Bright Stars: Light Fantastic

A FEATURE PENDANT CAN MAKE OR BREAK A SPACE. HERE, WE EXPLORE HOW TO BRING EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOME INTO THE LIGHT

- Kylie Jackes

Just as a beautiful necklace adds something special to an outfit, the right pendant acts like jewelry for the home – the perfect finishing touch “to make you smile and add sparkle,” says Adele Locke, director of Mint Lighting Design. Whether you enjoy bold bling, classic shapes or understated accessories, there are a few rules when adding in statement lighting – practicalities that vary from space to space. Here, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know before you bring home the ornamental fitting you’ve always dreamed of.

KITCHEN & DINING

SIZE WISE

The right lighting brings intimacy to a dining zone. “A large feature pendant is striking above a circular table and defines it as the focal point,” says Olivia Lord, creative director of Lighting Collective. “Alternatively, a cluster of pendants over a long rectangular table balances the design of the room.”

HANG TIGHT!

The most popular place to hang up pendants in the kitchen is above the benchtop (right). As a guide, Holly Sim of Lucretia Lighting says the distance between the top of the bench and bottom of the pendant should be about 80cm.

WOW FACTOR

There are no rules against mixing pendant styles, going large or beyond the standard cluster of three to five. “Unexpected pairings are great to express your bold side,” says Olivia. Above this kitchen bench (below), the same material unites varying shapes.

CLEAR THE WAY

For an even dispersion of light above a dining table, go for a single bulb in a classic glass pendant (left). “The future of lighting is simplicity,” says Lights Lights Lights’ Danielle Mastro, who has just returned from the Euroluce lighting fair in Milan. “Go for elegant and timeless statement pieces or clustered, simple pendants.”