Pendant lights and hanging lamps by GLOBO Lighting
A pendant light hangs freely from the ceiling and shines exactly where you need brightness: above the dining table or the seating area. At the same time, it is an eye-catcher that shapes the style of the room. Whether a simple glass shade or warm wood: with the right hanging light, you set targeted lighting accents and give the room its own atmosphere. The pendant lights from GLOBO Lighting range from the classic single pendant to the long hanging light for large dining tables.
What is the difference between a pendant light and a ceiling light?
A ceiling light sits directly on the ceiling and spreads light over a wide area. It provides the general lighting. A pendant light hangs lower in the room on a cable or rod and lights a defined area, such as the dining area. The terms pendant light, hanging light, hanging lamp and pendant lamp refer to the same type of light. A multi-armed special form of the hanging light is the chandelier. If you are looking for light that covers the whole room, you will find suitable models under Ceiling lights.
Which hanging lamp suits the dining table?
Above the dining table, the hanging light shows its strengths. It focuses the light on the tabletop and creates a distinct lighting zone at the dining area. For the size, a simple guideline applies: the light should be about half to two thirds as wide as the table is long. For round and square tables, a single pendant light is usually enough. You can light long tables evenly with a 3-light or 5-light pendant, or alternatively with two to three single pendants in a row. Each light should be about 30 centimetres from the edge of the table so that nobody bumps into it when getting up.
Dining table lamps with a metal shade direct the light downwards and cause hardly any glare. Glass hanging lamps also shine to the side and look lighter.
How high should a hanging light be?
Above the dining area, a distance of 60 to 80 centimetres between the tabletop and the lower edge of the hanging light has proven effective. This way the light falls on the table without dazzling, and the view of the person opposite remains clear. If you hang a lamp freely in the room, for example in the living area, its lower edge should be at least 2 metres above the floor. With a low ceiling, flat models with a short suspension are the better choice.
You stay flexible with a height-adjustable hanging lamp. Many pendant lights on a cable can be adjusted in height during installation: the cable is drawn up into the canopy. Models with a rod suspension are the exception. You will find the maximum hanging height in the product information. With Softlift models, you pull the pendant down and push it back up without adjusting anything. This is practical for a bar pendant above the dining area. The electrical connection is best carried out by a qualified electrician.
Single-light or multi-light?
A single-light pendant creates a clear point of light, for example above a round table or an armchair in the living room. Multi-light hanging lights distribute the brightness over several light sources. They are suitable for long tables and large rooms because they light a wider area. With multi-light pendants with glass shades, it is worth checking the overall width so that the model fits the table.
Which materials and styles are available?
The material determines how a pendant light looks in the room and how it emits light:
- Wood brings warmth to the living room and suits Scandinavian interiors and country-house style. Wooden hanging lamps often combine the natural material with metal or glass.
- Metal looks clear and modern. Metal shades direct light downwards and are well suited to the dining area.
- Glass lets light through and looks light. Clear glass emphasises the bulb, frosted glass diffuses softly. Pendant lights made of smoked glass soften the light and give it a warm tone.
- Fabric lampshades filter the light and create a calm lighting mood.
Choose the model to match your interior style. For a harmonious overall look, pick up colours and surfaces from furniture or fittings.
Where are pendant lights suitable?
In the living area, a hanging lamp above the coffee table or next to the armchair sets an accent. With a high ceiling, a large hanging light above the seating area also suits the living area. In the dining area, the pendant light is the classic choice, usually as a bar pendant with four to six pendants. In the kitchen, two or three hanging lights above the kitchen island or counter light the work surface. In the hallway and stairwell, a pendant light structures high spaces.
The effect in the room depends on how the lights work together: the hanging light sets the accent, ceiling and wall lights provide the general light. This layered lighting makes a room feel homely in the evening and creates atmosphere.
Which bulbs and functions make sense?
Most pendant lights today use LED, either built in or as a replaceable bulb with an E27, E14, G9 or GU10 socket. LED bulbs hardly get warm and are therefore also suitable for fabric shades. For dining rooms and living rooms, warm white light around 3,000 Kelvin is recommended; for the kitchen it can be a little brighter and more neutral. We explain more in our guide Colour temperature and light colour.
Additional functions bring convenience:
- Dimmer: The brightness can be adjusted, from bright for cooking to subdued for dinner. For models with a socket, this depends on the bulb: use a dimmable bulb, otherwise it will flicker on the dimmer. For built-in LEDs, the information is in the product data. Some models have a touch dimmer, others can be controlled with a wall dimmer.
- Remote control: Lets you control brightness and light colour conveniently from the sofa.
- Height adjustment: The light adapts to the dining area and the situation.
- Softlift: The height can be changed without adjusting anything, practical for bar pendants above the dining area.
- Adjustable light colour: With some LED models, you can choose between warm white and cooler light.
You can see which LED models offer these functions using the product filter at the top of this page, for example by remote control, height adjustment or Softlift.
What should you consider before buying?
Before you buy a pendant light, clarify four points:
- Will the model hang above a table or freely in the room?
- How high is the ceiling, and what cable length or suspension do you need?
- Is a single-light model enough, or does the area need a multi-light solution?
- Which material and which light colour suit the room?
With these answers, you can quickly narrow down the selection. If you have questions about individual models, our customer service will be happy to help.