Pendant Lighting: Ideas and Options

If I had to choose my biggest decorating weakness, I would have to say it’s something to do with lighting. I don’t pay attention to overhead lighting. When choosing table lamps I always err on the side of picking lamps that are too small. Right now I’m in the market for pendant lighting for my new sitting room. As usual, I found plenty of inspiration from fellow bloggers and interior designers on Houzz. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Check out these gorgeous, rustic farmhouse pendant lights. I think these would look great in my kitchen.

Rustic Pendant Lighting in a Farmhouse KitchenPhoto by Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

 

One thing I’ve found out – pendant lighting can be expensive. Cami at Tidbits shares how she made her adorable kitchen pendant lights. Thank you Cami, for your easy tutorial!

DIY Kitche Pendant Lighting. Tutorial at Tidbits

 

You know, I had a friend who was studying to be an interior designer and I remember when she told me about her lighting class. At the time I thought it odd that an entire class would be devoted to lighting. But now, after checking out lighting options, I totally get it! Three lights or five? Cool bulbs or warm? Overhead lighting or table lighting or both?

Kitchen Pendant LightingPhoto by Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC

 

As I searched for an overhead light for my sitting room, I knew I wanted a pendant light for the space.

Pendant Lighting in Traditional Living RoomPhoto by RKI Interior Design

I like what Sarah at Life on Virginia Street had to say about her beautiful pendant light in her dining room. She calls it a statement piece. That really resonates with me because I haven’t chosen lights to be “statement pieces.” They’re more of an after thought for me. But that’s about to change! I’m making a vow to give careful consideration when choosing lights.

Dining Room Pendant Light at Life on Virginia Street

 

I love this living room and I love the pendant lighting.

Farmhouse Style Living RoomPhoto by John Bynum Custom Homes, Inc.

 

Normally you’ll find pendant lighting in the middle of the room, but Brooke at Nesting with Grace shares her pretty plug-in pendant light and how she converted it from a hardwired light to a plug-in. Brooke can move the light around the room, or from room to room. This is a great lighting option for reading a book at night.

Mobile Pendant Lighting by Nesting with Grace

 

If you enjoy DIY projects, you’ll enjoy creating a wooden beaded light like this one made by Jennifer at The Chronicles of Home. I’m completely amazed that she made this beauty – and she shares the tutorial, too!

DIY Beaded Pendant Lighting by The Chronicles of Home

 

The more I searched for a new light for the sitting room, the more I was able to narrow down what I wanted. A drum light that’s both metal and fabric – not too rustic, with a little bit of femininity thrown in. I felt it should be softer than what you’d find in a kitchen.

Farmhouse Kitchen with Pendant LightingPhoto by Brooks Custom

 

And so … this is the light I chose. It’s by Quorum Salento and I hope it looks good once hubby hangs it.

Quorum Salento Pendant Lighting

What are some of your favorite lighting tips you consider when purchasing lamps or lights for your home?

 

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13 Comments

  1. We have recessed lights above the island where our stovetop is located. I’m considering something new that I recently saw. These are pendant lights that screw into the recessed fixture just like a lightbulb would but hang down and have the look of new pendant lights. Have you seen them? Wonder how they would look.

    1. My sister has these lights in her kitchen above a secondary island and they look like they were always meant to be pendant lights. It’s a good idea and I want them for the recessed lights that point toward my fireplace mantle.

  2. Gasp, that’s perfect your sitting room. Back in 1970 when I took an interior design class, overhead lighting in a living room was frowned upon. And as an example of how trends change, it is on point now. I personally love all the different styles, and am on the search for a new dining room fixture, with coordinating pendants. My favorite overhead light is one my boys bought me that is Amish made of punched tin. Unfortunately, it sits in my basement because it really does not fit much current home.????

  3. Thank You. Just thinking about new lighting for our kitchen and dining area. I hate lights which are too bright but of course you need good light when doing things. So, I guess need both bright light for working and dim lights for enjoying. I prefer more lamps than 1 good in the middle of the room. I’m also thinking about reusing old gas lamps found at attic. Bringing old stuff to use again with electricity.

  4. Not sure if I’ll be able to post a picture here in the comments, but I saw a couple I liked at Cocoon this past week. Oh and I ordered my couch finally!!!! I’m so excited!!!! The light you chose is gorgeous!

  5. Hi. I’m wondering where the rustic/industrial looking steel looking pendants are from in the first picture in your blog? I love them!

    Kati