Installing a pendant lamp
Installing a pendant lamp? Here's how!
Have you finally found a beautiful pendant lamp to go above your dining table or kitchen island but you don't know how to install it? The following instructions will show you how to do it!
What you need:
- Electrical tester
- Pair of pliers
- Screwdriver
- Screws and plugs
- Possibly an Impact Drill
- Drill
Step 1. Turn off the power
Switch off any active power before installing your pendant lamp. Use an electrical tester to determine that there is no active power supply to the wires. If the electrical tester is not lit, then there is no active power present.
Step 2. Attach the ceiling bracket
Drill the required holes for the ceiling bracket and screw the mounting bracket on to the ceiling. For some properties you might need a hook to go with the ceiling bracket, we do not supply this however you are able to purchase from any DIY store.
Step 3. Connect the wires to the pendant lamp
Now its time to connect electrical wires to the light. You start by taking off a little bit of the plastic surrounding the connection wires up to 0.5cm from the black and blue wire. The lamp wire insertion has two to three openings, two of these are black and blue wire and sometimes in the middle you will find an opening for an earthed wire (yellow-green wire). If your pendant lamp is earthed, ensure you also connect this wire to the insertion of the pendant lamp opening and screw them tightly with a screwdriver.
Step 4. Attach the pendant lamp
Attach the pendant lamp to the mounted bracket on the ceiling. Simply raise the light up to the bracket and screw the ceiling rose/plate.
Step 5. Insert light bulb
Now that the pendant lamp is fully installed, its time to insert a light bulb and turn the power back on. Often there is no light bulb that comes with a pendant lamp, therefore it is important that you find a compatible light source to use. You will be able to find the right bulb for your needs on our website. Once the power is on and light bulb is inserted, turn on your lamp and see your lamp come to life!
Pendant Sizing & Positioning Guide
Getting the height, spacing, and fixture size right makes the difference between a lighting scheme that looks intentional and one that feels off. Use the guidance below before finalising your cord length.
Hanging Height
The most common reference point is the distance from the bottom of the pendant to the surface below it.
- Over a dining table: 70–80 cm (28–32 in) above the tabletop. Lower feels intimate; higher suits open-plan rooms with high ceilings.
- Over a kitchen island (seated): 70–80 cm (28–32 in) above the counter surface.
- Over a kitchen island (standing only): 80–90 cm (32–35 in) to maintain clear sightlines and headroom.
- General room/entryway: Aim for a minimum clearance of 210 cm (83 in) from finished floor to bottom of pendant in any walkway or standing area.
Sloped or vaulted ceilings: Measure the hanging height from the surface directly below the fixture, not from the ceiling. Use an adjustable swivel canopy to keep the pendant plumb on a sloped ceiling.
Fixture Diameter vs. Table or Island Size
A single pendant or a cluster should feel proportionate to the surface underneath. Use the chart below as a starting point.
| Surface | Surface width | Recommended fixture ⌀ (single) or combined spread |
|---|---|---|
| Small dining table (2–4 seats) | 90–120 cm / 35–47 in | 30–45 cm / 12–18 in |
| Medium dining table (4–6 seats) | 120–180 cm / 47–71 in | 45–60 cm / 18–24 in, or 2–3 pendants in a row |
| Large dining table (6–8+ seats) | 180–240 cm / 71–94 in | 60–80 cm / 24–31 in, or 3 pendants in a row |
| Kitchen island (standard) | 90–150 cm / 35–59 in | 2 pendants, 20–35 cm / 8–14 in each |
| Large kitchen island | 150–240 cm / 59–94 in | 3 pendants, 20–35 cm / 8–14 in each |
Tip: keep the total combined fixture width to roughly ½–⅔ of the table or island length for a balanced look.
Centre-to-Centre Spacing for Multiple Pendants
When hanging two or more pendants in a row, the centre-to-centre (C–C) distance determines how evenly spaced they appear.
- Recommended C–C spacing: 50–80 cm (20–31 in) between pendant centres for most dining or island installations.
- Place the outer pendants roughly 15–20 cm (6–8 in) in from each end of the table or island so they don't overhang the edge.
- For three pendants over an island: divide the island length into equal thirds and centre each pendant in its third.
Sloped Ceilings
- Use a swivel canopy (also called a sloped-ceiling adapter) — most are rated up to a 45° pitch.
- Measure the finished hanging height from the surface below, not from the ceiling peak.
- Add extra cord length to compensate: on a 30° slope, add approximately 15% to your desired drop length.
- Always confirm the canopy and bracket can support the full fixture weight on an angled surface.
A Note on Safety
The guidelines above are general sizing recommendations and do not replace the advice of a licensed electrician. Ceiling structure, junction-box load ratings, and local building codes all affect the safe installation of any light fixture. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional — especially for fixtures over 3 kg or installations on sloped, concrete, or heritage ceilings.