Are pendant lights going out of style?

Pendant lights are undeniably one of the more stylistic forms of room lighting available on the market today. They can be bold and eye-catching, providing a strong source of ambient light that can illuminate a space in spectacular ways. Being such an expressive type of light fixture is partly why people often ask “is pendant lighting out of style?”. While any type of light is at risk of this, pendant lights have largely stood the test of time and there are also many tips you can follow to lessen the chance of the opposite happening.

Pendant lights have a long history and lighting trends have certainly changed over the years. Still, the longevity of the pendant design, which simply refers to a light suspended by a rod or chain, reveals that they are here to stay. Let's take a closer look at why that is.

Versatility in feature and design

As we've mentioned, the term "pendant light" refers to a certain type of ceiling light, not a specific aesthetic. When searching for pendant lights, you'll find curved, angular, industrial, asymmetrical and many more types of fixtures to choose from. It is this versatility that has allowed them to reign supreme even as needs and tastes have evolved over time.

Purposeful and practical

Pendant lights are considered one of the most practical lighting options because they are easy to install and are a great way to provide ambient lighting to a fairly large space. In other words, you can install them directly over a space that requires ample lighting, such as a dining room or living room, and it will illuminate the area with ease. You can also combine multiple pendant lights if required without too much additional work at all.

They complement many design styles

Thanks to their versatility and wide range of options, pendant lights can be found in just about any design style. You will find pendant lights in mid-century modern design, industrial design, minimalist design, classic farmhouse design and countless more. This makes them a great way to enhance and unify the existing styling of a room.

Related article: 9 different types of pendant lights for your home

While pendant lights as a whole are timeless, specific designs have come into fashion and faded out. Which ones will suffer this fate can be hard to anticipate but there are some qualities and characteristics you should be a bit more cautious about before making your final choice.

Trending statement pieces

We've seen a lot of niche interior design trends that have exploded onto the same and faded from it just as quickly. While it’s sometimes hard to resist something that is currently on-trend those that are uncomfortable with the possibility that it might not age well should perhaps think twice. It’s not a hard and fast rule of course as there are plenty of trends that become more than a passing aesthetic but the risk is always there.

Mismatched scale

Nothing will make a light fixture become an eyesore quicker than a miscalculated use of scale. Scale is something that goes beyond the question of aesthetics and looks at relationships of size. If you choose a pendant light that is too large or too small for the room it's hanging in, it won't matter if it has a timeless or beautiful design because it's going to draw attention for all the wrong reasons, looking unbalanced and out of place.

Cheap materials

Wanting to save money where you can makes sense, but cutting corners on quality will eventually come at a higher cost. When you buy cheap pendant lights, you're likely buying cheap materials that will be prone to warping, fading, or losing their lustre after a short period of time. While they may seem like a cost-effective solution and look gorgeous to start with, cheap materials will quickly start to look tacky and detract from the aesthetic.

Related article: The cost to install pendant lights: a complete guide

At the end of the day, you're looking for a way to ensure that you won't grow to dislike your pendant lights in a few short years. There are some great tips to take note of to ensure you’ll enjoy yours for many years to come.

Pick the right room

Pendant lighting works well as a ceiling light in most rooms, but that doesn't mean that it's right for every room. They tend to look best when centred either on the ceiling or above a central object, like a dining room table or a kitchen island. Because of this, they are frequently used in kitchens, dining rooms, foyers, and large bedrooms rather than small spaces like the home office or bathrooms, which are often better served by recessed lighting or wall lighting.

Invest in quality design

Many homeowners are becoming wary of fast fashion and it's equally important to consider fast design in the home decor industry. One of the best ways to ensure that you're investing in a timeless piece is to buy your pendant lighting from quality designers that have made names for themselves, establishing a solid reputation over years of practice. They are also more likely to have designer and artistic features, making them an investment that can be unique and personal to you.

Don't forget about functionality

At the end of the day, lighting design serves a purpose: to provide illumination and ambience. Think about the purpose of the room you're designing and how much light you need to make it work. Consider in advance if you want to create layered lighting or if you want your pendant lights to provide the sole source of illumination. Think about size and form as while as the interior styling of the room so it doesn’t create an uncomfortable contrast for the eye.

Related article: 11 pendant lighting ideas to inspire a refresh

Pendant lights have been popular for so long that there is very little risk that they will go out of style anytime soon. The key is being thoughtful about your purchase, keeping in mind its intended environment and prioritising quality. With those fundamentals in mind, you are sure to find something that you and your family will enjoy and appreciate now and in years to come.