Imagine Design » Makeover Monday: Lighting ideas from Marcy

Date: 14 Jun 2010

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Low-Voltage Lighting Ideas: Pendant Lighting for Your Home

The following guest post was written by Marcy Tate from Networx, Your Home Improvement Network. Marcy works with Electricians Networx learning ways to educate homeowners about low-voltage lighting options.

Pendant lighting in a contemporary kitchen

Low-voltage lighting is a fantastic choice for those who want to reduce their electric bill and add beautiful, dramatic lighting to their home. Most low-voltage lighting systems use a transformer to reduce the needed electrical current. This application is used for linear lighting and under-the-cabinet lighting systems. Other low-voltage fixtures, like pendant fixtures, don’t always need a transformer and incorporate the use of energy-saving CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs. CFL bulbs emit 25% less heat than incandescent bulbs, and they also last longer. Additionally, many low-voltage fixtures are better quality fixtures. Low-voltage lighting fixtures, and the bulbs that are used with them, provide a higher quality light. From pendant fixtures, linear and disc lighting to miniature recessed fixtures, the options are vast and can end up saving you money.

Pendants in a dining room

Pendant lighting in a bathroom

Pendant Lighting Fixtures

Pendant lights are extremely versatile. Pendant lights and mini pendant lights are used in just about every room in a home, from kitchens, bathrooms and dining rooms to family rooms and basements. I had just had my basement cleaned by basement cleanup in Chicago and the pendant lighting installed recently just made the place glow. Many pendant lights can use energy-efficient halogen light bulbs. Halogen bulbs can last for about 10,000 hours. Here are some ideas for your home:

Clear and White Pendant Fixtures:

Clear and white pendant lights can complement any room décor.

CRYSTALA GRANDE 1-Light Pendant Lighting Kit

Available at Light Waves Concept

VERONICA White 1-Light Pendant Lighting Kit

Available at Light Waves Concept

Sheer Glass Shade

Available at Pegasus Lighting

Color Pendant Fixtures:

ByzAnTina Red & Gold (1-Light Pendant Kit)

Available at Light Waves Concept

Americano II Black & Red 1-Light Pendant Lighting Kit

Available at Light Waves Concept

Truffle Low Voltage Xenon Pendant Lights

Available at Pegasus Lighting

Trista Low Voltage Halogen Pendant Lights

Available at Pegasus Lighting

Color Glass Tube Cylinder Pendant

Available at Shades of Light

Antiqued Mirror Hex Lantern

Available at Shades of Light

Additional resources to help you create an efficiently lit home:

Energy Star – Lighting section explains everything you need to know about how to efficiently light your home.
Understanding Low-Voltage Lighting and Wiring at Electricians Networks
Nightscaping– Information about low-voltage outdoor lighting.

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About the Author

Born and raised in rural Minnesota, now living in sunny southern California. I have loved design and decorating since I was building homes with blocks, setting up dollhouses and rearranging my parent’s furniture. I'm now the Owner and Interior Designer of Imagine, a company I created in 2009 based in La Verne, California. I started Imagine based on a few basic principles. First and foremost, combining my love of working with people and my eye for design, I create beautiful spaces that exude my client’s personality as well as style and functionality. I work with all styles, from traditional to contemporary. Whether it’s a full home renovation, new construction or furniture placement, the goal is to create a functional and beautiful space that suits my client’s taste, budget and lifestyle.