6 Common Pendant Light Shapes for Your [city] Home

When choosing pendant light fixtures, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. It’s not just aesthetics you’re after, you also need a fixture that actually provides enough light for the space that needs it. But because of the sheer variety of light pendant types and shapes on the market, factors like special maintenance, installation, and versatility are often not as obvious as physical appearance. And so, many [city] homeowners experience buyer’s remorse after realizing the pendant light they bought doesn’t quite measure up to their expectations.

In this guide, we go over a few popular examples of pendant light shapes, providing information on what you need to know about each one before making a purchase.

1. Dome Pendants

Dome pendants may not be the best choice for ambient lighting, but their shape, which forces light to be angled downwards over a narrow area or surface, makes them great for task lighting. You can also use domes as primary or secondary light sources—just be mindful of the size of the fixture relative to the size of the room or area needing illumination.

2. Bowl Pendants

Bowl pendants are a great option for ambient lighting, whether as a primary or secondary light source. They provide a soft, diffused ambient light, ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.

An important thing to remember about bowl pendants is that they will require special cleaning and maintenance because they tend to be prone to catching dust and insects. Be ready to clean bowl pendants more often than other light fixtures—a small price to pay for their eye-catching design.

3. Drum Pendants

As the name suggests, drum pendants have a snare-drum silhouette, and are usually capped at both ends. Because of their versatile form, drum pendants come in a wide variety of materials and styles, and are often used for ambient lighting. They can also be used as centerpieces or as a primary light source for living rooms, dining rooms, and open kitchens.

4. Globe Pendants

With their function and form, globe pendants are a great choice for main or secondary lights in any space. Globe pendants with open bottoms can even be used as task lighting above kitchen counters and islands. Most globe pendants are made of glass, so you may need to be extra careful when it comes to cleaning.

5. Disc Pendants

If you’re looking for a modern style of light fixture, disc pendants are the way to go. Disc pendants typically use LED drivers to produce bright light while keeping the design of the fixture as sleek as possible. Disk pendants are very versatile and can be used as secondary, task, or accent lighting. Use them to brighten a counter top or table rather than the entire room.

6. Cylinder Pendants

Whether they’re used as a main light source or as task lights, cylinder pendants feature a classic shape that will go well with any room in your home. With cylinder pendants, however, the fixture’s material determines how easy it will be to clean and maintain. Go for an opaque finish if you want hassle-free maintenance.

Choosing the right pendant light shape is crucial to get the most out of your lighting. Keep these tips in mind the next time you choose a pendant light.