Pendant lamps have the power to uniquely define the atmosphere of any interior. Read on to discover how to select them, where to place them, and which Karman creations can inspire your next project.
Large pendant lamps are luminous architectures capable of adding character and personality even to the most minimal settings, clearly shaping the mood of the space.
Whether modern, classic, or rustic, what unites them is the central role they play, giving the room a new face and a distinct value through their presence.
Generous proportions, however, require generous ceilings: without sufficient height, such lamps may appear overwhelming and less enjoyable.
In this guide, we share key principles for choosing and positioning an oversized pendant lamp. We will also explore some original Karman designs to spark inspiration.
- Where should a pendant lamp be placed?
- How to choose a pendant lamp
- Why choose a designer pendant lamp?
Alì e Babà
Where should a pendant lamp be placed?
Given their dominant role in a room, correctly positioning pendant lamps is essential to achieve visual harmony.
These luminous sculptures bring a stronger impact than other light sources and must therefore be enhanced accordingly.
In a main room, such as the living room, their ideal placement is at the exact center of the ceiling, allowing them to illuminate the entire space evenly.
There is, however, one important exception: when placed above a dining table, the pendant must be positioned to light the center of the surface. For optimal visual comfort, the ideal distance between the tabletop and the bottom edge of the lamp is around 70–90 cm.
In spaces without a table, oversized pendants should hang at 210–220 cm from the floor, ensuring both freedom of movement and proper lighting.
A further detail to keep in mind: pendant lamps should never be installed in passageways. Even if the lamp is safely above head height, people tend to instinctively lower their heads when walking beneath, creating an unnecessary sense of discomfort.
Snoob
How to choose a pendant lamp
One of the main factors when selecting a pendant lamp is its size. The choice must take into account the style, dimensions, and brightness of the room.
For a balanced and harmonious result, the pendant must be proportioned to the volume of the space. An installation that is too large may overwhelm the room, while one too small risks fading away.
It is also important to consider the lamp’s function: will it play a purely decorative and scenic role, or will it provide practical task lighting, as in the case of a dining table?
Equally crucial is the style, which should resonate with the furnishings and materials, strengthening the identity of the interior.
Finally, technical aspects of lighting design must be assessed: diffusion, intensity, and color temperature, all of which influence both well-being and perception of the space.
Which large pendant lamps are available from Karman?
Lighting is one of the most defining elements in any environment. This is even more true with large pendant lamps, given their strong impact on the overall design.
Karman pendants are conceived as true icons of light, never shy about making a statement.
Beyond their forms and styles, Karman’s oversized suspensions are genuine furnishing elements, designed to be admired even when switched off. Their versatility is enhanced by the play of light tones that shift according to the materials used.
Unusual, refined finishes and material contrasts add both tactile and visual depth.
The collections in the catalogue span different styles and design languages, ensuring a solution for every project. Here are five inspiring large pendant lamps by Karman, each with a unique creative signature that makes every space special.
Moby Dick
Moby Dick
This sculptural lamp takes its name from Herman Melville’s celebrated novel. Its curved lines recall the profile of a whale, while the jagged contours evoke ocean waves.
Crafted from white fiberglass, Moby Dick filters light through its surface, creating a refined interplay of light and shadow. Available in two sizes and in both indoor and outdoor versions, it adapts seamlessly to minimal or decorative settings alike.
Featured here in a stunning private residence in Costa Rica, the project was designed by Studio Saxe and photographed by Alvaro Fonseca.
Blanco
Blanco
What was once a ceiling lamp descends gracefully to become a contemporary pendant for indoor and outdoor use.
The Blanco collection features matte white aluminum lamps with fluid, airy forms reminiscent of discs suspended in mid-air.
Perfect for those seeking minimal elegance without renouncing personality, Blanco surprises with its authentic simplicity that invites the eye upward. A true passe-partout, it blends effortlessly into a wide variety of styles and interiors.
Snoob
Snoob
With a design that nods to the grand chandeliers of baroque palaces, Snoob is Karman’s most imposing pendant.
Its silhouette works beautifully in classic settings yet, thanks to its clean geometry, feels equally at home in contemporary interiors.
Available with ten or sixteen arms, and finished in lacquered black or white aluminum, Snoob embodies timeless elegance with a distinctly modern touch.
Alibaglass
Alibaglass
Born from Karman’s iconic Alìbabà lamp, Alibaglass represents the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity. Designed by Matteo Ugolini, it enhances transparency and reflections through the use of borosilicate glass.
The collection offers five different sizes, which can be used individually or in clusters to amplify their expressive potential.
Available in a range of evocative finishes – transparent, smoked, pink, turquoise, and polished chrome – Alibaglass sets the mood for ever-changing atmospheres.
A versatile choice for both private interiors and prestigious hospitality projects, it brings a unique, unmistakable allure.
Moby Dick
Why choose a designer pendant lamp?
We have explored how to select and position pendant lamps for a proportionate and harmonious result.
We then discovered five Karman oversized pendants, each with a unique design and a distinctive ability to transform any setting.
Whether illuminating a dining table at home, a restaurant, a bedroom, or even an outdoor area, a designer pendant lamp will always stand out.
Karman creations combine aesthetic excellence with lighting performance, meeting the highest design and technical requirements.
For more information or support in selecting the perfect large pendant lamp for your home or lighting design project, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is at your complete disposal.