Choosing the right lighting fixtures for your home is incredibly important. Some homeowners view lighting as a functional detail necessary just for brightening up space. But in fact, the appropriate lighting adds more aesthetic value to your home improving its interior design. It also reflects your personal style and character.

If you want to create a functional lighting plan for your space, you should know that there are various types of light fixtures available on the market today. The diversity and versatility of light fixtures can be really confusing, especially when it comes to selecting pendants and chandeliers. Are chandeliers and pendants the same thing? What are the main differences between the two types of light fixtures? Which fixture suits your space most? Let’s dig deeper to find the answers to these critical questions and help you select the right fixtures for your home.

What is a Chandelier?

Most people will easily recognize a chandelier when they see it. It is an elegant and sophisticated lighting fixture hanging from the ceiling. It’s hard to miss a chandelier that definitely becomes a focal point of any room. Getting a chandelier is an excellent way to make your room more vibrant and attractive.

LAZZUR Vezere 8 Light 13 in. Glossy Gold Chandelier

A chandelier usually consists of the central body connected with multiple branches. This lighting fixture has a lot of light bulbs that effectively illuminate the space. It’s interesting to know that the word chandelier is borrowed from the French word chandelle that means candle and comes from the Latin word candelabrum.

What is a Pendant Light?

A pendant is another light fixture that hangs from the ceiling. However, a pendant has just a single light bulb that illuminates the room. The number of bulbs is one of the main characteristics that differs the two lighting fixtures. A pendant is usually suspended by a metal rod, chain or cord.

The Difference in Style

If you choose to compare the two lighting fixtures, you will notice that chandeliers are more intricate and luxurious, while pendants are simple and minimalistic. The styles of chandeliers are numerous indeed. You will definitely find the lighting fixture that complements the interior design of your room making it feel vibrant and spacious. The most popular chandelier styles include crystal chandeliers, modern, contemporary chandeliers, drum chandeliers, mini, sputnik, waterfall and hybrid chandeliers.

LAZZUR Trieux 3 Light 16 in. Polished Chrome Pendant

The most common pendant lights you can install in your home include traditional, contemporary, transitional and unique pendants. The variety of pendants is striking indeed. You can find bowl, dome, cylindrical, linear, abstract, multi-light and mini pendants.

The Difference in Price

While selecting a chandelier or a pendant, the first thing you will see is that chandelier light fixtures are much more expensive. On average, the cost of a chandelier ranges from $100 and up to $4,500. You should also remember that you will have to pay for installation as well. Statistics show that the vast majority of homeowners are ready to spend about $300-$700 on a chandelier.

Pendant lights are cheaper and cost $15-$4,000. People usually spend $120-$350 on pendant light fixtures.

Materials Used for Making Chandeliers and Pendants

These days a lot of different materials can be used for producing pendant lights and chandeliers. Chandeliers are usually made out of such metals as chrome, wrought iron, brass and bronze. Depending on the style you prefer, chandeliers can also be made of crystal, plastic, timber and alabaster. Amazingly beautiful crystal drops are often used in French-style chandeliers. Colored glass and plastic are usually found in contemporary chandeliers.

Pendant lights can be made with a huge variety of materials as well. The most popular shade materials include metal, fabric, plastic, bamboo, glass and ceramic.

LAZZUR Touques 8 Light 16 in. Matte Oil Rubbed Bronze Pendant

Metal shades are often used in contemporary pendants. Glass and ceramic pendants can be found in traditional styles. They look fantastic indeed. But if you are looking for cheaper options, consider pendants with plastic or fabric shades. These pendant lights are simple, but still can become a great addition to your room. Pendants with bamboo shades are also becoming popular due to their eco-friendly nature.

The Pros and Cons of Using Chandeliers vs Pendant Lights

When it comes to illuminating your home, pendant lights and chandeliers are both fantastic options. However, each type of lighting fixture has its own pros and cons. Most chandeliers have intricate design and can illuminate the whole room. Due to their versatility, chandeliers can be used in almost any room. Pendants come in a huge variety of styles, shapes and sizes. They are much easier to clean in comparison with chandeliers. Pendants are used mainly for task lighting.

Probably, the main disadvantage that chandeliers have is their high price. Plus, these light fixtures require professional installation. They can be hard to clean. Pendants also require professional installation. You may need multiple pendants to illuminate a large room. Hopefully, the minor drawbacks will not stop you from buying these stunning light fixtures.

Choosing a Chandelier vs a Pendant Light

With so many options available, you may find it really hard to make the right choice. The most important question is whether you should choose a chandelier or a pendant light for your room. Let’s see when each lighting fixture would be more appropriate.

If you have a spacious living or dining room, hanging a chandelier is exactly what you need. If you want to illuminate your kitchen island properly, consider buying a pendant. A beautiful and functional pendant will not just provide the necessary amount of light, it will make your kitchen look more elegant and stylish.

Chandeliers are a great choice for foyers with tall ceilings. Choosing a pendant or a chandelier for your bathroom mainly depends on your personal preferences. If you have a large bathroom, select a chandelier to add more elegance and romance. Prefer a mini crystal chandelier for a small bathroom. Pendants will also look fantastic in your bathroom. For your bedroom, you can select a fabulous pendant that provides the right illumination or a sparkling chandelier that changes the way your room looks and feels.

No matter which lighting fixture you choose, pendants and chandeliers will create a fantastic atmosphere in your room. Find the light fixture that will not just illuminate your space, but bring you pleasure and satisfaction as well.

Chandeliers vs. Pendant Lights: What’s the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between Pendant Lighting and Chandeliers?