Drum Pendant Lights

In recent years, drum pendant lights have risen dramatically in popularity. Defined by a drum-shaped round shade diffuser (either glass, metal, or fabric), drum pendant lights are popping up in a wide range of room settings. Because of their naturally sleek look, chances are you can easily incorporate a drum pendant light into your decor. Here are some tips on choosing the right one.

• Choosing a Material. Some drum pendants feature glass (drum shaped) diffusers, while others have a fabric drum shade much like a lamp. Consider the lighting effect you want your drum pendant light to achieve. Glass and fabric shades create a soft look, while metal shades can ramp up any ultra-modern space.

• Diameter. If you’re installing your drum pendant light over a table (they are extremely popular in informal dining areas), you’ll need to choose the correct size to avoid overwhelming the space. The most important dimension is diameter. Take the width of your table, and subtract 12”. The diameter of your drum pendant light should be as close to this measurement as possible, and no larger. See "How to Choose the Right Sized Fixture" for more tips.

• Brightness. Oftentimes, drum pendant lights use several bulbs and offer the same wattage as many chandeliers. If you’re replacing a chandelier, be sure to choose a drum pendant style that provides as much light (or close to it). The material of the diffuser will also determine how much light you get. In general, styles with metal/ opaque shades give off the least light, while translucent shades of glass or fabric allow plenty of light to shine through.

• Style. Not all drum pendant lights are created equal! Choose a drum pendant light style that coordinates with your existing decor. Their sleek form makes them a natural fit for contemporary settings, but drum pendant lights with traditional ornamentation and/or bronze finishes go well in classic settings.

• Current Trends. If you’re set on showing off the latest lighting trends in your home, consider these latest trends in drum pendant lighting:
  
  Patterned Shades. Much like some of the most popular lamp styles, drum pendant lights are appearing with bold patterned fabric shades.
  Bronze or Stainless Finishes.
  Energy Efficient. Many energy efficient drum pendant lights are available, including cutting-edge dimmable fluorescent options!