Would it be wrong - pendant lightng issue

[hobbgoblin]

Would it be wrong in a normal height room, i.e. not beautifully Victorian high ceilings, bog standard 70s semi detached style ceilings, to hang a pendant light that sits over a coffee table in the centre of the room?

Okay I've seen it done in magazines but they are not real life. I don't want anybody to either twat themselves as they walk through the room, or to think I am a freak for placing a light at almost knee height.

[McHobbes]

If it's below head height then it's a terrible idea.

[hobbgoblin]

I think it needs to be low or it looks a bit too halfway house. I'm okay as I'm onl 5'2" but everyone else wouldn't be.

I can't find any nice ceiling lights at all that aren't pendant type. I don't want Victoriana brass and glass I want industrial/bauhaus statement lighting.

[ChasingSquirrels]

knee height? really?

in our dining room the light is over the table, and is lower than I would have it if it wasn't (ie lower than normal head height - but doesn't matter as you can't walk under it).

Not sure about very low over a coffee table though.

[hobbgoblin]

I think if I do it at all I should go for shoulder height. Is that what you've done Chasing? How does it look/work? Do you have regualar height ceilings. Was thinking of getting a rise and fall style...

[dinkystinky]

I think it would look abit odd to be honest

[lalalonglegs]

What would be the point of having it at knee height? The light it gave off would be useless and it would be in the way of anyone sitting around the coffee table. As long as your ceilings are about 240cm (which I think is standard for non-period houses), it's fine to hang a pendant lamp from the ceiling by 40cm or so.

[hobbgoblin]

I think you may all be confirming my suspicions. Any suggestions? Am going all DIY-zilla

[ChasingSquirrels]

mine isn't REALLY low - just the bits underneath would knock your head if the table wasn't there, the bottom of it is about eye height.
It is a normal height room, see pic on profile.

OIt is also wonky and I can't make it quite straight - grr - seems to be a problem with other lights in the house as well.

[DuplicitousBitch]

it would look weird and pointless. there must be a better way!

when you find out let me know as i am still living with the brass thing we inherited when we moved in here.

[DuplicitousBitch]

you could get one that you can adjust the height on. so you could create 'moods' if that is your sort of hting

[teta]

I think it would look a little odd if honest.I've seen it done very successfully -low down in corners of rooms [in dutch and german houses].But its your house-start a new fashion!.

[conculainey]

Op, you can purchase a rise and fall type of light fitting that can be raised or dropped in seconds,works in a similar way to the old dining room fittings from the 1980s so maybe worth a google to see whats available.This option would mean the height is fully adjustable and the fitting could be raised fully when not in use.