4,093 Contemporary Pendant Lighting

Pendant lights are a great way to light any space from your kitchen island to highlighting your dining room table. Pendant lights are a fixture that hangs from the ceiling, suspended by a cord, chain or metal rod. They’re often used in multiples, and are hung in a straight line over kitchen countertops and sometimes in bathrooms. They’re able to provide ambient or task lighting and are available in a wide variety of styles to suit your personal taste.

When on the lookout for pendant lighting, think about the following:

Do you want inverted or downlight pendant lights? This all depends on where you're placing your pendant lights and the function you desire from them. Are they going to provide soft, mood-evoking lighting above your dining table? Choose inverted pendant lights: these create ambient light by directing the light upward. Do you want focused lighting over your kitchen island? Consider downlight pendant lights: these are best for task illumination, as they direct the light downward.

Should you consider mini pendant lights? If you're working in a small space or just want to diversify your look, you may want to consider using mini pendant lights. The width of mini pendant shades range from 4 or 5 inches to 11 or 12 inches, and generally require a single 40 to 60-watt bulb.

How many pendant lights should you purchase for one spot? Depending on what you're lighting, you can choose one single pendant light or group several together. Highlight a great piece of art with a single pendant light, or use multiple lights in a circle, line or on a track to emphasize a certain part of a room.

What style pendant light should you choose? With a wide variety of styles available to choose from, pendant lights are a great piece to use to add an extra design element. Choose a brushed nickel plated pendant light for a clean, contemporary look, or find one finished in bamboo for a unique, Asian appeal.

If you’re ready to light up your room, start by browsing through our wide assortment of pendant light styles.

Find contemporary pendant lighting design ideas here.