Your Essential Guide to Grouping Pendant Lights

Pendant lights come in such a large array of styles and designs that it can be hard to wade through it all to find your pendant look.  Grouping pendant lights is one way to combine different looks, as well as create a design that is uniquely you!

In this post we will look at the different types of pendant lights most commonly able to be grouped, as well as providing you a few tips for getting the grouping right. Before we jump into all that, let’s take a step back and look at what actually defines a pendant light.

What are pendant lights?

A pendant light, by definition, is simply a light fixture that hangs from the ceiling, and is usually suspended by a cable, chain, metal rod, cord, or other material.  While that may be the technical definition, we know, in fact, that pendant lights come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes, colours, styles, designs, materials, and more.

With that array comes a whole world of design statements that play a big role in determining the look and feel of the spaces in our homes.  The versatile nature of pendant lighting is what makes them such a popular choice, and is what we are going to focus on here.  Whether you are looking to create a cosy ambience in your living room, or wanting to add a statement piece to your stairwell, you can tailor your design to meet your needs and style preferences by grouping pendant lights.

What are the different types of pendants to consider when grouping pendant lights?

Pendant lighting can be grouped into many different categories based on style, design, features, materials, shape, etc, but we are going to focus on three types of pendant lights that are most commonly used when grouping pendant lights.

• Multi-Light Pendants
• Cluster Pendant Lights
• Single Pendant Lights

1. Multi-Light Pendants

Multi-light pendant lights combine multiple lights into a single hanging fixture.  They are often arranged in a linear or circular formation, however, with LED lighting advances, we are starting to see designs that take on many new and interesting shapes and forms.

These multi-light pendants can, for some fixtures, take on a further “multi” meaning with a lot having the versatility for you to customize the fixture, or at least, the feel and functionality of the fixture.  Things such as adjustable heights or swivel arms are a common feature of multi-light pendants, bringing a whole new dimension to grouping pendant lights by allowing you the flexibility to adjust the lighting to suit your needs and/or the feel within the space.

Where are multi-light pendants most commonly used?

The most common use we see of multi-light pendants is the dining room, where they are positioned above  the table to create an inviting and functional lighting arrangement that can be a real statement piece.  They can also be very effectively used in living rooms to become a functional centre piece that creates visual interest, and helps draw you into the space.

How do you select the multi-light pendant for your space?

The great thing about grouping pendant lights in any form is that they are able to fulfill a variety of lighting needs, and so, the choice of pendant will often only come down to making sure your multi-light pendant will provide the required lighting output for the space, and on the flip side of that, with multiple light sources, not over light the space; and then it becomes about your personal style and taste.

2. Cluster Pendant Lights

Cluster pendant lights combine multiple lights, with multiple suspensions, into a single ceiling rose, or cluster plate to form one larger installation.  Most commonly, the multiple lights in cluster pendants will be the same design, but each one hung at a different level.  The effect of grouping pendant lights in this instance is to create a sculptural element.

The “cluster” of lights in this style pendant, can be grouped together in a typical cluster, or even in a linear form.  In a lot of these designs, the arrangement of the cluster can be adjusted to, for instance, hang at different heights, so you are able to adjust to your own personal taste.

Where are cluster pendant lights most commonly used?

Most commonly, cluster pendant lights are hung in hallways, or stairwells, where they can add visual interest to an otherwise empty space.  Stairwells, in particular are perfect, as they also allow you to more readily play with the lengths of the light elements.  Dark corners of a room too, are great for adding cluster pendants, as they add a pool of light, a layer of ambient light, and create a visually striking focal point in, again, what would be empty space.

How do you select the cluster pendant light for your space?

Much like multi-light pendants, the right light for your space will come down to ensuring you have the right amount of light for the space, and that it will compliment your style and décor. 

Tip: Look for cluster pendant lights that come with a larger or smaller number of lights, and use throughout your home for a cohesive lighting look.

3. Single Pendant Lights

As the name suggest, single pendant lights are just that, a single light source on a single suspension.  They are also the most commonly used pendant light, and the most versatile when it comes to grouping pendant lights.

Where are single pendant lights most commonly used?

Anywhere and everywhere, that is the versatility of single pendant lights!  They are also a perfect lighting choice for task lighting, as well as the perfect decorative lighting choice.

The other thing single pendant lights are perfect for is creating your own cluster of lights!  Hung in multiples, single pendants can make a real statement that is completely reflective of your style and personality. Create a style all your own by grouping pendant lights in whatever way you choose!

What do you need to consider when creating your own cluster light from single pendants?

When creating your own cluster of lights, we have some simple tips and ideas to help you create your own lighting piece.

• Choose odd numbers to create a more natural look.  Start with 3 and work your way up!  Remember though, when grouping pendant lights in a cluster, it is important to get the size and scale balance right for the space, and to consider the amount of light required or desired.  More lights means more light!
  
• Use a cluster plate to create the illusion of your design being one light fixture. A cluster plate will allow you to hang multiple single pendant lights from one “plate” on the ceiling.  Grouping pendant lights in this way is also a great choice if your room is smaller, and you don’t want to clutter the ceiling with multiple canopies.
  
• Adjust the drop length, and match the pendant.  This uses the same pendant, but mixes it up by adjusting the drop of each single pendant.  It is an easy way to add texture and a little flair to a simple pendant light.
  
• Match the style range with different shapes when grouping pendant lights to create a same but different sense of style and cohesion.
  
• Use completely contrasting combinations of single pendants when grouping pendant lights to create something that is uniquely you!  This removes all sense of symmetry from the design, so selecting textures, styles or colours that compliment your existing décor can be a way of bringing the space together, and making your statement pendant cluster the focal point.

Whatever lighting look you are trying to achieve by grouping pendant lights, the experts at Rovert Lighting & Electrical can help!  Choose from our huge range of pendant lighting options, or bring us your ideas for grouping pendant lighting, and let us help you put something together that will be uniquely you!