Quick answer: Choose a pendant about half to two-thirds the width of the table it hangs over, and hang it roughly 70 to 90 cm above the surface. Use warm white light, add a dimmer, and check the ceiling height and fixing point before you order.
A pendant light does two jobs at once. It lights the surface below it, and it acts as a piece of decoration in the room. Get the size or height wrong and it will either look lost or get in the way. This guide covers the decisions that matter before you buy.
Where will the pendant hang?
Start with the location, because it decides almost everything else.
- Over a dining table: one large pendant, or a row of two or three smaller ones for a long table.
- Over a kitchen island or counter: a line of small to medium pendants, evenly spaced.
- In a living room or lobby: a statement piece such as a ring pendant or a cluster.
- Beside a bed: a small pendant on each side frees up the bedside table.
How big should a pendant light be?
For a dining table, a pendant that is roughly half to two-thirds the width of the table usually looks balanced. For a row of pendants over an island, leave a clear gap between each fitting and keep the outer pendants in from the ends of the counter. In an open living area, a larger room and a higher ceiling can carry a bigger fitting.
What height should it hang at?
Over a table or counter, the bottom of the pendant typically sits about 70 to 90 cm above the surface. That is low enough to light the table and high enough that people can see each other across it. In walkways, keep the bottom of the fitting comfortably above head height.
How bright does it need to be?
If the pendant is the main light for the table, choose one with enough output for the task and add a dimmer if you can. If you already have recessed downlights for general light, the pendant can be softer and more decorative. Warm white light suits dining and living areas best.
Which style suits your space?
Ring and linear pendants suit modern interiors. Glass and metal shades work in most homes and restaurants. For a more classic look, a chandelier may be the better choice. Check the finish against your door handles, taps and switches so the room feels consistent.
Check before you order
- Ceiling height and the length of cable or rod supplied
- The weight of the fitting and the fixing point in the ceiling
- Whether the light source is built in or uses replaceable bulbs
- Warranty and availability of spare parts
See our pendant lights for current options.
Pendant sizing at a glance
| Location | Size guide | Hanging height |
|---|---|---|
| Dining table | Half to two-thirds of table width | 70 to 90 cm above the table |
| Kitchen island | Two or three small to medium pendants, evenly spaced | 70 to 90 cm above the counter |
| Living room | Scaled to the room, larger for high ceilings | Clear of head height |
| Bedside | Small, one per side | Just above the bedside table |
Low ceilings
Many apartments have ceilings of around 9 ft, less with a false ceiling. Over a table a pendant still works well, because nobody walks under it. In open areas choose a shallow or semi-flush design instead.
Can’t find the design you want?
Many pendants seen online are not stocked in Bangladesh. Send us the photo or link and we will check whether we can import it for you, in the size and finish you need.
Frequently asked questions
How low should a pendant light hang over a dining table?
About 70 to 90 cm above the table top. Lower feels more intimate, higher gives a clearer view across the table.
How many pendant lights do I need over a kitchen island?
Two for a shorter island and three for a longer one is typical. Keep the gaps even and the outer pendants in from the ends.
What is the difference between a pendant and a chandelier?
A pendant usually has a single light source hanging from one cord or rod. A chandelier has multiple arms or light sources and is generally larger and more decorative.
Related guides
- Chandelier Size Guide: How to Choose the Right One
- Restaurant and Cafe Lighting Ideas That Bring Guests Back
- Bedroom Lighting Ideas for a Calm, Comfortable Room
Need help choosing?
Browse the Nabulax shop for genuine products with warranty and delivery across Bangladesh, or request a quote and send us a photo, design or BOQ. If the product is not available locally, we can import it for you.
