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Adding a touch of French Country style to your home is an easy way to bring warmth and charm into any room. And one of the best ways to achieve this look is through the use of French Country pendant lighting! Pendant lights can be used as both a functional source of light and as a decorative accent that adds a unique flair to your interior decor. Here are 18 beautiful French Country pendant lighting options to help you create the perfect atmosphere for your home. Let the illumination begin!
Before we get into the ideas, you may be wondering what style of light fixture you should choose. After all, if you were to google this, over 18 million lighting fixtures would come up. Talk about overwhelming, am I right? Of course, what’s right for you is a personal choice, but we have some great guidelines and key factors for you to consider.
How to Know Which Lighting Fixture is Right for You
1. Consider the Size of the Room and Furniture
Interior designers always take scale into consideration when furnishing a room or choosing light fixtures. You don’t want something to be too big or too small, as both results can make your room look “off”.
The first consideration is the size of the space. You’ll want to select a pendant that is not too large or small for the area you are working with. If it’s too small, it won’t provide enough light to adequately illuminate the area. If it’s too large, it may overpower the entire look of the room.
You’ll also need to think about the height of the ceiling in the room. The higher the ceiling, the bigger you can go with your pendant light. A lower ceiling will require a smaller pendant light to avoid looking too cramped and cluttered.
Additionally, consider the shape of your kitchen island or table. A round or oval-shaped island or table requires a single pendant, while a rectangular or square-shaped island or table requires a series of two or three pendants hung in a line.
2. Consider the Overall Design of the Room
Whatever pendant lighting you introduce into your space should complement the existing decor and style you already have. After all, who wants to install a new light, step back, and realize it looks way out of place? Not me! Well, not my husband. Because let’s be real – I’m just pointing fingers, I’m not actually installing anything!
First, think about the decor style that you already have going on. Is it rustic? Then a French Country pendant with an oil-rubbed finish or distressed wood can add even more rustic charm. Does your room read more glam? Then choose a pendant with beads and crystals to add a bigger impact of glamour to a bedroom or living area. Is your French Country style a little more modern? Then simple, sleek finishes like black metal would be a good fit for you.
Related: Turn Your Home Into a Chateau With These French Country Fireplace Mantels
3. Consider the Mood You Want to Have
Last, but not least, think about the mood you want to create in the space. Do you want a warm glow and an inviting atmosphere? Or something more modern and sleek? Do you want a light that is soft and romantic or bright and inviting?
If you’re looking for a soft and romantic atmosphere, consider crystal pendants that feature soft shades of antique white. If you’re looking for something more dramatic, try an oversized pendant with multiple bulbs to really make a statement.
On the other hand, if you’re going for a more casual look, aged metal pendants or distressed wood pendants can help create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that makes you think of the French countryside. If you’re looking for something more contemporary, glass pendants or simple, black lines are the way to go.
No matter what style you’re going for, considering the mood and atmosphere you’re trying to create in a space will help you pick the perfect pendant lighting to tie the room together.
Which light below fits the mood you are going for?
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Now that you’ve picked your favorite French Country pendant lighting, you may be wondering where to install one of these ceiling lights. Yes, above the kitchen island is an obvious choice. But there are more places!
Where to Install French Country Pendant Lighting
Kitchen islands: No surprise here, but to try something different, break the mold of 2 or 3 pendant lights in a row. Instead, choose one extra large linear light for a dramatic finish.
Dining Room: Depending on your dining table size, hanging 2 French lanterns can provide a very unique yet timeless touch.
Hallways: Have a really long and dark hallway with tall ceilings? Add a bit of personality (and light) to your hallway with pendant lights. It’s a great way to spruce up a dark hallway.
Over the Bedroom Nightstands: Make your bedroom feel elevated (and like a really expensive hotel) by placing a beautiful pendant light over your nightstand. It adds a sense of luxury!
Staircase: If you have a dramatic 2 story staircase, elevate the look even more by hanging multiple pendants. Extra lighting can also help create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Living Room: Have a cozy corner you want to illuminate? Strategically placing pendants in your living room can create a really beautiful design.
Remember, when picking out the perfect pendant lighting for your space, it’s not just about picking the most stylish or expensive option – it’s about finding something that fits your personal taste and style. And don’t forget to have a little fun with it – after all, that’s what decorating is all about!
Now that you’ve got a pendant light, it’s time to pick a French chandelier to go with it. Good news, we’ve done the research for you and these large chandeliers can be placed anywhere! Up Next: 15 Sophisticated and Charming French Country Kitchen Chandeliers
