How to Hang Pendant Lights Safely and Stylishly

Follow clear steps to install pendant lights at the perfect height — balancing safety, proportion, and design impact.

Pendant lights do more than illuminate — they define the atmosphere of a room. Whether you’re refreshing your kitchen, dining area, or hallway, the way you hang your pendant can completely change how the space feels. This guide walks you through the basics of safe installation, ideal height, and design ideas to help you get the perfect result.

Planning your setup? Explore our Pendant Lighting Collection, matching Ceiling Lights, and complementary Wall Lights for a cohesive scheme.

Before You Start

If you’re replacing an old light, start by switching off the power at the main circuit. Pendant installation involves working with electrical connections, so if you’re not experienced, we recommend using a licensed electrician. For simple plug-in pendants, you can handle most of the work yourself.

Step-by-Step: Hanging a Pendant Light

1. Turn off power: Always cut power at the main breaker before touching any wiring. Remove the old fixture and check that no current remains using a voltage tester.
2. Check your ceiling support: Make sure the mounting point can handle the weight of the pendant. Reinforce with a ceiling brace if needed.
3. Connect the wiring: Attach the pendant’s power and neutral wires using secure wire connectors, then tighten the canopy cover.
4. Ground safely: Connect the ground wire from your pendant to the grounding screw or wire in the ceiling box.
5. Install the mounting bracket: Use the bracket supplied with your pendant. Different designs use varying attachment methods, so follow the included instructions.
6. Hang the pendant: Mount the pendant body or shade to the bracket, ensuring it’s level and secure. Adjust cable or chain length if needed.
7. Add the bulb: Once everything’s fixed, install your bulb and turn the power back on to test the light.
8. Final touches: Add any trims, diffusers, or decorative caps supplied with your fixture.

To achieve an even glow and elegant style, choose high-quality Vintage LED Bulbs or Classic LED Bulbs that match your pendant design.

What Is the Recommended Height for Pendant Lights?

While style and room layout can change the rules, these general guidelines help achieve balanced lighting:

• Above kitchen benches or counters: Around 75–90 cm above the surface (roughly 30–36 inches).
• In open rooms or walkways: Keep at least 180 cm (72 inches) from the floor to the bottom of the pendant.
• Over dining tables: Position slightly lower — about 70–80 cm above the tabletop — for an intimate, inviting feel.

Always consider ceiling height, pendant size, and sightlines. A pendant that’s too high looks lost; too low feels intrusive.

Creative Pendant Lighting Ideas

Industrial Style

The industrial trend remains timeless. Exposed bulbs, metal shades, or simple suspension cords bring raw, purposeful energy. Pair with warm filament vintage-style LEDs to add texture and warmth.

Minimalist Chic

Sleek shapes and monochrome finishes suit modern spaces. Think matte black fittings with a clean hanging cable and a soft warm-white bulb for understated elegance.

Chain Suspensions

Using a chain instead of a cord adds character and complements heritage or industrial interiors. Choose a decorative chain that ties in with your furniture or metal accents.

Layered Lighting

Pair pendants with wall lights to balance task and ambient light. Use warm dimmable bulbs to keep sightlines clean and create depth across the room.

Safety & Finishing Tips

• For hardwired pendants, always use a licensed electrician.
• For plug-in pendants, make sure cords are strain-relieved and not twisted.
• Check that your bulbs don’t exceed the maximum wattage listed on the fitting.
• Use dimmable bulbs and compatible LED dimmers to adjust light levels and mood.

Whatever look you’re after — industrial, coastal, or modern — the right pendant placement brings it together. Explore our Vintage LED Bulb and Classic LED Bulb collections to complete your setup with beautiful, efficient light.

FAQs

How high above a kitchen bench should pendants hang?

Plan for roughly 75–90 cm above the surface (about 30–36"). Adjust for sightlines, shade size and ceiling height.

What height above a dining table looks best?

Typically 70–80 cm above the tabletop for a warm, intimate feel. Go higher for larger shades or if glare is an issue.

Do I need a licensed electrician in Australia?

Yes for any hard-wired 230–240 V work. Use a licensed electrician. Plug-in pendants are fine for DIY installation.

Can I use a dimmer with pendant lights?

Yes. Choose LED-rated dimmers and dimmable bulbs for smooth, flicker-free control.

How many pendants over a kitchen island?

Common setups: two pendants for shorter benches, three for longer runs. Space them evenly and keep 75–90 cm above the surface.