Merriam-Webster defines a pendant as, something suspended: as a: an ornament allowed to hang free b: an electrical fixture suspended from the ceiling.

Both definitions are right on.  Pendant lighting is definitely a suspended electrical fixture but it is also an ornament for your home. 
 

There are three basic types of pendant lighting .  First are pendants where the open side of the shade or glass faces down.  Second would be inverted pendants where the open side of the glass faces up.  And third is a mini pendant which, as you would imagine means a smaller version of the pendant or ornament.

These three basic options of pendant lighting give you an amazing amount of flexibility.  Pendants can be used to great effect for general lighting as well as task lighting.  A pendant in the foyer can be a breathtaking introduction to your home.  If you have a foyer window in your home, centering a pendant in the window also adds elegance to your home from the street.  Pendants or inverted pendants are also an excellent choice for over the table in a breakfast nook, dinette or kitchen island. They can provide both general illumination or create focused task lighting depending on your need.  For this reason, you might want to consider pendant lighting over game tables, desks or even over a bedside table.  Pendants have an advantage over table lamps in that they free up space on small or crowded tables.

And mini pendants open up a whole new world of design options.  A single mini pendant can be used to create ambient light in an area or to provide task lighting in a key spot.  Using multiple mini pendants, either hung at the same height or staggered can create a beautiful lighting display as well as providing excellent task lighting.  Think of this option for over kitchen islands, counters or bar areas.

Pendant lighting, whether it is conventional pendants, inverted pendants or mini pendants come in a wide variety of styles and colors from Kichler Lighting, so finding the right pendant for your home is a snap.  Of course, Kichler provides pendant options to match most of its popular families, so coordinating the lighting in your home has never been easier.

The following questions and answers about pendant lighting as well as other important lighting questions can be found in our guide, “ Selecting Lighting For Your Home .”

Q – What do I do about task areas such as islands, areas over the sink and counter tops? A – Besides the general lighting guidelines, these areas call for more concentrated lighting since they are normally work areas.  Multiply the area’s square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage.   The Kichler Cabinet Lighting or Kichler Linear Lighting systems can provide solid, brighter light on work surfaces, soffets above cabinets and other concealed locations to add a warm, comfortable atmosphere to your kitchen.  A decorative pendant with 2 or 3 shades (depending on the size of the island) can be installed over your island for sufficient light and to add a decorative element to that area.

Q – How do I light a Dinette area? A – Normally, a decorative pendant (single light – since this is generally a smaller eating area) or a mini chandelier with a downlight will do the job while providing plenty of light on the table surface.  Use a dimmer to soften the light for mood dining when entertaining and to turn up higher for homework, hobbies, etc. when needed.  Again, the bottom of the pendant or mini chandelier should be 30” above the table.  Normally, 100 watts is sufficient for this area.