Bowl Pendants and Kitchen Lighting
 

Whether you're looking for a luxurious crystal bowl pendant or a clean and classic design, one thing's for sure: bowl pendants are timeless choices for enhancing your kitchen. Because the bowl pendant's "bowl" diffuser spreads light so evenly, it is an excellent choice for adding general lighting to your kitchen (the hub of the household!). Bowl pendants also strike that perfect balance between formal and casual.

Bowl pendants work great over kitchen or dining room tables. Here are some guidelines for choosing a bowl pendant that's perfectly at home in your space.

• Focal Point vs. Subtle Addition? Consider whether you're looking to add drama by installing a bowl pendant, or simply enhance your existing décor with light. For example, if you'd like your bowl pendant to be the focal point of the room, consider choosing a crystal accent bowl pendant or colorful Tiffany style. If you'd like to maintain a minimalist look, go with a transitional style bowl pendant.

• How Much Wattage? Bowl pendants are available in many sizes, and the wattage tends to be higher than that of a chandelier because the light is diffused (and produces less glare). For a truly progressive approach, consider an Energy Star bowl pendant – there are many attractive options out there!

• Coordinating Fixtures. Many bowl pendant designs are now available with specially coordinating fixture options, like wall sconces, to achieve a layered and seamless look. However, your bowl pendant need not match exactly – just look for coordinating fixtures with the same finish and similar glass type.

• Uplight vs. Downlight? Uplight bowl pendants (with the "bowl" shape right side up) provide a more general light, while downlight bowl pendants (with the bowl upside down) emit focused light. Consider using the uplight version for general/ ambient lighting, and the downlight bowl pendant for task lighting.