"Unless your home was last refurbished in 1973, you probably have spotlights embedded in your kitchen ceiling". But times are a-changing and pendant lights are in vogue, and you can see why. "Pendant lighting is softer, more flattering and much smarter". "Spotlights often emit an irritating hum if fitted with a dimmer switch" Changing a bulb can also be a problem. But if you don't have a dimmer the kitchen table may seem more like an operating table with its clinical glare. An adjustable low hanging pendant light is ideal - see picture 3 in the top panel. Click here to get the full Shaker kitchen picture. Pendant lights take ordinary bulbs - you don't have to take your ceiling apart if they go wrong - the glow is flattering not draining and they can be raised out of children's reach. A low hanging pendant above the kitchen table provides a focal point in the design and a gentle pool of light.

Traditionally kitchens have had one-dimensional lighting which focussed on cooking and food preparation. But as the kitchen has become more of a mult-purpose family environment lighting requirements have become more diverse, flexible and sophisticated. With this trend, kitchen designers have become braver with their choice of pendant lights, opting for chrome finishes in modern kitchens to match the industrial appearance of the appliances, ovens and extractor hoods.

Please note in the above picture-set the use of over-size pendant lights in some designs and the use of row-lighting to create a focal point. Modern kitchen designs lend themselves best to over-size industrial shapes with chrome or metallic finishes whereas traditional, classic and country kitchens remain home to gentler modern shapes and retro styles.

To buy Kitchen Pendant Lighting visit John Lewis - click here