Styling Your Home with Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are so much more than just sources of illumination - they can also be gorgeous design elements that work to elevate the ambiance and aesthetics of your home. When strategically placed and styled, these fixtures create a captivating and functional atmosphere, making them the ideal décor pieces. 

Come with us as we explore unique ways you can style different pendant lights and the best ways to incorporate them into your home. 

Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian Van Der Beek 

What is a Pendant Light in Interior Design?

A pendant light is a hanging ceiling fixture that acts as both a source of light and décor. They come in various materials, styles, and colours, plus they’re versatile in function and can be used as ambient or task lighting. Often used as a focal point within kitchens, dining areas, and bedrooms, pendant lights can complete various interior styles while adding a touch of personality to your home décor.

Explore our entire range of pendant lights with something to suit every interior style. 

Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada

Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada

Coastal Pendant Lights

Coastal pendant lights are fixtures that reflect the relaxed, breezy ambiance of coastal interior design. They embody a beach-inspired style, often featuring elements such as natural textures and materials. Coastal pendant lighting evokes a seaside feel through its design, soft, muted colours, and organic shapes, which also work to bring a sense of tranquility into the home. They’re perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere and aren’t just reserved for homes along the coastline. 

Image credit: @houseonesixtwo | @the.palm.co 

Rattan Pendant Lights

Rattan pendant lights introduce a natural and bohemian touch to your home. Their woven textures and earthy tones make them perfect for bringing warmth and a relaxed atmosphere to any space. Consider using rattan pendant lights in areas where you aim to create a cosy and inviting ambiance, such as an alfresco, dining room, or even a bright living room. 

Mood board created by Jake Macpherson on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Emma Dickson Designs on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by designs_avenue on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Modern Pendant Lights

Embrace contemporary design by selecting sleek, geometric, or abstract-shaped modern pendant lights. These fixtures often serve as statement pieces, adding an artistic element to the room. Install them in spaces with high ceilings to draw the eye upwards and create a sense of elegance.

If you’re looking for some modern or contemporary interior design inspiration, visit our mood board gallery with thousands of projects from our design community.

Image credit: Maven Home | Nat Spada

Image credit: Maven Home | Nat Spada

Luxury Pendant Lights

Luxury pendant lights represent opulent lighting fixtures designed with quality materials. These fixtures often feature sophisticated designs, elegant finishes, and high-quality components, creating that luxury feel. They boast unique elements, such as crystal embellishments, fine metals, or artisanal glasswork, elevating the overall aesthetic of a space. Luxury pendant lights serve not only as sources of illumination but also as statement pieces, adding a touch of refined style to your interior settings. Their exclusive design, renowned quality, and luxurious detailing cater to those seeking sophistication and a distinctive ambiance in their décor.

Image credit: SJS Interior Design | Tom Ferguson 

Image credit: SJS Interior Design | Tom Ferguson 

Black Pendant Lights

Black pendant lights are perfect for making a bold statement, contrasting beautifully in contemporary or industrial-themed spaces. They exude sophistication and can be a striking addition to a kitchen island or dining table. The sleekness of black pendant lights complements various interior styles, adding a touch of elegance and modernity to the space.

Image credit: Polina Radchenko Interiors | Cathy Schusler 

Image credit: Polina Radchenko Interiors | Cathy Schusler 

White Pendant Lights

White pendant lights are versatile and timeless. They can blend seamlessly into almost any interior style, reflecting light to create a bright and airy feel. Choose white pendant lights for a minimalist or Scandinavian design, where their clean and simplistic appearance can contribute to an open and fresh aesthetic.

Image credit: PJH Constructions | Villa Styling 

Image credit: PJH Constructions | Villa Styling 

Where Should You Style Pendant Lights?

Pendant Lights for the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home where pendant lights can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Opt for hanging multiple smaller pendant lights above an island or breakfast bar to provide focused lighting while adding a stylish focal point. Copper or brass fixtures add warmth, while sleek, minimalist designs complement a modern kitchen aesthetic.

Image credit: McShane Studio | Anne Stroud Photography 

Pendant Lights for the Dining Table

Pendant lights above the dining table set the mood for relaxed family dinners or entertaining with friends. Opt for a fixture that complements the table's shape and size. Choose a series of smaller pendants for a more dramatic effect or a single, larger pendant for a minimalist and modern touch.

Image credit: The Talle Valley House | ABI Interiors 

Pendant Lights for the Living Room

The living room is an ideal space to express your style with pendant lights. Create a cozy atmosphere by selecting softer, warmer lighting options. Position them strategically to highlight specific areas like a coffee table or a sofa.

Image credit: Hennessy Building Projects | Kristian Van Der Beek 

Pendant Lights for the Bedroom

Pendant lights in the bedroom offer a unique opportunity to create a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. Opt for soft, diffused lighting with fabric or frosted glass shades. They can even act as chic and functional alternatives to traditional lighting in walk-in robes and bedroom seating areas.

Mood board created by danyescalante on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Five Files Design Studio on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Sisu Styling on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Pendant Lights for the Bedside Table

Speaking of bedroom pendant lights, for a clutter-free bedside setup, consider pendant lights. Install adjustable pendant lights above each side of the bed to offer customisable lighting for reading or ambiance. This not only saves space on the bedside table but also adds a unique and personalised touch to the bedroom.

Image credit: @smout_property | Villa Styling

Image credit: @smout_property | Villa Styling

Visualise how you can style your favourite pendant lights using our mood board tool. 

We love how Kate Lawrence Interiors has styled this natural pendant light in this modern moody home.

Image credit: Kate Lawrence Interiors | Hannah Blackmore 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a creative way to use pendant lights?

Pendant lights offer a range of creative possibilities beyond their conventional uses. Consider installing multiple pendant lights at varying heights in a cluster to create an eye-catching centerpiece or focal point in the room. You can also experiment with mixing and matching different styles or colors of pendant lights to add visual interest and personality to the space. 

We love the idea of using pendant lights in unconventional areas, like the bathroom, to add a touch of elegance or above a staircase to highlight architectural features.

2. Do pendant lights make a room look smaller?

Pendant lights, when used thoughtfully, typically don’t make a room look smaller. In fact, pendant lights can create an illusion of spaciousness by drawing the eyes upwards and emphasising vertical space. Opting for transparent or open-style pendants can maintain a sense of openness in a room, as they allow light to pass through without obstructing the view. 

However, excessively large or numerous pendant lights in a compact space might overpower the room and potentially make it feel crowded. Properly sized and strategically placed pendant lights can contribute to an open and inviting atmosphere.

3. What are the rules for pendant lights?

While there are no strict rules, there are some guidelines to ensure effective use of pendant lights:

Proportion and Placement: Ensure that the size and quantity of pendant lights are appropriate for the room size and intended purpose. Avoid overcrowding or using oversized fixtures that overwhelm the space.

Height: Adjust the height of your pendant lights to suit your preferences and the room's specific requirements.

Style Cohesion: Maintain a sense of cohesion by choosing pendant lights that complement the overall style and theme of the room.

Consider Function: Determine whether the primary purpose of the pendant lights is for task lighting, ambient lighting, or for decorative elements. This will impact the type and placement of the fixtures.

4. What rooms are pendant lights best suited to?

Pendant lights are versatile and can suit various rooms within a home. They work exceptionally well in:

Kitchen: Ideal for task lighting over islands or counters.

Dining Room: Great for providing focused lighting over a dining table.

Living Room: Use them to create ambiance and highlight specific areas.

Bedroom: Pendant lights can serve as elegant bedside lighting or enhance the room's ambiance.

Entryways or Voids: They can add a welcoming touch or serve as a statement piece.