It’s the simplest way to take your space from something ordinary to something extraordinary. Some are delicate and subtle, some are bold and showstopping, but all do far more then add light to a space.
We are, of course, talking about pendant lights, often called the “fine jewelry” of design and a classic splurge-worthy purchase in renos. And these designs prove that splurge is well worth it.
Here, browse some of our favorite pendants, carefully curated from our archives for your enjoyment and inspiration:
Designer Marissa Sauer of Design MACS had a blank canvas in this Westfield new construction, and she made the most of every bit of that space. The structured, modern lights in the kitchen warm the room and keep the harmonious vibe going.
When creating her own Ridgewood home, Kristina Phillips of the eponymous design firm had fun in the dining room, pairing whimsical wallpaper with duel chandeliers to for the perfect space for dinner parties.
Also created by Sauer, this North Caldwell great room is all Mediterranean charm, and the pendent light is a showstopper. Made of crystal and iron and inspired by 19th century physicist Foucault’s gyroscope, it makes good use of the high, sweeping ceilings.
Under the skilled hands of Karen Wolf of K + Co Living, every inch of an Long Beach Island vacation retreat captures the ocean vibe, and the bathroom is no exception. Over the tub, a chandelier recalls sea glass without overwhelming to ombre tiles on the walls.
When creating this Hampton’s-style home in Franklin Lakes, the goal was sweeping and modern—never cold. With lots of input from the homeowners, Z+ Architects and Interiors delivered, and these lights, hanging at different levels, feel industrial yet chic.
Designer Jodi Berger of JLA Designs was tasked with bringing timeless elegance to a Livingston colonial, and the dining room is that aesthetic embodied. Up above, the structural light creates the perfect visual centerpiece and echoes the warm, bronze tones from the wallpaper and mirror.
Over in Summit, a kitchen reno created by Megan Pisano features an eye-popping black pendent over the informal dining area. It perfectly complements the table beneath, made of concrete and oak.
Despite being drenched in a bold, beautiful blue, the showstopper of this Madison dining room, designed by Plume Interiors, is the feather motif chandelier. The simple ivory wall sconces on the wall behind it create the perfect counterbalance.
In Summit, light, bright and airy are the name of the game in this dining room. Adding to that airiness is the bubble-style chandelier, curated by Kristen Regen of KR Interior Designs. It’s the first thing that catches the eye as you walk into this center-hall house, and Regan calls it her “favorite part of the design.”
Designer Liz Curry created this Tudor-style home in Millburn to be stylish and sparse, with choice accents elevating the space. Here, an intricate floral pendent draws the eye and anchors the room.
Have lighting you think is worth showing off? A designer you always trust? Tell us all about it in Instagram @njhomemag.