How To Hang Pendant Lights

Contemplating a lighting update, you find yourself drawn to the striking elegance of pendant lights. Whether creating an inviting focal point in an entrance hall or serving as task lighting above a kitchen island, these hanging fixtures not only beautifully illuminate a room but also add character and style.

From finding the perfect height to installing them safely, hanging pendant lights doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Discover how to hang pendant lights with confidence and elevate your interiors with this eye-catching design feature.

How to hang pendant lights: Step-by-step

Before you start hanging your pendant lights, make sure you’ve got all the necessary tools and supplies ready.

You will need:

• A screwdriver
• A voltage tester
• A wire stripper
• A ladder or step stool
• Electrical tape
• A drill (if the mounting bracket requires it)

Step 1: Safety considerations

Start by turning the power off at the circuit breaker, not just at the wall switch. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the power is off and there is no current left on the wires. If the light on the voltage tester does not light up, this means it’s safe to start fitting your new lighting fixtures.

Note: If you’re not sure about any part of the electrical work, always hire a licensed electrician rather than risking injury to yourself.

Step 2: Remove the old fixture

If you’re replacing an old lighting fixture, the next step is to remove it from your ceiling.

1. Remove the light bulb and any decorative covers
2. Unscrew the ceiling rose (the part that sits flush against the ceiling)
3. Lower the fixture and disconnect the wires
4. Remove any old mounting hardware (your new fixture will come with a new bracket)

Before disconnecting the wires, it might be a good idea to take a photo of how they’re connected in case you need to use this as a reference when installing your new pendant lights.

Step 3: Install your new mounting bracket

Most pendant lights come with a mounting bracket that attaches to the electrical box in your ceiling. To install the mounting bracket:

1. Line up the bracket with the screw holes in the ceiling box
2. Use the screws provided with your pendant light to attach it
3. Check that the bracket is tight and secure so the light doesn’t wobble once installed

Step 4: Adjust the pendant height

Before going any further, make sure you’ve thought about how low you want your pendant to hang – you can find guidance on the ideal height for pendant lights later in this blog.

Once you’ve decided on a height:

1. Use a measuring tape to set the desired height
2. Adjust the length of the cord by feeding it through the ceiling rose
3. Secure the cord in place using the screw or locking mechanism in the ceiling rose

Ideally, someone else should hold the fixture in place while you adjust the length of the cord to make the job easier.

Step 5: Connect the wires

Once the height is set, it’s time to wire the fixture. This can be tricky and even dangerous, so you should only attempt to handle the wiring yourself if you know you’re competent – otherwise, hire an electrician to do the work for you.

Match and connect the wires from the pendant to the wires in your ceiling, then use wire connectors to secure the connections and wrap with electrical tape for extra safety.

Step 6: Attach the ceiling rose

Carefully tuck the wires into the electrical box, then slide the ceiling rose up to cover the wiring and mounting bracket. Use the screws provided to secure the ceiling rose to the ceiling – it should fit snugly and not wobble.

Step 7: Screw the bulb into place

Screw the light bulb into the socket – this usually isn’t included with the pendant light, but all the information about what kind of bulb you need can be found on the packaging.

Once the bulb has been screwed into place, switch the power back on and turn on the light to check it’s working properly. If it is, you’re all done!

Tip: Put your pendant lights on dimmer switches to set the perfect mood for any time of day with ease.

What height should pendant lights be suspended at?

There are various factors that should be taken into account when choosing a height for your pendant lights, including:

• The function of the light
• The height of your ceiling
• The layout of your room

However, there are some general guidelines you can follow based on where in your home you plan on hanging your pendants:

• Above the dining table or kitchen island: Kitchen island or dining table lights should hang about 75 to 90cm above the table or countertop to ensure they provide adequate lighting without getting in the way while you’re eating, cooking, or socialising.
• In a hallway or entrance hall: Pendant lights in these areas of your home should hang at least 2.1m above the floor so they don’t cause an obstruction.
• In the living room or bedroom: Hang pendant lights between 1.6 and 1.8m above the floor, or roughly at eye level while you’re standing, to strike a balance between functionality and style.

Of course, the right height for your pendant lights ultimately depends on your personal preference. Try playing around with the height of your pendant before securing it into place to see what looks best.

Show us how you’ve styled your pendant lights

Now that you know how to hang pendant lights, we’d love to see how you’ve styled these eye-catching fixtures within your home. Tag us on Instagram @dowsingandreynolds – we can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with!

Feature image courtesy of @studiofourinteriors