Less is more - that’s the philosophy behind the minimalist design trend that’s been popular in homes for decades. Minimalist interiors are all about simplicity - open floor plans, lots of light and clean lines. But while minimalist interiors might look simple, achieving the look is anything but. 

Read on for our tips on how to achieve the minimalist look with linear pendant lighting. 

What is minimalism?

Minimalism is a term that can be applied to a number of topics, from fashion to art to interior design and architecture. Originating as an art movement in the 1960s as a protest against rising consumerism, minimalism focused on simplicity and raw materials. 

How to pick a linear pendant light for a minimalist interior

Choose with purpose

Choose every piece in your minimalist home with care. Everything needs to be functional, sustainable and essential. Practice restraint and emphasise simplicity and understated style. When picking pieces, make sure they work well with furniture and the architecture of the space. 

Clean and simple, but not boring

While less is more, it doesn't mean you need to compromise on style. Choose a linear pendant light that’s simple and clean for an uncluttered look, and always go for energy-efficient lighting options. If you want to add some visual interest, choose a fixture with a bare bulb - it still looks clean and simple, but adds a touch of drama to the space.

Choose a single pendant over multiple lights

A single linear pendant in the centre of the room, perhaps over a dining table, will provide enough light that you may not need additional lights that could clutter the space. 

If you're unsure about getting enough ambient light with one pendant, you could add recessed downlights or strip lighting tucked away out of sight.

Quality is key

In minimalism, quality over quantity is essential. Nothing is added for “effect”. Instead, focus on the beauty of the form and the material used.

Balance form and function

The great thing about linear pendants is that you don’t need to choose between form or function - they provide both. Linear lights can be a decorative feature, while still being fully functional. 

Linear lighting can be used as task lighting hung above a kitchen island, or ambient lighting if being used as the primary source of light in a room. Depending on the function of the light, you’ll need to adjust the wattage of the light. 

Choose neutral colours and materials

Minimalist interiors favour simple and light colour palettes of grey, beige and off-white. To complement these plain colours, choose pieces in classic shades of black or white. 

Materials that work in a minimalist space include aluminium, steel, glass, ceramic, stone, textured wood, brushed bronze, and metals, enabling you to add some visual interest to your space. 

Light is important

Both natural light and artificial light are important in the minimalist home. In fact, going minimal doesn't mean minimal lighting - it just means careful consideration of your lighting choices. White walls and ceilings reflect light and make each room feel spacious and welcoming. 

Don’t neglect the ambience

The biggest challenge in a minimalist space is making the area feel warm and inviting. Because the decor is somewhat sparse, you risk creating a home that feels clinical or sterile. One way to avoid this is to create ambience with the right lighting. You could choose a bulb that emits a softer yellow light to add some warmth, such as a lower Kelvin LED globe. 

Avoid overbearing fixtures

Lighting should be strategically placed in the room to maintain the minimalist look. Opt for sleek and slimline linear lighting over oversized pieces that could dominate the space. 

Choose a feature piece

Going minimal doesn't mean you can’t add a touch of drama with a show-stopping feature piece. In fact, minimalism is all about quality, so as long as each piece is chosen with intention, you can choose to hang a sculptural lighting fixture that will brighten your open floor plan, as long as it doesn't look cluttered or dominate the space. 

A sculptural linear lighting fixture enhances a minimalist interior, making a statement without being overbearing. When choosing a sculptural linear light, emphasise architectural form, simple shapes, clean lines and dramatic angles over embellishments. 

Back it up with indirect lighting hidden out of sight

If you’re unsure about getting enough lighting with a single linear pendant, back it up with indiscrete lighting, such as LED strip lighting, that can provide task lighting while being tucked away out of sight. When strategically placed, it can also accentuate the clean lines of the architecture. Recessed spotlights are another way to keep lighting out of sight. 

Balance the space visually

Symmetry is important to create a sense of balance. You can achieve this by using a linear fixture to cast light that radiates from a central point. Linear lights also create balance by extending a central line throughout the space. 

How to choose linear lighting for your minimalist interior

About Space stocks a range of contemporary linear pendant lighting that would suit any minimalist interior. Shop our comprehensive range of linear lights to find the perfect lighting solution for any room in the house. 

 

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