Of all the interior lighting options available, pendant lights offer one of the best opportunities to make a statement while illuminating an area. Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, materials, and styles, pendant lights are a functional and beautiful addition to any room.

Yet they look their best when installed according to a few practical and aesthetic guidelines. Here are five helpful tips for installing pendant lighting in your home.

Get the height right. As a rule of thumb, a pendant light should hang about thirty inches above a counter or table surface to provide illumination without compromising headroom or creating glare. This may vary based on the height of household members and the function of the surface. For example, a pendant light over a desk may be better positioned about sixteen inches from the surface. A pendant in a foyer should be suspended approximately seven feet from the floor.

Consider style and materials. Choose a style and materials that complement your décor or offer an interesting counterpoint to other décor and furnishings. Is your style midcentury modern or rustic farmhouse? Do you like mixing metals and finishes or prefer a unified look? Use your home’s style as a springboard.

Don’t forget size. No matter how striking the pendant, it will get lost if it’s not sized appropriately for the space. On the flip side, a too-large fixture will dwarf the surface it hangs over. Use the headroom rule above and get the biggest pendant that works for the space so long as it doesn’t create a barrier between one side of the table (or counter) and the other. If running a band of pendants over an island or table, keep them ten inches smaller in diameter than the width of the surface.

The rule of three. When hanging multiple pendants over a long dining room table or island, hang identical fixtures in a group of three to establish a sense of balance. A pattern of odd-numbered elements is generally most pleasing to the eye – but there are always exceptions and for any number of reasons. Here’s one – hanging a light over a shorter and wider counter. In that instance, a good rule of thumb is to hang them in a row about thirty inches apart.

Add a dimmer. A dimmer allows you to control the amount of light shed over a given surface, creates ambiance, and is an effective way to reduce energy consumption which lowers your energy bills. A win all the way around.

Of course, if you’re not super handy and not comfortable installing a lighting fixture, this isn’t the time to start. Instead, contact Excel Electric and get the job done correctly, safely, on time, and on budget. Just like always.