How Much Does a Pendant Light Installation Cost?
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Pendant lights are beautiful to look at and are highly functional. So why don’t more people install them in their homes?
That’s easy — the perceived cost.
The exercise can appear costly due to the quality of the materials used to make pendant lights and the skilled labour required to install them correctly.
But that’s not always the case.
At North Shore Electricals, we’d love to see your house with pendant lights. So we’ve come up with cost estimates to help you on your way.
Are you ready to find out if pendant lights are an option for you? Read on.
Table of Contents
How Much Do Pendant Light Fixtures Cost?
When picking out a pendant light, you can choose between having something unique or one that’s more affordable.
Before getting into specific amounts for pendant light installation, let’s discuss the other factors that impact the cost.
Materials
First, you need to buy the physical lights, and this is where the cost begins.
Standard-style pendant lights can range in cost from $300 up to $2,000. For these prices, you can get decent quality ones.
Higher-quality pendant lights mean you’ll pay more for them. We’ve seen them go over $6,500.
The materials you choose will dictate the price. For example, metallic and glass fixtures will typically be pricier than plastic ones.
Quality matters regarding price — opt for superior components that will last you longer.
Design
Simple shapes equal lower prices. If you’re after something unique and artistic, be prepared to pay more.
The price of the pendant light is determined by its design — typically, classic shapes and styles are more affordable. Complex forms with curved elements or abstract patterns generally are pricier due to their highly developed craftsmanship.
If you’re in the market for an attention-grabbing sculptural piece, be prepared to pay for it.
Brand
Some things are worth spending on — like luxury pendant lights. You just have to decide how much bling you’re ready to buy.
Exquisite pendant lights are costly. If you want one from a luxury brand, prepare yourself in advance. Luxury brands are made from high-quality materials with distinctive and eye-catching designs, which inevitably results in a higher price tag.
If brand names are important to you, this needs to be factored into the budget.
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The Average Costs of Pendant Light Installations
Now that the pendant light unit costs have been determined, it’s time to discuss installation.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $70–$130 per hour for a qualified electrician to install pendant lights. This amount could fluctuate depending on the particular situation.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Pendant Light Installation
The type of pendant light can affect the hourly rate. For example, a multi-light or chandelier style may require more time to install than a standard modest glass one.
The intricacy of the task can influence the expense of installing a pendant light. A straightforward installation on an average-height ceiling won’t cost as much as one in a grand entryway.
If more wiring is necessary, running new or shifting existing ones may cost more than just replacing a standard lighting fixture.
How Long Should A Pendant Light Installation Take?
It all boils down to the kind of pendant light you wish to install. If you’re aiming for an elegant option, your electrician should be able to set it up in just under two hours.
Naturally, for any of the factors listed above, it may take an extra hour, but it would be highly unlikely to be over three hours in total.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Many DIYers believe they can install pendant lights themselves, and some can. For peace of mind, it’s better to leave these to a professional.
If it’s installed personally and incorrectly, the cost to get it right may end up being more than a professional install would have in the first place.
Professional installers like us at North Shore Electricians must follow AS/NZS 3000 safety standards, ensuring the pendant lights are fitted securely.
Pendant Light Installation Costs by City
Like anything in Australia, where you live determines what you pay. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you should expect to pay, per hour, in each capital city
| City | Cost per hour |
| Sydney | $70–$95 |
| Melbourne | $70–$85 |
| Brisbane | $70–$95 |
| Canberra | $75–$90 |
| Adelaide | $70–$100 |
| Perth | $80–$100 |
| Hobart | $80–$100 |
Where is the Best Place to Hang Pendant Lights?
A crucial decision when it comes to pendant lights is which room or area of the house or apartment to place them.
They’re surprisingly versatile. Here are a few options to consider:
Kitchen Island
Pendant lights highlight kitchen islands and make them the focal point of the entire room. For even more effect, consider a cluster of them. This is one of the most popular uses for pendants.
Formal Dining Area
Pendant lights can enhance a formal dining table and create a warm and comfortable dining experience. The ideal placement is around 75 cm–90 cm above the table.
Living Room
There are multiple options available for installing pendant lights in a living area. Placing it in the very centre of the room adds more drama.
For more subtlety, consider using them as task lighting. Placing them above a work desk or reading chair adds extra character to the room.
Bedroom
A bedroom is an ideal place for a pendant light. Don’t position them in the centre of the room, though. They make excellent reading lights, so installing them by the side of the bed or above a nightstand is perfect.
Bathroom
For a softer, spa-like environment, consider installing pendant lights in a bathroom. Strategically placed over the mirror or in the shower area, they’ll transform the bathroom.
For safety purposes, ensure the pendant lights are hung high enough to avoid bumping them when standing.
What Are the Rules for Pendant Lighting?
Pendant lights need to be installed at a specific height for safety reasons as well as aesthetics.
A general rule would be that for an 11-metre ceiling, they should hang 30–50 cm below, then add around 8–10 cm for every additional metre.
For task lighting, the figures need to be adjusted. Ideally, 75 cm–90 cm above the chair or table they’re illuminating is best.
How Big Should Pendant Lights Be?
To decide what size pendant light to purchase, consider the width of the object it’s illuminating, then subtract 30 cm.
For example, if you’re lighting up a kitchen island that’s 75 cm wide, subtract 30 cm leaving you with a pendant light not exceeding 45 cm.
How Far Apart Should They Be Placed?
Ideally, place your pendant lights 15 cm from the edge of the item they’re illuminating. If you’re installing more than one, leave 75 cm between each one to maximise light flow
Why Are Pendant Lights So Popular?
Pendant lights come in a range of styles and sizes. Any light that hangs from the ceiling by a chain could be called a pendant light. They could contain one or multiple bulbs.
The beauty of pendant lights is that they’re excellent for targeted illumination.
Small amounts of light in a targeted area is beneficial in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere reading is done.
Advantages of Pendant Lights
As well as illuminating small spaces, pendant lights have other benefits.
They’re not as bulky or difficult to clean as chandeliers, yet they achieve a similar effect.
They come in a broad range of shapes, sizes, and designs, matching almost any decor or concept imaginable.
As you’ve seen, they’re not as expensive to purchase and install as first thought and are a more cost-effective option than other lighting.
The additional benefit of pendant lights is that they use less electricity as they’re not designed to light up entire rooms, saving even more money.
Are Pendant Lights a Good Idea?
With their versatility, aesthetic, and not being as expensive as first imagined, pendant lights are a smart way to improve the look and function of existing light fixtures.
For anyone looking to upgrade the lighting in their rooms or considering selling their property, pendant lights make all the difference.
It’s Not As Expensive As You Think
Based on the figures above, let’s take a look at how low pendant light installation could be.
Purchase a decent pendant light for around $450, then 2 hours installation in Sydney at the maximum of $95 per hour makes the entire cost only $640. That’s reasonably low for an updated look to your home.
Pendant lights make excellent additions to many rooms of a home, and with the added beauty and electricity saving, they’re worth considering.
Contact North Shore Electricals today, and we’ll discuss the options with you for the best pendant light solution. We’ll provide you with a no-obligation quote so you can make an informed decision.