Pendant lights are a popular and stylish way to provide focused lighting in kitchens, entryways, dining rooms, and other areas of the home. As with most home décor trends, certain styles and designs of pendant lights come in and out of fashion. Knowing what is trending can help homeowners choose lighting fixtures that feel fresh, modern and on-trend.
Page Contents
- 1 Minimalist and Geometric Pendant Lights
- 2 Single-Bulb Pendants
- 3 Drum, Bell and Cylinder Shades
- 4 Black and Brass Finishes
- 5 Bold Colors and Patterns
- 6 Rattan and Natural Materials
- 7 Multilevel Fixtures
- 8 Dimmable Smart Pendants
- 9 What to Consider When Choosing Pendant Lights
- 10 Popular Places to Use Pendant Lights
- 11 Top Pendant Light Brands
- 12 Pendant Lighting Ideas by Style
- 13 Conclusion
Minimalist and Geometric Pendant Lights
Clean, minimalist lighting fixtures with geometric shapes are very in right now. This includes simple orb or sphere-shaped pendants made from metal, glass or woven materials. More complex geometric shapes like triangles, hexagons, octagons and diamond shapes are also popular for single pendant lights or grouped multi-light fixtures.
These geometric lights look great over kitchen islands, dining room tables, sitting areas and more. They provide a contemporary, uncluttered look that works in modern, industrial, Scandinavian and other styles of decor.
Single-Bulb Pendants
Pendant lights with just one, exposed bulb are a minimalist look that is very chic right now. From Edison-style bulbs to sphere-shaped bulbs, the visible filament or inner workings of the light bulb become part of the style. These pendants work well in pairs or groupings over kitchen counters, islands and other areas where focused task lighting is needed.
Drum, Bell and Cylinder Shades
Pendant lights with drum, bell, cylinder or tube-shaped shades are also trending. These provide a softer glow than more open, geometric pendants. The rounded shade shapes pair nicely with Edison-style bulbs. Groups of drum or bell pendants make a dramatic style statement over a dining table or kitchen island.
Black and Brass Finishes
Black metal finishes on pendant lights and fixtures are still going strong. Matte black, glossy black, black chrome and aged black provide an edgy, contemporary look. Brass finishes are also still trending, pairing nicely with black and other color schemes. Polished brass, antique brass and brushed brass offer a hint of glamour.
Bold Colors and Patterns
While minimalist and black/brass lights are popular, bold colors and patterns also make a fun statement. Pendants in bright hues like red, yellow, teal or pink inject life into a neutral room. Patterned fabric lampshades are trending, featuring stripes, geometrics, floral prints and more. Murano glass pendants in vivid colors are another way to incorporate color.
Rattan and Natural Materials
Sustainable design is increasingly popular, and pendant lights made from natural, renewable materials reflect this trend. Fixtures made from rattan, bamboo, jute, seagrass and similar materials bring organic texture. Neutral shades like tan, ecru and light wood tones complement many color schemes from bohemian to mid-century modern.
Multilevel Fixtures
Pendant lights with multiple tiers, rods or sections layered at different heights are an of-the-moment style. These multilevel fixtures provide ambient glow from the top sections and more focused task lighting from the lower sections. They make a striking statement over dining tables, kitchen islands, seating areas and stairwells.
Dimmable Smart Pendants
Technology is also playing a role in pendant light trends. Smart pendants with advanced WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities allow you to dim, brighten and control lighting from an app on your phone or device. This makes it easy to set schedules, lighting scenes and automation.
What to Consider When Choosing Pendant Lights
When selecting pendant lighting, here are some tips to ensure you choose the right options for your needs:
- Carefully measure the space where the pendant(s) will hang and account for proper clearance over countertops or tables.
- Choose the right bulb brightness and number of lights for the space. Island pendants often need 3-5 bulbs.
- Select energy efficient LED bulbs to save on your electricity costs.
- Consider a dimmer switch or smart dimmable pendants so you can control the light brightness.
- Choose pendant heights and lengths to match your ceiling height and make the visual impact you want.
- Mix and match pendant styles for kitchen islands or dining room groupings to create visual interest.
Popular Places to Use Pendant Lights
Here are some of the most popular places to install pendant lighting:
Kitchen Island
Island pendant lights are one of the most common uses. Position pendants at the end of the island pointing toward the countertop for task lighting. Use 3-5 pendants spaced evenly for optimal lighting.
Kitchen Sink
Highlight the kitchen sink area with a single- or multi-pendant fixture. Position it slightly in front of the sink for ideal lighting while washing dishes and food prep.
Dining Room Table
A striking dining room pendant really sets the mood for entertaining. Use one large statement fixture or a grouping of 3-5 pendants over the dining table.
Entryway
Welcome guests with a beautiful entryway pendant. Place it over a foyer table or console to enhance the entry space.
Bedroom
Add modern style and ambient lighting with a pendant next to the bed or over a sitting area. Go dramatic with a chandelier-style multi-light fixture.
Bathroom
Brighter bathroom pendants help with tasks like applying makeup and grooming. Position over vanities or tub/shower areas.
Home Office
An office pendant light illuminates your work surface beautifully. Go with an adjustable height fixture to get the lighting just right.
Top Pendant Light Brands
Here are some top manufacturers producing stylish, innovative pendant lights:
| Brand | Known For |
|---|---|
| Arteriors | Modern, geo shapes, mixed metals |
| Tech Lighting | Minimalist, contemporary |
| Hudson Valley | Glam lighting, crystal pendants |
| Currey & Company | Handcrafted, unique styles |
| George Kovacs | Industrial, urban |
| Kenroy Home | Affordable, transitional looks |
| Niche Modern | Modern glass globes, Bell pendants |
| Feiss | Coastal, traditional |
| WAC Lighting | Contemporary, LED |
| Kuzco Lighting | Wide selection, unique styles |
Pendant Lighting Ideas by Style
Here are some pendant lighting ideas tailored to popular interior design styles:
Modern Pendants
Modern style pendants have clean lines and geometric shapes. Go with metallics like brass, chrome and nickel. Add pops of color with red, yellow or blue glass pendants.
Transitional Pendants
For transitional decor, look for curved bell or drum shades paired with simple bases. Bronze, pewter and aged metal finishes create a warm, inviting look.
Contemporary Pendants
Contemporary pendant lighting is defined by sleek, bold shapes like orbs, cubes and rectangles in polished metallics like gold, silver and copper. Abstract art glass pendants also have contemporary appeal.
Coastal/Beach Pendants
Casual woven pendants, shell or sea glass fixtures capture the coastal style. Go for white, sand and ocean inspired blue, green and aqua hues.
Industrial Pendants
For industrial flair, choose black metal pendants with exposed bulbs and Edison-style filaments. Herringbone, mesh and perforated metal add intriguing texture.
Rustic/Farmhouse Pendants
Look for pendants with a handcrafted, weathered appearance. Galvanized metal, wood grain finishes, woven cotton and fabric shades enhance rustic charm.
Eclectic Pendants
Make a bold eclectic statement by mixing and matching shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Layer glam crystal pendants with earthy rattan lights and modern metallic pendants.
Conclusion
Pendant lighting is an easy way to enhance any home’s decor. From minimalist and smart pendants to natural woven and vividly colored statement lights, today’s styles cover a wide range. Choose pendant fixtures that reflect your interior design tastes and lighting needs. Position them thoughtfully in entryways, bedrooms, dining spaces, kitchens and anywhere you need focused, ambient or task lighting.