What Is Cluster Lighting?
Cluster pendants are a long standing lighting trend that never seems to go out of style. Interior designers have been embracing this trend in hotels and hospitality spaces for decades, but the last few years we've seen this trend work it's way to becoming a residential and home decor staple.
Now it's easier than ever to translate this popular lighting approach into your home. With so many different size, colour and material options available, there is sure to be a Cluster Lighting option that can help transform your space.
Read on to find out more about Cluster Lighting, and view some popular Cluster Lighting options available here at Alpha Lighting...
What is cluster lighting?
Cluster pendant lights are a type of interior lighting style that consists of two or more lighting fittings hung in close proximity to each other. Cluster lights have no set configuration. One of the reasons they have become so popular is there is not set blueprint for exactly how you should configure the lights. Meaning the pendants can be arranged in any number of ways, allowing you to create your own unique look and feel.
The sole aim of this trend is to create a functional and eye catching lighting feature that compliments the overall design of the space.
How To Approach Cluster Lighting In Your Home:
1. Cluster Lighting - Mixed Pendant Sizes
A fun way to elevate your lighting look is to use pendant shades of different sizes/shapes and suspend them at differing heights. This creates an eye catching layered lighting look and gives the room a well thought out design feel.
Our Maven range of pendants is a great modern option for tackling cluster lighting. The Maven range has a cage style pendant shade and is available in 3 sizes - each with slightly different shapes/silhouettes. Cluster one of each style of our Maven range (like the image below) - or use multiple of the same size pendant - either way, pair them with a vintage style bulb for maximum lighting impact!
Or why not go for a more classic look with our popular smoked glass globe range (shown below). Available in multiple sizes and colourways, these elegant glass globes will suit a variety of interior decor styles. The beauty of selecting a pendant from a range with lots of variations, is you have the freedom to choose a pendant configuration that works best with your own space.
This approach to cluster lighting looks great hung in spaces with high ceilings, over dining tables, over staircases and more!
Note: Although you may love the look of this trend - remember your surroundings. While you can embrace the cluster lighting trend at any size, you don't want to overpower your space with too large a pendant or by hanging them too low!
Maven Pendant Range Smoked Glass Globe Range
2. Cluster Lighting - Uniform Pendant Sizes
You don't have to use pendants of different shapes and sizes to tackle the cluster lighting trend - it also looks great with pendants of a uniform size too.
Using uniform pendants but clustering them at different heights can still have a dramatic lighting effect on the space. Take a look a the images below, our customer used three of our Mida smoked glass pendants to create this elegant and eye catching cluster light feature in their kitchen. This display not only provides a highly functional light source over the kitchens breakfast bar, but also adds to the overall design of the room.
Note: Got high or Apex ceilings? No worries, the cluster lighting trend can still work on these more 'difficult' ceiling types, and can even help fill out the open space.
Mida Pendant Nojord Pendant Edison Pendant Guard Pendant
3. Linear Cluster Lighting
Cluster Lighting simply refers to multiple pendants hung closely in one area, these pendants can be arranged in any number of configurations - including a linear formation.
Hanging smaller pendant lights in line over breakfast bars, kitchen islands or dining tables is a great way to add practical task lighting and add character to the space too.
From classic matt black pendants like the Fisherman model shown below, to Scandavian inspired two tone Martina Pendants, or our contemporary and colourful Segmento pendants - these small fixtures can add a fun focal point to the space, and supply additional light to high use areas.
Note: Although we often see Cluster Lighting represented with an off number of hanging lights, don't be afraid to use even number of fittings if your space requires it.
Fisherman Pendant Martina Pendant Segmento Pendant Industry Pendant
4. Ready To Go Cluster Lighting
If you want to reap the benefits of the Cluster Lighting trend, without the effort - then arguably the easiest way is through 'ready to go' cluster pendant lights!
This style of lighting has multiple pendants hanging from one central ceiling base. That means there is only one 'fitting' required to be installed, but you still achieve the design power and wow factor of having multiple pendants.
We have the Ellie 3 Light Pendant that offers a sophisticated solution to this style of cluster lighting, with it's Gold metal detailing and acid glass shades. Or you can embody a more rustic and toned down style with our 3 Light Decorative Cluster pendant - which has no shades, just the simple cords paired with a Vintage style lamp.
If you're looking for an easy solution to the Linear Cluster Lighting approach, then something like our 3 Light Ribbed Pendant. The classic rectangular Chrome base with white ribbed glass shades will suit a variety of decor surroundings and each pendant is height adjustable!
Ellie 3 Light Pendant 3 Light Cluster Pendant 3 Light Ribbed Glass Pendant