Pendant Lighting

The pendant light has become a very popular choice of illumination for interior designers and do-it-yourself individuals alike. While some may see it as a growing trend, pendant lighting has a rich, even ancient history. The first examples of pendant lights were introduced around 2700 BC in early Greek civilization. They were suspended, or hanging, clay pots which held animal fat, or perfumed oil, with one or more wicks, all inside a holder. The holders and pots were often elaborately decorated and of various shapes. The Romans were the first to use bronze and other metals to hold the fuel oil. The introduction of man-made glass, that could be shaped, was a major step in the history of pendant lighting because the light could be seen from the bottom and illumination was greatly increased. Examples of pendant lighting can be seen in almost every civilization and architectural style since its introduction.