The Difference Between Pendant and Mini Pendant Lights: How to Use Them and More
Pendant lights are fixtures that hang from an overhead support and mini pendants are scaled-down versions of these versatile and attractive fixtures. Because they hang in mid-air, unique mini pendant lights are an excellent way to set the tone for an entire room. They’re also small enough to work in almost any space. There’s almost no place in your home that’s not right for a pendant light, so you can never go wrong with these choices.
Pictured: Kelly Wearstler Rousseau Pendant in Bronze by Visual Comfort
Where and How to Use Mini Pendant Lights
The broad range of unique mini pendant lights available makes it simple to find products that solve a variety of lighting challenges and add personal style. Install a staggered pendant chandelier over your kitchen island or replace your bedside lamp with a decorative pendant hanging light — the possibilities are endless.
- Suspend a row of vintage mini pendants above a counter or island to add retro style and practical illumination to your kitchen. Consider staggering the fixture heights to create additional visual interest.
- Multi-light pendants feature several fixtures that are connected to a single power feed. Used in the dining room, they create a warm and inviting pool of light above the table.
- Use well-spaced crystal mini-pendant lights to add a little flash to a hallway. The small fixtures provide plenty of illumination without obstructing the walkway.
Choosing the Best Pendant or Mini Pendant Light for Your Room
Mini pendants are versatile, but there are a few things you should consider before you make your fixture selection. Use lights with trim that matches existing room finishes to create a uniform look or choose a unique style, such as rustic mini-pendant fixtures, to add an eclectic touch to your room. When using pendants as task lighting, hang them 28 to 34 inches above work surfaces and space them about two feet apart to provide even illumination. A minimum of 84 inches (7 feet) is the optimal pendant light height from the floor to the bottom of the fixture, so use that guiding rule for hanging pendants in open areas or walkways.
Pictured: Ashlyn 7.5-Inch Pendant in Polished Nickel by Capital Lighting
Mini Pendant Placement Ideas
Because they’re fairly small, mini pendants can be used in a variety of locations. Group several together to create a bold impression or use a single unobtrusive pendant as a hanging light to illuminate a work or reading area. When clustering pendants, consider their relative positions. Lights placed in regular grids or lines have a formal feel, while staggered heights offer a casual look. Designer mini-pendant lights can act as the centerpiece of a room whereas transitional mini pendants blend with existing furnishings to complement decor.
Pictured: Frost Polished Chrome Mini-Pendant Light with Cylindrical Shade by ET2 Lighting
Shades for any Style
The many shades and finishes available make it easy to find unique mini pendant lights that match your design goals. Clear glass shades provide bright light and incorporate the exposed bulb for a modern yet retro appearance. Frosted glass provides soft illumination and a more traditional look. Decorative glass or fabric finishes allow you to add unique textures to existing decor. Painted metal or art glass shades are an excellent way to inject color into a kitchen and small pendant lights for kitchen use offer great illumination on work surfaces. Pendants require support and the chain, cord or rod used to connect these fixtures to the ceiling offers additional ornamental options. Use a small ceiling medallion with each light to add a finishing touch.
What Is Mini Pendant Lighting Good For?
Mini pendants are flexible fixtures that can provide task, ambient or accent lighting. Use them alone or with other styles of lighting to bring your decorating ideas to life and add warm ambiance to any room in your home. Most of your favorite lighting brands include mini pendants in their collections and you’ll find them all at Destination Lighting.
Pictured: Satin Nickel Clear and White Mini-Pendant Light with Cylindrical Shade by Quorum Lighting
From colorful creations by Access Lighting to the transitional pieces from Generation Lighting to the vintage look of Tiffany glass from Quoizel Lighting, the pendant lighting in our inventory adds beauty and value to your home. All qualifying orders ship free from Destination Lighting and returns are hassle free. Level up your brilliant style with mini pendant lights from Destination Lighting.