There’s probably no more overlooked addition when people are remaking their homes than installing white pendant lights. Normally, people will turn to old favorites like replacing their countertops or having new cabinets put in. Those, though, will be wrought with delays and cost overruns. Even if you’re lucky enough to not experience that, they’ll still be much more expensive than revamping your lighting.
Carefully selected pendant lighting, however, can immediately change the look, feel, and usage of any interior space in just a few short hours. Sites offering pendant lights like stylishdirect.com will have plenty of options available for you to choose from, so you’ll be able to pick something that fits your needs just right. Best of all, it will all be done for pennies on the dollar when compared to other home makeover options. Now, let’s go over the thought process you should run through when selecting your pendants.
How will you be using your pendant lights?
The first thing you need to decide is what you’ll be using your new fixtures for. Are you looking for something more with the purpose of adding to the look and style of your room? Or will it be needed for more utilitarian reasons, like ensuring a workspace or kitchen island has plenty of illumination? While it may seem obvious, you need to make this clear before you proceed any further. Deciding this will let you then begin to narrow down your options significantly.
What type of pendant lighting will fit your requirements best?
Since you’ve got the purpose of your pendant lights decided, you can now begin planning on just which type is going to work. There’s an almost unlimited amount of options out there, ranging from narrow cylinder pendants to large drum pendants, with every shape and size you could imagine in between. If you’re in need of lighting to assist you while working, make sure to look for options that direct the light downwards. Conversely, if you’re more worried about looks then those might not be a great choice.
Think about the number and size of pendant lights you’ll need
This will be dependent on what you decided during our first two points. Most people will find that smaller pendants hung in multiples work best to provide directed, complete light over a kitchen island. If you want something to make a stylish statement when guests arrive, then something larger and more eye-catching like a single drum pendant might be a better option. Of course, you’ll always want to make sure you’re adequately meeting your needs when making these choices. It might fit your requirements better to buy multiple smaller pendants. The last thing you want is to buy a single, larger pendant only to find it doesn’t provide a wide enough lighting area.
Carefully measure your ceiling at the point of install
Here’s something most people don’t think about during the buying process. You may assume it’s not necessary if you’re having a professional do the installation (which you should), but it’s still an important step even then. The last thing you want is to pick out seemingly perfect lights, only to find out they’re not the correct length for your placement. Pay attention to things like your pendant lighting’s hanging method, exactly how long it is, and whether or not you can adjust it. You’ll also want to check if it’s able to be installed on a slanted ceiling, if that’s relevant for you.
How difficult is the installation process?
Even though you should be using a professional, this is something you’ll still want to consider. Most pendant lights will be hardwired, and fixtures with complex mounting will cost you more in labor. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, there is any easy choice that won’t require any electrical knowledge. Search for plug-in pendant lighting during your decision process. Fixtures of this type will normally come with very long cords, along with guide hooks. These allow you to run the wiring along your ceiling and down the wall to an outlet without getting in the way.
Which pendant is right for your decorative style?
You now know what type of pendant you’ll want, along with the type of hanging device and wiring method that will work. The only thing left is to decide on the styling. There are so many options out there you’re virtually guaranteed to find something that’s the perfect fit. Popular categories of pendants include farmhouse, modern, vintage, and industrial (but there’s countless more). Also think about coloring once you’ve decided on style. If you want something to blend in, choose a pendant similar in color to the room you’ll be placing it. Want to make a bold statement? Then make a choice that will stand out and provide a contrast.
Don’t rush into anything. Properly chosen pendant lights will be an integral part of your home for years to come, so make sure to take plenty of time to consider each of these points. Best of luck to you, and enjoy your new lighting!
