Glass is the material that lets a pendant light a room without visually filling it. Clear glass almost disappears and shows the lamp; opal glass turns the same fitting into a soft, glare-free globe. Choosing between them is really a choice about whether you want to see the bulb.
70–80 cm between the table top and the bottom of the shade. Lower and people knock their heads standing up; higher and the fitting glares across the table at seated eye level. Over an island, the same range works — measure from the worktop.
This is where glass pendants either work or look cheap. Behind clear glass you need a decorative filament lamp; a frosted standard LED capsule shows as a white lump. Budget for the lamp as part of the fitting, not as an afterthought.
One up to about 140 cm of table length, two up to 200 cm, three beyond that — evenly spaced and at least 30 cm in from each end.
Smooth glass is easy — a wipe is enough. Heavily faceted or ribbed glass collects grease in a kitchen and needs more attention.
2700 K. Warm light brings out smoked and amber glass; cool light makes it look grey.
See also Pendant Lights.
