Layered lighting is a design technique that combines different light sources to create depth and atmosphere in indoor spaces. LED pendant lights are essential for achieving these effects. Here are some tips on achieving layered lighting effects with LED pendant lights.
Fundamentals of LED Pendant Lights
LED pendant lights, also called LED hanging lights, are fixtures that hang from the ceiling with ropes, chains, or metal rods.
LED pendant lights have a variety of styles. Common shapes include linear, round, and drum. A linear pendant can span the entire kitchen island, providing even light along its length. A round pendant can create a stylish focal point in a dining room. Drum pendants with fabric or metal shades are often used for ambient lighting in living rooms.
Pendant lights are also available in countless finishes, materials, and sizes. Choose clear glass globes for a minimalist space, colorful or textured pendants for visual interest, or industrial metal shades for an urban vibe.
Pendant Lights with Adjustable Hanging Patterns
By changing the suspension method and position of pendant lights, designers can add depth and visual interest.
Ceiling heights can vary from room to room, so many pendant lights have adjustable cable ties. This feature allows you to manually adjust the length of the hanging to suit your space, and even adjust the angle of the ropes to control the lighting area.
Utilizing Pendant Heights and Sizes
Choosing the right pendant size and mounting height is critical. A lantern that's too large or hung improperly will take up too much space; one that's too small or too high will lose visual impact.
Over a kitchen island, a pendant should be hung about 30-36 inches from the countertop. This height provides ample task lighting without the bulb blocking your view.
In a dining room, a similar 30-inch gap should be left above the dining table to ensure that light reaches the table without glare. Still, keep it 7-8 feet off the floor.
An easy way to make a pendant more visually appealing is to utilize height and proportion. Using a large pendant over a high or vaulted ceiling can create a sense of depth. Smaller LED pendants are perfect for rooms with lower ceilings, where they can create a sense of clutter.
Installing multiple pendant lights at staggered heights can add depth to a space, making your room look larger and more inviting.
Matching Pendant Lights with Other Fixtures
Pendant lights can be paired with other lighting fixtures. For example, ceiling lights or recessed lights can provide even and basic lighting that ensures no dark spots. Pendants build on this to add personality and supplemental lighting.
With multi-light pendants, designers can cluster or space individual bulbs. For example, five mini LED pendants hang evenly from a rod, or a bunch of spherical bulbs are fixed to a canopy. Arranging multiple bulbs in a row can provide broad and even lighting, while mixing heights or shapes can give the lighting a more layered feel. They are perfect for large dining tables or open-plan living areas.
It is also common to mix different pendants in one grouping. Pairing several cone-shaped lampshades with spherical bulbs can direct the eye and divide large areas of ceiling into different areas. Careful grouping can allow each pendant to become a centerpiece or a subtle accent.
Upward and Downward Illumination of LED Pendant Lights
How a pendant distributes its lighting depends on its design. Pendants with solid tops or built-in reflectors will project most of their lighting downward onto surfaces.
Some high-end LED pendant lights have multi-directional lighting configurations and can dim the uplighting and downlighting separately. One example is the ART-PD35 LED Pendant Light from UPSHINE (below image). It offers three different lighting modes: direct downward illumination, upward and downward illumination, as well as inward illumination.
For larger spaces with high ceilings, the upward lighting of a pendant light is more advantageous. It has a wider beam and projects light upward to help "lift" the ceiling or enhance interior design features. It can also be used to increase the level of local ambient light.
Downward illumination is ideal for task lighting, making it ideal for kitchen countertops or workspaces.
When both lighting directions are used together, it creates a beautiful layered effect while reducing unpleasant glare. This combines task and ambient lighting.
