What’s the difference between a pendant light and a chandelier?
A pendant light typically hangs from a single cord and consists of a single lamp, while a chandelier has multiple light bulbs supported by a more ornate frame.
To expand on that, chandeliers tend to skew more formal than pendants. This is due in large part to its multiple bulbs which are often complemented by showy details like crystals, beading, and ironwork. While pendant styles run the gamut, they trend more simplistic than chandeliers. It’s common to find pendants constructed of a single material and beads and crystals are unlikely to make an appearance.
As might be expected because of their smaller bulbs, chandeliers are more commonly pegged for atmospheric light than task lighting. Chandeliers are more likely to cast shadows than pendant lights, which makes them best suited for rooms where other lighting sources will be incorporated, such as dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Since pendants spotlight a specific area, they’re more frequently sourced for functional lighting jobs, such as illuminating a kitchen or bath. While pendants work equally well in a living room or bedroom, it’s worth noting that they won’t bathe a room in ambient light quite like a chandelier will.
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Lead Photo by Jacqueline Marque