Design pendant lamps
Discover our collection of design pendant lamps in metal, glass or plastic, with spherical, geometric or minimalist shapes. Check the material and wattage listed on each product page before buying.
Más información sobre Design pendant lamps
These pendant lamps hang from the ceiling on cables, chains or rods and cast direct or diffused light depending on the model — the go-to choice for marking the visual centre of a dining table or kitchen island.
Pendant lamps are a type of design lighting made up of one or more light sources suspended from the ceiling, unlike a flush ceiling light, which is fitted directly to the surface. That gap between ceiling and light source is exactly what lets you aim the light at a specific height — over a table, a kitchen island or a sofa — rather than lighting the whole room evenly.
They're mostly made from metal, glass and high-resistance plastic:
- Metal: the most durable, in black, brass or chrome finishes; needs little upkeep.
- Glass: diffuses light evenly and adds a more refined look, though it needs more frequent cleaning to avoid dust marks.
- High-resistance plastic: lighter and common in larger-format designs, where metal or glass would be too heavy for the ceiling fixing.
Exact material and finish vary by model — always check the individual product page before buying.
- Spherical: round in shape, usually glass, metal or plastic. Produces soft, even light — well suited to relaxed, cosy settings.
- Geometric: angular or semi-spherical forms — triangles, squares, hexagons — in metal, wood or glass. Gives a more direct, focused light with a contrast effect that draws attention to the piece.
- Minimalist: simple linear shapes — cylinders, cones, tubes — almost always in metal or plastic. Produces clear, crisp light, designed for larger spaces where visual lightness matters.
- Blown glass or translucent diffuser: like the iconic IC Lights by Flos, designed by Michael Anastassiades and inspired by classic incandescent bulbs. These combine direct and indirect light at once, thanks to the opaline sphere that wraps around the light source.
Hanging height depends on the surface it's lighting and the ceiling's clear height:
| Location | Height above surface | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dining table | 75-90 cm | Lights the table without blocking sightlines across it |
| Kitchen island or breakfast bar with stools | 75-90 cm | Same height as a table, adjusted if people will be standing around it |
| Living room, as general lighting | Minimum 210 cm from the floor | Avoids head height in walkways |
| High or double-height ceilings | Variable | Consider grouping several lamps in a line or using one large-format piece, rather than a long cable with a small fixture lost in the space |
- Table or surface size: over a long dining table, a row of 2-3 smaller pendants usually looks better than one large, off-centre piece.
- Ceiling height: in low ceilings, favour flatter profiles or an adjustable cable rather than bulky fixtures.
- Type of light: direct and focused for work areas (kitchen, desk), or diffused and ambient for living spaces.
- Dimming: a dimmable fixture lets you switch from task lighting to ambient lighting without changing pieces.
- Material upkeep: metal and high-resistance plastic need little maintenance; glass and opaline diffusers need more frequent cleaning to keep their brightness.
A pendant lamp should rarely be the only light source in a large room. Paired with a floor lamp or a table lamp elsewhere in the living room, it creates different lighting layers through the day. And alongside a wall lamp, it adds the contrast between overhead and side light that keeps a room from feeling flatly lit.
At Exento we work with brands including Expormim, Blux, Flos and VP Interiorismo. Every product page lists dimensions and finish, so your decision doesn't rest on generic photos.
Looking for outdoor lighting? Most indoor pendant lamps aren't built to withstand the elements — for that, we have a dedicated outdoor collection.
What height should a pendant lamp hang above a dining table?
Between 75 and 90 cm above the table surface — enough to light it without getting in the way of sightlines across the table.
Can I hang several pendant lamps together?
Yes — it's common over long tables or large kitchen islands: a row of 2-3 pieces usually looks better than a single off-centre lamp.
What's the difference between a pendant lamp and a flush ceiling light?
A flush ceiling light is fitted directly to the ceiling; a pendant lamp hangs from a cable, chain or rod, letting you adjust the height to suit the surface you're lighting.
Do pendant lamps need fixed electrical wiring?
In most cases, yes — they need a ceiling light point. Check this is in place before buying if you don't already have one where you want to hang it.
Can I use an indoor pendant lamp on a porch or terrace?
No, unless the product page explicitly states an IP rating for outdoor use. For those spaces, check our dedicated outdoor lighting collection.