Pendant Lighting FAQ

Energy efficiency, outdoor usage, and other common pendant light queries

Where should pendant lights be used?

Pendant lighting can work in virtually any area of a home. Even a garage could benefit from a pendant light that provides task illumination for woodworking or other activities. Kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, studies, rec rooms: any space that would benefit from task lighting or ambient lighting would be suitable for pendant lights.

Can pendant lights be used outdoors? Absolutely. Porches, patios, decks, and other outdoor areas feature some of the most interesting uses of pendant lighting. Inverted pendant lights are probably the best choice if you're shopping for outdoor pendant lights. The upward-facing shades cast light that is more diffuse and atmospheric - perfect for evenings spent relaxing in a glider, porch swing, or Adirondack chair. Of course if you enjoy reading outside or have a picnic table, then a more task-oriented outdoor pendant light might be preferable. Are pendants better for primary or secondary lighting? Pendants are usually, but not always, used to supplement a room's existing lighting with a decorative light that is functional and/or ambient. A kitchen island light is the most commonly used example. However, there are always exceptions - dining room pendant lights being foremost among them. In some rooms, pendant lights of lower wattage are arranged together in a line or circle and used in place of a primary ceiling fixture.

What do "inverted" and "downlight" mean?

Inverted pendant lights have a shade that faces up; these pendants are generally used for lighting that is more atmospheric than strictly functional. Downlight pendants face down, natch, and offer a more concentrated light that's suitable for working in a kitchen, at a desk, or at a sewing table.

Are pendant lights energy efficient?

Yes. Many pendant lights, such as mini pendant lights, use low-wattage bulbs, making it easier to perform tasks without using a higher wattage light. Pendant lights with energy-saving dimmers are commonly used for mood lighting or dramatic accent lighting. For even greater energy efficiency, you can choose a pendant light that has received an ENERGY STAR rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Is an island light the same thing as a pendant light?

Island lights are a type of pendant light. For more information on island lighting, see our Island Lights vs. Pendant Lights article.