How to Plan for Pendant Lighting
Attractive pendant lighting can add visual interest as well as improve a room's illumination. Pendant lights are focal points for a space, and you should plan their placement for greatest visual impact. Pendant lights can be used for general lighting, but they are much more effective as ornamental task lighting. When planning lighting, assume the pendant lights are for ambiance and will be augmented by general, diffuse lighting fixtures on a separate switch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure the space where you will incorporate pendant lighting, and sketch the dimensions on paper. Draw the walls and furniture to scale. Mark the location of windows, doors and electrical switches on the drawing.
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Double-check the dimensions in the room and the drawing, and highlight the circulation paths (where people walk) in the space. Mark on the drawing the center of tables, bars and large spaces.
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Look for places where you would like to draw a visitor's eye. Over a nice dining room table or hanging from a cathedral ceiling are perfect places for pendant lighting. Remember that illumination is secondary to creating a visual mood.
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Draw the pendant lighting at the center of the chosen location. Evenly space multiple pendant light fixtures over long elements such as bars and conference tables.
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Check the location of the pendant lighting relative to other aspects of the space, such as the location of windows, doors, paths and soffits. If the proposed lighting is close to the centerline of another element, adjust the location of the light fixture to accommodate the element's placement. Lighting brings order to a space, so any reinforcement of a space's geometry and layout is helpful.
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Talk to an electrician about installation. Remember to have separate general lighting in the pendant lighting fixture's space. Use a dimmer for the pendant lighting and a separate dimmer for the general lighting. Variable illumination will give flexibility to the room and allow different moods.
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Tips & Warnings
Pendant lighting comes in many different intensities and sizes. Try to neither over-illuminate nor under-illuminate a space.
