some nicer styles on the market these days like the Akira or Contour from UNIOS lighting that can dim. Other than that of course downlights are an option or reflected lighting from wall lights or floor lamps are a lovely way to light a room. Hope that helps :-) If you need any further assistance please contact me @ andrea@ledoutdoor.net.au.
Thanks so much Wildly Illuminating - very kind of you!