There’s More Than Just Looks to Consider When Buying a Pendant Light

(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- Pendant lights serve multiple purposes in interior design that go beyond mere illumination. They designate space, such as a dining or seating area, in the same way a rug does. And—with a pop of color, rich material, unusual shape, or other style choice—they can either draw the eye upward or seamlessly harmonize with your surroundings. Zesty Myers, co-founder of design gallery R & Company, recommends that buyers “consider the space and how the pendant can both stand out and compliment an interior.”.Here are four things to keep in mind when looking for the best option for your own home or business..Light Placement.For spaces requiring focused illumination—a counter or table—try a directional pendant. The cone-shaped Foscarini Aplomb ($696) is made with specially formulated concrete, so it’s great outdoors. Italian designers Paolo Lucidi and Luca Pevere recommend it for “pergolas, verandas, or structures covered with vines.” If you bring the organic shape indoors, the room will need other lighting to diffuse harsh shadows and brighten dark corners..Long-Term Appeal.Pendants can be worthy investments, so look for quality construction and standout design. Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director of online auction house 1stdibs, says that “quality manufacture and designs that capture the zeitgeist of their era will always retain their value.” He adds: “Lighting has long been 1stdibs’ best-selling category, with pendants at the top of the list.”.The smart money in that case may be on of-the-moment design studio Apparatus. The brand’s Median Mono pendant takes its inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern jewelry but with a futuristic twist. The $3,200 lamp illuminates an alabaster disc combined with fluted brass for a warm and natural feel that “invites pairing with other rich, natural materials: stone, rattan—anything that can patina gracefully,” according to the New York-based company. The mix of elegant lines and rich materials easily lends itself to a range of styles, whether hung above a table for dramatic effect or as a pair over nightstands for a more sensual element..Versatility.One good option in almost any uncluttered, contemporary space is the Smile 01 ($124) by newly formed lighting company Beem. Designer Samuel Wilkinson, known for his award-winning Plume light, here uses soft-filament LEDs that evenly light a U-shaped borosilicate bulb that’s screwed into a ceramic fixture. With its diminutive size (only about 4 inches by 4 inches), it works well grouped in a row of three over a console or island..Brightness.To avoid the flat, unflattering effect typical of overhead illumination, use low wattages. Combine the soft light with other sources at different heights to provide an adequate glow. 1stdibs’ Freund also says to consider the scale of the fixture, ceiling height, and—don’t forget—the height of the tallest person in the home..To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Gaddy at jgaddy@bloomberg.net, Chris Rovzar.©2019 Bloomberg L.P.

There’s More Than Just Looks to Consider When Buying a Pendant Light

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