Collection: Pendant Lights

Buying guide

How to choose a pendant light

A pendant hangs from the ceiling on a stem, cord or chain, bringing light closer to where you need it. Size and hanging height matter more than anything else, so measure the space before you choose a style.

Kitchen island pendants

Hang kitchen pendants with the bottom of the shade 750–900mm above the benchtop, which lights the work surface without blocking sightlines across the room. Allow 600–750mm between pendants and at least 150mm from each end of the island. Two larger pendants suit a short island; three smaller ones suit islands longer than about 2.4m.

Over a dining table

Hang the pendant 750–900mm above the tabletop. Choose one about half to two-thirds the width of the table, and keep it at least 300mm in from each edge.

Hallways, stairwells and entries

Where people walk underneath, keep at least 2,100mm clear from the floor to the bottom of the pendant. In double-height entries and stairwells, a larger pendant or a cluster can hang lower and become the focal point.

Adjustable stems and NZ ceiling heights

Many of our Hinkley and Visual Comfort pendants come with a set of stems, typically one 152mm and two 305mm, so the drop can be set to suit a standard 2.4m NZ stud or a higher ceiling. Each product page lists the maximum height.

Glass, metal or fabric?

Clear and seeded glass pendants sparkle and keep sightlines open, which suits kitchens. Opal glass gives a soft, even glow. Metal shades focus light downwards for tasks, and linen shades diffuse it for a warmer feel in dining rooms and bedrooms.