Pendant lamps

You choose a pendant lamp by starting from where it goes: above the dining table, over the kitchen island, in the centre of the living room or in a hallway. Height, size and type of light all depend on that.

How high to hang a pendant lamp above the table

The height is measured from the lowest point of the lamp to the top of the table. Manufacturers' guidance usually ranges from 60 to 80 cm: Nordic manufacturers keep it lower, others go up to 90 cm. Large lamps go a little higher than small ones. Before cutting the cable, try the height with someone sitting at the table: the light must not dazzle or block the view of the person opposite.

Where people walk: at least 2.1 metres

In a living room, hallway or corridor, where people walk under the lamp, leave at least about 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the lamp. With high ceilings the lamp can be raised by a few centimetres.

What size to choose

Above a table, the lamp's diameter is usually between half and two thirds of the table's width, leaving at least 15–30 cm free on each side. For a chandelier in the centre of a living room there is a rough guide: add the room's length and width in metres and multiply by 8 to get the diameter in centimetres. A room of 4 × 5 m, for example, suits a lamp of about 70–75 cm.

Multiple pendant lamps above an island or long table

A round table takes one lamp, in the centre. On a long table or an island you can choose a linear pendant or two or three identical lamps: usually two for tables up to about 2 m, three or a linear lamp beyond that. Between one lamp and the next you generally leave 60–80 cm, depending on the diameter, with equal margins at both ends.

Off-centre pendant lamps: when the light point is not above the table

If the light point is in the centre of the room but the table is elsewhere, the lamp can be moved with a ceiling hook or an off-centre kit, to be fitted by an electrician. Or you can choose a lamp designed for this, such as the Tolomeo Sospensione Decentrata by Artemide.

Minimal or statement pendant lamps

An opaque shade gathers the light on the table, like the concrete Aplomb by Foscarini; glass spreads it softly around the room, like the opal sphere of IC by Flos, the blown glass of nh by Artemide or La Mariée by Stilnovo. The most striking lamps, such as Clizia by Slamp, become the centre of the room even when switched off.

Which light to choose

Above the table and in the living room a warm white light works well, between 2700 and 3000 K, ideally adjustable with a dimmer. In Europe, bulbs must by law have a colour rendering of at least Ra 80; to see the colours of food and materials clearly, Ra 90 or more is better.

Pendant lamps in the bathroom and outdoors

In a bathroom, near a bath or shower, you need a lamp protected to at least IPX4: the electrician determines the right zone. Outdoors, under a porch IP44 is usually enough; if the lamp is exposed to rain you need IP65. You will find them among the outdoor pendant lamps; always check the IP rating on the product page.

To choose by brand, start from the pendant lamps of Flos, Slamp, Artemide or Foscarini; for other lamps, go back to Indoor lighting.