Metal pendant lights

Functional uses of a metal suspension

Choosing a metal suspension means opting for a material that is durable, structuring and precise in its lighting effects. Metal doesn't diffuse light, it channels it. This behavior makes it a suitable choice for areas where directional lighting is sought: worktop, table, reading corner. A closed dome directs the flow of light downwards, while a grid or apertured shade creates a play of light and shade. In living rooms, a metal suspension can be used to give rhythm to the space without adding superfluous decorative elements.

Formal variations and choice of finishes

The metal suspension comes in several formats: industrial dome, minimalist bell, elongated tube or openwork grid. The choice depends on the proportions of the room and the role given to the fixture. Finishes have a direct effect on overall perception: matte black for an assertive presence, raw metal for a more technical look, brushed brass or copper for a transition to natural materials. Metal can also be powder-coated or patinated for a softer look. These finishes complement a wide variety of coverings (wood, concrete, tiles) without creating redundancy.

Metal suspensions and layout coherence

In an overall layout, metal suspension should not be thought of in isolation. It acts in dialogue with the other metal elements in the room: legs, handles, shelves, frames. Coherence is achieved less by uniformity than by the harmony of lines, tones and surface effects. The same room can accommodate several metals if volumes are well organized. Finally, the color temperature of the bulbs must be adjusted to the rendering of the metal: too cold a tone accentuates hard reflections, too warm a tone can visually saturate certain finishes. A neutral light (2700 to 3000 K) remains the best compromise for everyday use.

Metal suspension is as much a visual structuring tool as a lighting device. Its effectiveness relies on the rigor of the formal choice, the quality of the finishes and the intelligence of the placement in space.

The metal suspension is a visual structuring tool as much as a lighting device