Pendant FAQ's

Energy efficiency, outdoor usage, and other common questions

Where should you use them?

Pendant lighting can work in virtually any area of a home. Even a garage could benefit from one that provides task illumination for woodworking or other activities. Kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, studies, rec rooms: any space that would benefit from being able to see or if you want to create a particular ambiance in the room would be a suitable place to install one.

Can you use these outdoors? Absolutely. Porches, patios, decks, and other outdoor areas feature some of the most interesting uses of pendants. Inverted fixtures are probably the best choice if you're shopping for your outdoor area. The upward-facing shades accent, diffuse and create a great relaxing atmosphere - perfect for evenings spent relaxing in a glider, porch swing, or adirondack chair. Of course if you enjoy reading outside or have a picnic table, then a more task-oriented outdoor fixture might be preferable. Are these better to use in primary or secondary lighting? Pendants are usually, but not always, used to supplement a room's existing illumination with a decorative twist that is functional and/or ambient. A kitchen island light is the most commonly used example. However, there are always exceptions - dining rooms being foremost among them. In some rooms, lower wattage fixtures are arranged together in a line or circle and used in place of a primary ceiling fixture.

What do "inverted" and "downlight" mean?

Inverted fixtures have a shade that faces up; these are generally used more for atmospheric than strictly functional. Downlights face down, and are more concentrated to accent, than providing suitable illumination for working in a kitchen, at a desk, or at a sewing table.

Are these energy efficient?

Yes. Many are energy efficient, such as mini, which use low-wattage bulbs, making it easier to perform tasks without using a higher wattage. Energy-saving dimmers are commonly used to create a mood or as a dramatic accent. For even greater energy efficiency, you can choose one that has received an ENERGY STAR rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.