Back to regular programming this week, talking about one of my favourite ways to elevate a space - pendant lights. They’re such a simple way to create a beautiful focal point in a room, but it’s important to get them right.

When my husband and I were renovating our first home, I struggled most with getting the scale of them right. Something would look great online, then arrive and feel completely off once it was in the room (I have a good tip for this now!).

And then there’s the overwhelming feeling of scrolling through pages and pages of options, trying to find the right one. There are also so many brands and retailers, it’s very easy to get confused or spend more of your budget than you need to.

That’s where I can hopefully help! I’ve pulled together some of my current favourite pendant lights, grouped into three price ranges, plus a few tips I’ve picked up along the way to make it easier to find the right one for your space.

Enjoy x

On a budget, but still stylish ($$)

You really don’t need to spend a lot to find something beautiful. These options are stylish and great if you're working with a tighter budget, but still want that design/trendy look.

Tip: Make sure to check out the materials of lower-budget options. Go for finishes like solid brass, linen, glass or powder-coated metal. These tend to wear better and feel more premium without the price tag. We love those!

A balance of quality and design ($$$)

These pieces are great options if you’d like to spend a little more. They strike a good balance of thoughtful design and quality, while still sitting in that mid-range budget. I’d happily use any of these in projects when I want something that looks and feels elevated, without going full splurge.

Tip: Like I mentioned earlier, getting the scale right can be tricky, especially in living rooms or bedrooms. A good rule of thumb is to add the room’s length + width (in m) and multiply by 8-10. That gives you a rough idea of the ideal pendant diameter in cm. If in doubt, always go bigger!

Investment pieces to splurge on ()

If you're ready to invest a little more, these are my favourite statement pendants (I’m obsessed with the Lod blackened iron pendant). You’ll notice the higher budget brings more refined, interesting designs, but they are still very timeless. These pieces are usually handmade too, so the quality is exceptional and will last for a very long time.

Tip: If you’re going to splurge, I’d focus on spaces like the living, dining area or kitchen. These are where you entertain, and a beautiful pendant can really make a statement. Bedrooms and home offices are great spots to save, as lower-budget options can still look great there.

Hopefully this helps and takes some of the stress out of finding the perfect pendant light. I might be biased, but interior shopping should be fun, not overwhelming! Happy shopping, and I can’t wait to see what you’ve picked!

Ashley x

If you feel like seeing what I’m up to in between posts, I’m usually over on Instagram here.

I’m working to grow studio bern. so some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Of course, I only ever recommend something that I absolutely love and would buy myself. If you have any questions, just let me know.