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A dimmable pendant light is one way to set a mood and create a nice atmosphere in your home. Modern ceiling lighting oftentimes comes with the ability to dim your lights, making it simpler than ever to incorporate.
In this article, we’ll explore contemporary dimmable pendant lights and introduce you to some of the best dimmable pendant lights available today.
Why Choose Dimmable Lighting?
As the sun rises and sets, your lighting needs may change with the natural light levels. Dimmable ceiling light fixtures give you total control over the brightness of your lights. With the flexibility to control the perceived lumens, you can:
- SET A MOOD. When you dim your modern pendant lighting, you can set an inviting and cosy mood in the room. This is ideal for everything from dimmable dining room lighting for dinner parties to dimmable bedroom lights for romantic nights in.
- SAVE ON ENERGY. When you reduce the brightness of your lights, you are reducing the amount of energy used. This is not only better for the environment, but it’s better for your wallet as well. Energy efficient lights can lower your electric bill, while also extending the life of the bulbs to ensure fewer replacements.
- ELEVATED AESTHETICS. By maintaining total control over the light levels and even colour of the light in some cases, you can improve the overall look and feel of your space. Using dimmable lighting, you can bring attention to certain areas of the room or create visual drama using shadows.
Understanding Dimmable LED Technology
Dimmable lighting is made possible through two main pathways: Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, and analogue methods.
With PWM, what happens is the light actually turning off and on repeatedly. It happens so fast–in mere milliseconds–that the human eye cannot detect the changes. By having the lights dimmed to, say, 20 percent, the light is “on” for 20 percent of the time, and “off” for 80 percent. The result is a dimmer looking light.
Analogue dimming, however, uses current control to influence the brightness of the light. Lowering the amount of current moving through the bulb will make it appear dimmer. On the other hand, raising it will make the light brighter.
How to Select the Right Dimmable Lighting for Your Home
Dimmable light fixtures are available for every room in the house, from living room to kitchen to hallway lighting. When searching for your new dimmable ceiling light, there are a few points you may want to look out for:
- STYLE OF LIGHT. Be sure that you choose dimmable pendant light fixtures that work well with your existing decor. There are all kinds of dimmable LED light fixtures available, in various finishes, materials, colours and styles.
- Make sure that the dimmable light you choose is compatible with any existing dimmer switches in your home. If not, you’ll need to take time to replace any old dimmer switches before bringing home your new dimmable hanging lights
- COLOUR TEMPERATURE. The colour temperature of your dimmable LED lights can dictate the overall look and feel of your space. Warm temperatures, for example, are better for creating intimate, cosy moods. Conversely, cool lighting is ideal in spaces that you want to feel more energetic.
- LUMEN COUNT. Lumens are a way to discuss the brightness of an LED light. Having high lumen counts gives you more of a spectrum for dimming the lights, offering more dramatic results.
Combining Dimmable Lights with Smart Home Technology
The most dynamic dimmable lighting solution you can incorporate into your home involves smart lighting. Modern dimmable ceiling lights attached to smart lighting systems allow you to control the light in more specific, incremental ways than manual controls alone.
Using smart home lighting, you can set routines and schedules. For example, you can have kitchen lighting automatically turn on when it’s time to start preparing dinner. Set the dimmable LED pendant light in the living room to automatically dim once it’s dark outside to create a more natural transition.
WIth smart home technology, you can control the lights from the convenience of a mobile app or even your voice. This will make it easier than ever to remain in complete control over the appearance of your lights.
Installing Dimmable Pendant Lights
When it comes to DIY home lighting, installing dimmable lights is not much different from installing any other kind of lighting system. It is recommended that if you are not confident in your ability to safely install the lights on your own, you hire a professional electrician to take it on instead. They can install the lights in a safe and efficient manner that complies with lighting codes and regulations.
If you’re ready to tackle the job yourself, you’ll need a few tools on hand:
- Wire strippers
- Voltage tester
- Screwdriver
- Electrical tape
With the supplies in hand, you can go about installing the fixtures.
- Turn off all of the power. Go to the mains breaker and shut the power off to the entire home just to be safe. Otherwise, you run the risk of accidental electrocution.
- Double check the power is off. Using a voltage tester, you can make sure there is no electrical current moving through the area before you begin.
- Put the light together. If the dimmable light needs to be assembled in any way, do so before you continue.
- Mount the ceiling bracket. Install the backplate and bracket to the ceiling where you want the light to do.
- Connect the lights to the wires.
- Fasten the pendant light right to the ceiling bracket and ensure it is securely in place.
- Install the dimmer switch. If you do not already have a compatible dimmer switch in place, install your new one. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions to do so properly.
- Turn the power back on.
- Test the lights. Turn the lights on and try to dim them. You can test to see if there are any issues, such as it not dimming at all or the light flickering. If you notice any problems, you can remedy them right away so you can enjoy your dimmable lights as soon as possible.
Maintaining Your Dimmable Lights
Periodically performing maintenance on your lighting helps ensure they are operating at their very best. Lighting maintenance doesn’t require a lot of effort and can be done in very little time at all.
Semi-regularly, you should dust your light fixtures. Take a moment to clear off any dust and debris using a duster or a cloth depending on how thick the layer is. This will help preserve their appearance while also preventing issues from dust entry.
While you’re there, take a look at the wire connections. Ensuring the wires are properly secured to the light fixture itself can help prevent issues like inconsistent dimming or flickering. If you notice any burnt out bulbs, you can replace them then as well.
Conclusion
Dimmable lighting is a lovely way to bring personality to your home while enhancing its mood and atmosphere. In this article, we’ve discussed dimmable lighting, including how it works and how to make the most out of it. Keep this page bookmarked as you prepare to shop for and install your own.
Dimmable Home Light Ideas
Create a lovely mood and atmosphere in your dining room and beyond with the DPL286 5 Watt Dimmable LED Pendant Light. This hanging fixture generates 430 lumens of 3000K warm white light that boast a CRI rating of >80. The light shines at a 10 degree beam angle, making it a good choice for focused task lighting. Fashioned out of durable aluminium and rated IP20, these fixtures are built to last the years. They come in your choice of a black or white finish and measure 60 millimeters in diameter.
Elevate your living space with the DPL165 6 Watt Dimmable LED Pendant Light. This elegant light features a minimalistic circular shade available in gold, black or chrome finishes. Within the shade is a frosted acrylic diffuser that softens the 600 lumens of 3000K warm white light. It boasts a CRI of >80, ensuring the colours in your decor are accurately represented. The lamp head measures 148 millimeters and attaches to a 1.9 meter long adjustable drop cable.
Modernise your space with the DBL372 30 Watt Dimmable LED Ceiling Light. This contemporary surface mounted ceiling light features a unique design similar to a molecular structure. It has three bulbs that combine to output 3000 lumens of 3000K warm white light. An acrylic diffuser on each lamp softens and spreads the light evenly. The illumination has a CRI of >80, promising accurate representation of your decor. It is fashioned out of high quality aluminium with your choice of a black with a gold inner ring or fully white finish.
Make your dining room or kitchen stand out with the DPL396 9 Watt Dimmable Linear LED Pendant Light. This dimmable light features a long black shade with an anodized gold bar running down its length. This bar holds the LED bulbs, those of which generate a combined output of 900 lumens. The 3000K warm white light has a CRI of >80 for crystal clear lighting. It is built to last out of high quality aluminium and steel with an IP20 rating. Overall, it measures 900 millimeters in length and comes with an adjustable 2000 millimeter drop cable.
