Ever Wonder Difference Between A Chandelier And A Pendant?

The main difference between the 2 types of lights is how many and the way the fixture holds bulbs.  Usually a chandelier has many or at least a few branches to screw light bulbs in.  Where as a pendant traditionally has just one or sometimes two branches to hold a light bulb. 

Weight is another consideration.  As you can imagine a chandelier usually weighs more than a pendant, just because of the way they are manufactured.  For example, the chandelier holds more bulbs, therefore weighs more. The worlds largest chandelier is located in the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul.  Believe it or not this chandelier is reported to have 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons!  But I'm getting off topic here. While either one can be made from a multitude of materials these days.  Wood, iron, glass, nickel, bronze, you get the idea the lists goes on and on.  So anymore not much of a difference there.

Price.  As you can imagine the usual and most notable difference is in price.  Since a chandelier is usually more ornate and holds many more bulbs it is usually more expensive.  Where as a pendant is usually simple and mini style.  Now these rules don't always apply, it depends on the material the chandelier and pendant are made of.  For example it's possible to purchase solid gold pendants believe it or not.  So that would mean a pendant would cost more than say a simple 5 or 6 light chandelier made of wood or iron.  

If your home is a little darker and you want to really light it up, a chandelier with multiple branches of light might be your best option.  Or if you have a dark kitchen and a decent size island, 2 or 3 pendant lights would work just as well.  Think of an office, maybe it has just a tiny little window or none at all.  A couple of pendants or a simple design chandelier and wow, what a beautiful space. Your budget is also something to consider.  It might be cheaper to purchase a wooden or metal chandelier, or if you want a tiered or multiple look a couple of pendants might be best.  Have fun with your lighting, it is one of the most important aspects of your home.  Every see a home that is for sale, or walk through a model home?  As you might remember every light was turned on if they knew what they were doing.  The brighter the home, the more attractive to the buyer.

If your space is already very light, your a white fan I can tell.  You can still have a large chandelier to really wow up your space, but you might think of some lower watt bulbs or put a dimmer switch on with dimmer functioning bulbs.  Or in a bedroom the same rules apply if you want to cast a romantic light for those special occasions.  If your not sure of the size go big or go home I always say.  You can see my article: What Size Chandelier Should I Choose For My Size Room?

Since the invention of the electric light, anyone can really light up their space these days.  Nothing, I repeat nothing lights up a home like a beautiful chandeliers or pendants.  

Samantha Green has always been interested in home decor.  Especially lighting.  You can see her line of products at woodenchandeliersplus.com.