Brass Pendant Lights

Brass Pendant Lamps: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Brass pendant lights look great in most homes and provide a warm appearance. They hang from the ceiling on rods or cables and shine light down onto tables, counters, and seating areas. Brass doesn't go out of fashion like other finishes do - it's been popular in homes for decades.

Key Points

• Brass changes colour over time unless it has a protective coating
• Hang brass pendants 65-90cm above tables and worktops
• Keep multiple brass pendants 30-45cm apart over islands and tables
• Polished brass is shiny, while brushed brass looks more matt
• Good quality brass pendants cost between £80 and £500.

Why Brass Lighting Creates Warmth in Any Room

Brass fixtures give off a golden look even when the light is off. They bounce existing light around with a warm tone you don't get from other metals.

• Looks good against white walls and dark cabinets
• Goes well with wood, especially walnut and oak
• Stands out against other colours without looking harsh like dark colours do
• Doesn't show spots and marks as much as chrome or nickel

Rooms with brass lights feel more lived-in and cosy. The yellowish tone makes a room feel warmer than steel or chrome fixtures do. It's similar to choosing warm white bulbs instead of cool white ones.

Polished vs Brushed vs Antique: Choosing Your Brass Finish

The finish you pick changes how you're brass pendant looks and how much cleaning it needs.

• Polished brass: Shiny, mirror-like surface that catches the eye
• Brushed brass: Matte finish that doesn't show fingerprints as much
• Antique brass: Darker, aged look with brownish tones
• Satin brass: Less shiny than polished but not as matt as brushed
• Un-lacquered brass: Will change colour over time

You'll need to clean polished brass more often since it shows fingerprints easily. If you don't want much cleaning work, brushed or satin brass is better. Un-lacquered brass gets darker and more characterful as it ages – some people like this aged look, while others prefer brass that stays the same.

Popular Styles of Brass Pendants for Different Homes

You can find brass pendants in loads of styles to suit your home. The most common ones are:

• Dome pendants: Round tops that point light downward
• Globe pendants: Ball shapes with the bulb inside the glass
• Lantern pendants: Open or glass-covered, with an old-fashioned look
• Geometric pendants: Shapes like hexagons, squares and triangles
• Industrial pendants: Cage designs with visible bulbs

For mid-century modern homes, go for simple domes with clean edges. Traditional homes look better with lantern or bell shapes. Modern spaces suit geometric designs that look interesting without taking over the room.

Sizing and Placement: Getting It Right

Your brass pendant should be the right size for where you're hanging it. If it's wrong, even an expensive light will look odd.

• For dining tables: make the pendant about 1/3 as wide as the table
• For kitchen islands: use a group of small pendants or one bigger light
• In bedrooms, smaller lights (20-30cm) usually work better
• In entrances: match the size to the room (roughly 5-7cm per metre of ceiling height)
• For living rooms: use bigger pendants in open plans, smaller ones in cosy rooms

Hang pendants 75-90cm above dining tables, 75-100cm above kitchen islands, and at least 210cm above floors where people walk. For sloped ceilings, you'll need to mount the fixing plate and canopy at an angle.

Pairing Brass with Other Materials and Colours

Brass works with most colours, but some combinations look really good.

• Navy blue and brass look smart and classic
• Green (especially emerald and sage) goes really well with brass
• White walls make brass stand out nicely
• Black and brass create a strong contrast
• Terracotta and brass look warm and earthy together

When mixing metals, stick to 2-3 different types in one room. Brass goes nicely with matt black and bronze because they all have warmer tones. Chrome and brushed nickel can clash with brass unless you plan carefully.

Installing Brass Fixtures: What You Need to Know

Most ceiling lights go up the same way, but brass pendants have a few special things to think about.

• Turn off the power at the main box, not just the switch
• Remember, solid brass weighs more than aluminium
• Use the brackets that come with the light or get stronger ones for heavy fixtures
• Make sure all wires are properly connected to blocks and tape
• When hanging more than one pendant, measure carefully so they line up

If you're not good with electrics, get an electrician. It costs around £75-£150 to have one pendant installed, which is worth it for safety and getting it right.

Keeping Your Brass Pendants Looking Their Best

We've found brass needs certain cleaning methods to stay looking good without damage.

• Dust it once a week with a dry cloth
• For fingerprints, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry straight away
• Don't use strong chemicals that might strip off protective coatings
• Never use scratchy cleaners on any brass finish
• For un-lacquered brass, you can clean it with lemon juice and baking soda paste

Most new brass lights have a protective coating to stop them from changing colour. If you want brass that stays shiny, pick these coated ones. If you like the look of aged brass, go for unlacquered - just know you'll need to clean it more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What decor styles work with brass pendant lights?

Brass pendant lights work with many styles, including mid-century modern, traditional, contemporary, farmhouse, art deco, and boho. They add warmth to simple rooms and go well with wood and other natural materials in older homes.

What is the difference between brushed brass and polished brass pendant lights?

The main difference between brushed brass and polished brass pendant lights is that polished brass is shiny and reflective, but shows fingerprints. In contrast, brushed brass has a softer, matte look that hides marks. Polished brass looks more formal; brushed brass feels more casual.

Where should you use brass pendant lights in your home?

Use brass pendant lights over kitchen islands, dining tables, beside beds, in hallways, guest toilets (IP44+ Rated), and home offices. They work well where you need good task lighting and want a softer glow that makes the room feel inviting.

How to style a kitchen with brass pendant lights?

Style a kitchen with brass pendant lights by matching cabinet handles and knobs to the same brass finish. Avoid mixing too many metals; keep stainless steel away from brass. Add brass taps to tie it together. Brass works well with light or dark worktops and wood.

How to clean and maintain brass pendant lights?

Clean brass pendant lights by wiping with a dry cloth to remove dust. Use a damp cloth with mild soap for fingerprints, then dry right away. Avoid brass cleaners on coated brass. For un-lacquered brass, use a paste of salt, flour, and vinegar to clean tarnish.