Contemporary Pendant Lighting

Contemporary pendant lighting has become an extremely popular choice of interior light for designers and do-it-yourself homeowners alike. Just like everything else in the world of decorating, fads fade, then come back in a slightly different form, but better than before. While some may see pendant lighting as a growing trend, it has a long, rich history. The very first examples of pendant lights were seen somewhere around 2700 BC in the earliest of Greek civilization.

Illumination fixtures were made of clay pots that were suspended, and which held animal fat or perfumed oil, and one or more wicks, all within a holder. These pots and holders were often decorated and of various shapes and sizes.

The introduction of glass, which could be shaped, was an important step in the history of pendant lighting because the light could then be seen from the bottom of the fixture, and the illumination that came from these fixtures were increased. Some examples of pendant lighting can be seen in virtually every civilization, and within every architectural style, since this first introduction.

Today's contemporary pendant lighting comes in many varieties of styles. Some of the main categories of this type of lighting are are bowl pendants, large pendants, island or multi-light pendants, mini pendants, and foyer pendants. Each style has has its own distinctive sizes, shapes, and uses.

Large and multi-light pendants work well for lighting up dining tables or kitchen islands, creating a nice soft glow around the room where they are hung in your home. Mini pendant lights are effective in smaller spaces for more subdued lighting, and often create a romantic touch to the room through the glowing light coming from the small fixtures.

Bowl-shaped pendants can be used in virtually any room that gives off a brighter light in the middle, then spreads out to create softer light around the room. This shape allows for softening of the tone of some lines, even in a very structured space.

Foyer pendant lights are generally used in a entryway or foyer, and have become more and more popular when used on outside entrances and walkways.

Although often looked at as just accessories, contemporary pendant lighting can be used for their color, pattern, design, and functionality. This in turn allows ths lighting to give an architectural presence to the home. Pendant lighting can certainly highlight the greatest features of any room design.