We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. No space is finished until it’s been outfitted with lighting, and as far as fixtures go, pendant lights are some of the most versatile around. Pendant lights can brighten up your kitchen, illuminate your nightstand, and add ambiance to your bedroom. If you need to hang one somewhere else, rest assured knowing there’s probably a pendant light up to the task. Pendant lights come in a range of sizes and lengths, so double-checking your measurements can help you avoid a headache later. You’ll also want to pay attention to how the pendant light is set up—can it plug into the wall, or does it need to be hardwired? And if the pendant light is going in a wet location, like a bathroom or covered porch, you’ll want to make sure it’s water-friendly. Here, the best pendant lights. Our Top Picks Jump to Review Best Budget: Jump to Review Jump to Review Best Splurge: Jump to Review Best for Kitchen: Globe Electric Nate 4-Light Oil Rubbed Bronze Pendant at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Bathroom: AllModern Alex 1 - Light Single Globe Pendant at Allmodern.com Jump to Review Best for Bedrooms: Wade Logan® Hanceville 1 - Light Single Schoolhouse Pendant at Wayfair Jump to Review Jump to Review Best Farmhouse: Jump to Review Best Modern: Tomons Pendant Light at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Our Picks What to Look for in a Pendant Light Why Trust The Spruce 4.4 Material: Steel | Weight: Not listed | Installation: Hardwired | Water-friendly: Yes What We Like Offered in three finishes Budget-friendly Dimmable Sloped Ceiling Adaptable What We Don't Like Doesn't include a bulb Assembly required For an eye-catching silhouette that'll stun in your home, consider Sea Gull Lighting's Dormer Pendant. The industrial-style pendant light is budget-friendly and offered in multiple finishes, so it's easy to create your ideal look. The lamp’s shade is made up of two parts—a steel ellipse that matches the lamp’s base and a metal shade that fans out. This shade is relatively short, so it exposes the bulb underneath it, adding yet another geometric element into the mix. The fixture is crafted entirely from steel and is offered in three sleek finishes—solid brass, solid silver, or black and brass. The pendant is damp-rated as well, meaning it's as suited for bathrooms as it is a kitchen or bedroom. Here Are the Best Places to Buy Lighting Fixtures Material: Glass | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Installation: Hardwired | Water-friendly: No What We Like Budget-friendly Includes one bulb Lightweight Sloped ceiling adaptable What We Don't Like Offered in one finish If you want to brighten up your space on a budget, Breakwater Bay's Single Bell Pendant is a great option. The wallet-friendly style has a minimal look and can work in a variety of rooms, from kitchens to living rooms and beyond. The light is made with a brass finish and a frosted white shade that'll work well with any design aesthetic. Plus, the lightweight design comes with a lightbulb and is sloped ceiling adaptable, so you won't have to worry about installation—just be sure to put it in a dry location like a kitchen or bedroom. Material: Iron | Weight: 4.41 pounds | Installation: Hardwired | Water-friendly: Not listed What We Like Includes two pendants, wire hangers, suction trays, and accessory screws Budget-friendly Adjustable hanging height What We Don't Like Doesn't include bulbs Whether you're designing a bedroom or you anticipate needing multiple pendant lights, Tomshine's Metal Pendants Light set is a great option. The budget-friendly set includes two metal dome lights, each of which boasts a matte black exterior and a striking gold interior. The lights are crafted from metal, so they feel durable and look industrial. Plus, their two-toned palette lends them a kind of versatile warmth. Since they’re so simple, they should play well with a variety of decor schemes, and they’re sure to look particularly great when paired with other black accents. Material: Glass, brass | Weight: 10.25 pounds | Power source: Hardwired or plug-in | Water-friendly: Yes What We Like Offered in two colors Two installation types Adjustable hanging height Includes mounting plate and pole kit What We Don't Like Expensive Professional installation required Anthropologie's Eloise Pendant is a bit of an investment piece, but the vintage-inspired design makes a case for why it's worth it. The light is offered in two colors, blue, and mint, and you can choose between a hardwired or plug-in style for the white option, making it easy to find an option that works perfectly in your home. The pendant’s base is crafted from plated metal, which is coated with an oiled bronze finish for an antique look. Take a closer look at this metal, and you’ll notice that ornate leaves have been carved into it, only furthering its vintage appeal. The lamp’s shade is crafted from cloudy milk glass—an opaque material that promises to spread light throughout your space. This cloudiness makes the lamp a great pick for rooms where you crave diffused, ambient light, like in a bedroom or living room. Though professional installation is required, the lighting comes with a mounting plate and pole kit, so you'll have everything you need to set it up. Add Light to Any Space With the Best Plug-in Light Fixtures Material: Glass, metal | Weight: 10 pounds | Power source: Hardwired | Water-friendly: Not listed What We Like Offered in three finishes Offered in three sizes Dimmable Slope ceiling adaptable What We Don't Like Doesn't include bulbs Requires four bulbs Globe Electric's Nate Pendant replaces the need to stock up on several different pendant lights. The design descends from the ceiling and then branches out into four smaller lamps, which are displayed in a row. This mimics the look and feel of a row of pendant lights, but lets you skip out on the process of installing more than one fixture. This light will demand a fair amount of space in your kitchen. But since it’s designed to replace four different pendant lights, it ends up being a pretty space-efficient pick that'll illuminate your kitchen or dining room with ease. The Best Kitchen Lights to Illuminate Your Kitchen Material: Metal | Weight: 6 pounds | Power source: Hardwired | Water-friendly: Yes What We Like Adjustable height Dimmable Offered in two finishes What We Don't Like Doesn't include bulbs AllModern’s Alex 1 - Light Single Globe Pendant is a classic globe light that would look good anywhere in your home, although its sleek profile makes it a particularly great pick for your bathroom. The light is crafted from metal, and is suitable for damp environments, meaning it won't be damaged by contact with water. Since the light’s globe is relatively opaque, it should disperse ambient light throughout your space. It's dimmable, however, so you can choose how much lighting you want in the space. Hang two in your bathroom to frame your vanity, or simply hang one in the corner of your space—with a light this versatile, it’s pretty hard to go wrong. Material: Glass | Weight: Not listed| Power source: Plug-in | Water-friendly: No What We Like Built-in on/off switch Plug-in installation Offered in two finishes Includes swag hooks What We Don't Like Doesn't include a bulb Whether you're tight on space or want to forego a traditional table lamp, Wade Logan's Hanceville 1 - Light Single Schoolhouse Pendant will make for a stylish addition to any space. The light, which is offered in either a brass or black finish, is a plug-in design that makes it easy to install. The lamp features a glass shade that works with a variety of design aesthetics, from industrial to transitional and beyond. Plus, it's designed with an on/off switch that's easy to use, especially once you're comfortable in bed. Material: Brass | Weight: Not listed | Power source: Plug-in | Water-friendly: Not listed What We Like Offered in two finishes Minimal design Includes a brass socket and bakelite plug What We Don't Like Expensive Fitter sold seperately Swing hooks sold separately For a light that's easy to install, consider plug-in options like Schoolhouse's Apartment Plug-In Pendant. The light will plug right into any outlet and would work well in a bedroom, at-home office, kitchen, or living room. The light is offered in two finishes, black and khaki, and is made with a twisted cord design that'll add extra style to your space. It should be noted, however, that both the matching swinger hooks and 2.25-inch fitter will have to be purchased separately—there's a matching option, but the design also leaves room to choose any shade style of your choosing. Material: Glass | Weight: 4 pounds| Installation: Hardwired| Water-friendly: Yes What We Like Offered in five hardware finishes Lightweight Includes a rod kit What We Don't Like Doesn't include bulbs Professional installation recommended Pottery Barn’s Farmhouse Glass Pole Pendant offers a minimal take on the classic dome light, making it a versatile yet farmhouse-friendly pick. The light, which is offered in five hardware finishes, features a clear glass shade that'll increase the amount of light in your space. The hardwired light includes five rod options, making the light suitable for three different ceiling heights. Plus, it's damp UL listed, meaning it's suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens as well as bathrooms. Material: Metal | Weight: 4.05 pounds| Installation: Hardwired | Water-friendly: Not listed What We Like Offered in two colors Includes one bulb What We Don't Like Sold invididually If your design style skews towards modern design, you'll appreciate the Tomons Pendant Light. The lamp’s shade is crafted from black metal and its interior is a warm metallic gold—a sleek yet versatile combination that'll stun in any home. The budget-friendly lamp is offered in two colors—black and white. Whether you're designing a living room, bedroom, or at-home office, the versatile piece will add a warm touch of style to your space. Plus, each light comes with one light bulb, so it'll be ready to use. Material: Rattan | Weight: 1.94 pounds| Installation: Hardwired | Water-friendly: No What We Like Adjustable height Lightweight Rattan design What We Don't Like Doesn't include a bulb Rattan pendant lights can be a great way to add some texture to your space. And since Highland Dunes' Medrano Pendant comes in a light beige finish, it's versatile enough to match a variety of home decor you may already have. The lamp is crafted from woven rattan, and its long dome shade promises to provide a blend of targeted and ambient light. This design makes the light a great pick for a variety of different rooms, and its gentle palette makes it an even more versatile option. Pair the piece with vibrant prints to make it feel a little more bohemian, or use it to add a welcome dose of texture to an otherwise minimalist space. Final Verdict Overall, we recommend Sea Gull Lighting's Dormer 1-Light Matte Black Pendant (view at Home Depot) because it's budget-friendly, offered in three finishes, dimmable, and sloped ceiling adaptable. For a budget-friendly option, consider the Breakwater Bay Bambi 1-Light Single Bell Pendant (view at Wayfair) because it has an adjustable height, is sloped ceiling adaptable, and includes a bulb. Pendant lights come in an array of sizes and lengths. To ensure the pendant light you’re eyeing will fit in your space, be sure to double-check its shade size and its length before buying. And remember that some pendant light cords are adjustable, so you may be looking at a length range rather than one specific length. There are all kinds of pendant lights out there, and they come in different shapes, materials, and styles. All that variety may sound overwhelming, but it’s actually great news: it means you can reliably find a pendant light that’ll suit your space. Some pendant lights can plug into a nearby outlet, but many others need to be hardwired. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance (or more temporary) option, you may want to choose a plug-in pendant light. If you don’t mind the possibility of a more involved install, either option should do. If you’re planning to install a pendant light in your bathroom, on a covered porch, or in some other potentially wet spot, be sure to check whether it’s “damp location rated.” If it is, you should be able to install it in a damp location without issue. FAQ Typically, it’s a good idea to have an expert install your lighting for you. But if you want to install a pendant light yourself, there are a few steps you can take. Start by making sure the power to your light is turned off. Then, connect the wires in your ceiling with the wires in your pendant light. (Often, these wires will be color-coded, and you’ll want to connect wires that match.) Then, mount the fixture into your ceiling. Once you’ve done all of this, you may want to consult your specific pendant light’s installation instructions—just in case there are additional steps you need to take to finish the job. Typically, you’ll want to leave 30–36 inches of clearance between your pendant light and the surface beneath it. So you’ll want it to be 30–36 inches above your kitchen island, your dining room table, your nightstand, etc. The number of pendant lights you should hang over a kitchen island will vary, based on how big your kitchen island is. One rule of thumb is to leave 24 inches of clearance between pendant lights. So you might consider starting with two, and adding more if you can do so while maintaining this clearance. This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a seasoned lifestyle writer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2019. She's covered a variety of home decor topics and understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make—that’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are sleek, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. To make this list, she considered each pick's size, style, plug type, and water-friendliness. Size
Style
Plug-In vs. Hardwired
Water-Friendliness
FAQs
How many pendant lights should you have? ›
Generally speaking, it's best to follow the “rule of three,” which is a design guideline that says things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing and memorable than things arranged in even numbers. This “rule” can be applied to most kitchen islands, therefore three pendant lights are ideal.
How do I choose a pendant light shape? ›How To Choose The Right Pendant Lighting - YouTube
Are pendant lights out of style? ›No, they're not out of style, they just have a different function than the others. When you finish in the kitchen at night, the under cabinet lights can be turned on for accent/night lights. Pendants over an island can become task lights when they help you see what you're eating. Stay flexible as you put it together.
What kind of lamps are in style 2021? ›- 01 of 07. Storied Silhouettes. Dumais Made. ...
- 02 of 07. Warm Glow. Dumais Made. ...
- 03 of 07. Hi-Tech Home. ...
- 04 of 07. Mix and Match. ...
- 05 of 07. Back to Nature. ...
- 06 of 07. Get Creative With Color. ...
- 07 of 07. Sustainable Shine.
Pendants as ambient light
To find an ideal height for a pendant, take the room's height, then multiply it by 2.5 and 3, which will give you 2 numbers. (For example, if your room has a 10-foot ceiling, you will get 25 and 30.) Those two numbers are a good range for pendant heights.
We recommend subtracting 12 inches from the width measurement of your island to get an idea of how wide your pendant should be. If your island measures 40 inches wide, then a pendant that's 28 inches wide should suit the space well.
How do I choose a pendant color? ›This is quite an easy step since choosing the color of your pendant lights would depend on the color theme of the kitchen. This means, if your kitchen has neutral tones, a splash of color will uplift the layout of the dining area. The pendant lighting will help make a bold style statement while adding functionality.
How do I choose a pendant light for my living room? ›A good starting point is deciding on your décor style or room theme and go from there. Next, decide on the shape, size and design of your pendant light, keeping in mind your theme or style of the space it will live in.
How many pendant lights do I need for a 10 foot Island? ›For a 10 foot island, it's best to go with three pendant lights to balance out the length of your island.
What is trending in lighting? ›Lighting trends ranging from overhead pendants, elegant sculptural shapes and styles and bespoke fittings, these are just some of the lighting trends our experts have predicted will set the design world alight for 2022.
What is trending in kitchen lighting? ›
Pops of brass, flashes of gold, and slivers of silver – in 2022, we expect to see more metallic lighting fixtures. Metal looks stunning when paired with wood cabinets or matching metal sinks. Lights have a substantial impact on the atmosphere of a room. Steel lights add a cool and clean look to any kitchen.
Should I put a pendant light over kitchen sink? ›Kitchen Sink Island
Task lighting should be your first concern. If your sink is part of a kitchen island, hang pendant lights above it. In this classic style kitchen design by Cindy Smetana Interiors, pendant lights are the focal point and offer rustic appeal as they hang over the sink and provide visual depth.
Sputnik light fixtures are still popular today, so if you're a space geek or simply a fan of futuristic mid-century design, consider buying David Rembert's 12-Light Sputnik Sphere Chandelier, which has a polished chrome body and arms supporting 12 spherical lights.
Are chandeliers still in style? ›Chandeliers are not out of style, and they probably will never be out of style. While different types of chandeliers may follow current trends, others are timeless. Before putting a chandelier in a home, consider various designs and sizes as well as prices of chandeliers to fit a room.
How many pendant lights do I need for a 7 foot island? ›A 7 foot kitchen island should have 2 large pendant lights installed. Each pendant should be approximately 15″ wide for proper scale.
How many pendant lights do I need for a 6 foot island? ›You will get 3 as the maximum number of pendants allowed over your 6-foot long table or kitchen island.
How many pendant lights do I need for a 5 foot island? ›You want to space your pendants approximately two feet apart. That means that if you have a smaller island that is in the 4-5 foot range you need two small or two medium pendants. If you have a larger island, you will need three medium or three large pendants.
How many pendants do I need for a 8 foot island? ›For an eight foot island, you need at least two pendant lights.