Luxe to less: 5 of the best pendant lights

From smoked glass to high-shine copper, sculptural to super sized, there are some gorgeous pendant lights currently on the market.

The perfect way to inject some colour and interest into the room, pendant lamps are a savvy disguise to neglected old ceiling bulbs, creating a warm atmosphere and instantly transforming the style of a space. They’re like jewellery for your home.

When choosing your lighting design, there are some important things to consider, like how big, how high, and how many?

First, ascertain the amount of light you require and the proportions of the pendants you’re using. If working in an expansive space, for example, an easy way to achieve balance is to feature three pendant lights on a single pane. Always measure the distance between your ceiling and the space you wish to illuminate in case you require one with long and dramatic extension wires.

There are material considerations, too. A fabric-shrouded pendant light emits a subtler glow due to light diffusion, while glass or acrylic options maximize the output, providing concentrated light over a desk or workspace.

Don’t know where to start? Here is a curated selection to shop and suspend, or just to marvel at.

Tom Dixon Mirror Ball Gold, from $715

Create a statement with strong shapes and finishes. British industrial designer Tom Dixon is known for playing with simple minimalist forms and geometry. One of his signature creations is his Mirror Ball Gold Pendants, the spherical style inspired by disco balls and the ’60s space-age craze. You can currently shop his wares in Australia via Dedece.

Mark Douglass Orb, from $310

These blown glass lights by master Australian glassmaker Mark Douglass appear to float in the air like cloud. They can be clustered or their heights staggered to create a bespoke piece of art – a sculptural installation, if you will. The perfect way to add a pop of distinct colour into an otherwise neutral room.

Jardan Sol, from $1,077

This American Oak pendant by Melbourne-based Jardan Lab is more humble in design than brass and copper options, but no less elegant. The timber adds warmth to the room, casting a subtle light above people’s heads.

Resident  Mesh Space Pendant, $2,985

New Zealand brand Resident has recently released their latest lighting collection, which features fissured glass spheres and this sieve-like mesh dome by local designer Flynn Talbot. The perforations scatter the light, projecting a warm and inviting halo on the surfaces below. Enquire via District. 

Fenton & Fenton  Wireframe Pendant Light, $180

Among the major trends blowing up on our Pinterest feeds are wireframe prism pendants. The contrasting metal and glass on this design by Melbourne-based boutique Fenton & Fenton make a beautiful marriage. They would look particularly spectacular beside these air planters or these faceted terrariums, don’t you think?