How to Choose the Right Pendant Light for You?
May 2025
Pendant lights are more than mere sources of illumination—they are defining features of a space. Whether suspended above a kitchen island or positioned over a formal dining table, the right pendant light brings harmony between form and function. At KHAIA, we believe that simplicity, a client-centred approach, intentionality, and authenticity lie at the heart of every timeless interior. In this guide, we offer insights that balance aesthetics, functionality, and well-being to help you select the perfect pendant light for your home.
Designed by Yas Lightowler for KHAIA Interior Design Studio
1. Define the Function of the Space
Begin by considering the room’s primary purpose. A kitchen island, often used for cooking, casual dining, and working, requires bright, focused lighting. In contrast, a formal dining area calls for a softer ambiance to promote relaxation and connection..
2. Consider Pendant Height and Type
The height at which a pendant is installed greatly affects its performance and impact, and must be tailored to the type of fixture:
Enclosed or shaded pendants can be installed slightly lower, as their diffused light reduces glare.
Exposed bulb pendants must be positioned with care. If placed too low or within the line of sight, they may emit a harsh glare that detracts from the room’s comfort.
Guidelines:
Above kitchen islands: 75–90 cm from the countertop.
Above dining tables: The same height applies, though it is crucial to maintain clear sightlines across the table.
A pendant light should enhance—not obstruct—the visual and spatial experience.
Designed by Yas Lightowler for KHAIA Interior Design Studio
3. Light Source and Exposure
While exposed bulb designs offer a contemporary, sculptural appeal, they are not always suitable for intimate or frequently used settings. Unless suspended over a large table or mounted high enough to avoid direct eye contact, such designs can cause discomfort.
We recommend:
Shaded or frosted bulbs to provide gentle, ambient lighting.
Exposed bulbs only where scale and ceiling height justify their use. At KHAIA, we rarely propose this option due to concerns over visual comfort.
4. Angle and Light Spread
Lighting should elevate, not flatten, a space. Consider how your chosen pendant directs and diffuses light:
Directional shades are ideal for task lighting.
Wide or open-bottom shades offer a gentler, more expansive glow.
Remember, light interacts with surface materials—glossy tiles, polished countertops, and wooden tables will each reflect light differently.
5. Colour Temperature
Lighting temperature significantly affects mood:
Cool white (4000K–5000K) promotes alertness—ideal for food preparation.
Warm white (2700K–3000K) fosters comfort—perfect for dining or entertaining.
We recommend dimmable fittings wherever possible to adapt your lighting throughout the day.
6. Select a Style That Reflects You
Whether your aesthetic leans sculptural, classic, or understated, your pendant light should feel personal and enduring. At KHAIA, we celebrate individuality in design.
Suggestions:
Modern minimalist: Clean lines in black, white, plaster, painted mesh, or brushed metal finishes.
Eclectic elegance: Layered materials like ceramics, linen, or aged brass.
Natural living: Wood, rattan, or linen shades evoke warmth and tranquillity.
Credits to: Kimberly Harrison Interiors, Piet Fran, Ola Jachymiak Studio,
7. Think in Layers
Pendants should not stand alone. Integrate them within a broader lighting scheme that includes sconces, recessed lights, or floor lamps. This multi-layered approach provides depth, comfort, and control—an essential aspect of the KHAIA ethos.
8. Thoughtful Choices for Every Budget
Exceptional lighting need not be unattainable. Here are our considered selections across various budgets:
Budget-Conscious Elegance (£500–£1,000)
Audo Copenhagen Hashira Pendant – A linen shade with minimalist poise.
Atto 5000 Pendant - Handmade with PEFC-certified form-pressed birch in Finland.
HAY Nelson Ball Bubble Pendant – Mid-century charm with a soft, diffused finish.
Refined Mid-Range (£1,000–£2,500)
Tala x David Weeks Echo Chandelier – Sculptural and sustainable.
Apparatus Signal Y Pendant – A nod to classical form with a modern sensibility.
Trilogy Horizontal Pendant - A contemporary timeless re-design style.
Luxury Statement Pieces (+ £5,000)
Louise Poulsen PH Artichoke - A true design icon, a flawless non-glaring light no matter from which angle the remarkable pendant is viewed.
Monoscope 3 Pendant - An expression of simple yet richly textured geometry.
Scandal Long Pendant - Scandal’s elongated proportions are the unification of luxurious crafts.
9. Final Thoughts: Timelessness Meets Emotion
The right pendant light does more than illuminate—it evokes emotion, highlights form, and nurtures connection. When chosen with care, it becomes an essential part of your home’s narrative.
At KHAIA, we are dedicated to guiding you through the design journey with clarity, creativity, and sincerity. Whether you are selecting your first signature piece or refining an existing interior, we believe true design is always intentional, authentic, and deeply personal.
Let KHAIA Interior Design Studio guide you in creating a space that is both striking and effortlessly elegant. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a more vibrant, expressive home.
We cover Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, Walton–on–Thames, Hersham, Epsom, Guildford, Godalming, East Horsley, Wimbledon, Kingston and New Malden.